Delicious and Authentic Indian Chaat Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow peas
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons chaat masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
  • 2 tablespoons green chutney
  • 2 cups sev (crispy chickpea noodles)
  • 2 cups puffed rice
  • 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup finely chopped cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped coriander leaves

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the yellow peas overnight or at least for 6-7 hours.
  2. Drain the water and add peas to the pressure cooker. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, chaat masala, salt, and 2 cups of water to it.
  3. Cook the peas until they are soft. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
  4. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
  5. Add chopped onions and green chilies to the pan and sauté them till the onions turn golden brown.
  6. Add the cooked peas to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let it cool for a while.
  8. In a large bowl, mix the peas with tamarind chutney, green chutney, sev, puffed rice, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and coriander leaves.
  9. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
  10. Serve the chaat immediately to prevent the sev and puffed rice from going soggy.

Tools for making

  • Pressure cooker - Used to cook the yellow peas quickly and efficiently.
  • Pan - Used to sauté onions and green chilies.
  • Large bowl - Used to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Spatula - Used to stir and mix the ingredients.
  • Knife - Used to chop onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and coriander leaves.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to measure the quantity of spices accurately.
  • Strainer - Used to drain the water from soaked yellow peas.
  • Cooking spoon - Used to stir the peas while they cook.
  • Pressure cooker weight - Used to regulate the pressure inside the pressure cooker.

Recipe variations

  • Use boiled potatoes as an additional ingredient to make Aloo Tikki Chaat.
  • Add boiled chickpeas or sprouts for a protein-rich variation.
  • Include diced boiled beetroot or grated carrot for added color and crunch.
  • Replace puffed rice with crushed papdi (fried dough wafers) for a different texture.
  • Add yogurt to make Dahi Papdi Chaat or Dahi Puri Chaat.
  • Include boiled moong dal (yellow lentils) for a healthier twist.
  • Add sweet chutney made from dates and tamarind for a sweeter flavor.
  • Replace sev with crushed tortilla chips for a fusion twist.
  • Include roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch and nuttiness.
  • Sprinkle chaat masala and lemon juice on top for an extra tangy flavor.

Recipe overview

Discover the delightful flavors of Indian street food with this easy-to-follow Chaat recipe. Chaat, a popular snack in the Indian subcontinent, is a mouth-watering mix of spices, vegetables, and crispy elements. This recipe incorporates yellow peas, aromatic spices, and a medley of chutneys to create a dish that is bursting with flavor. You'll start by cooking yellow peas with a blend of spices, then sautéing this mixture with chopped onions and green chilies for an extra kick. The final step involves mixing in crispy sev and puffed rice, fresh vegetables, and tangy tamarind and green chutneys. The result is a satisfying snack that's a perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy. This recipe serves as a great appetizer for parties or a savory snack for a quiet evening at home. Enjoy the authentic taste of Indian cuisine right from your kitchen with this delicious Chaat recipe!

Common questions

  1. How long do I need to soak the yellow peas? - Soak the yellow peas overnight or for at least 6-7 hours.
  2. Can I cook the peas without a pressure cooker? - Yes, you can cook the peas in a regular pot. It may take longer cooking time to soften the peas.
  3. What can I use instead of tamarind chutney? - If you don't have tamarind chutney, you can substitute it with date chutney or a mixture of lime juice and jaggery syrup.
  4. Can I use store-bought sev for this recipe? - Yes, you can use store-bought sev. However, homemade sev tends to be more fresh and flavorful.
  5. Can I make the green chutney in advance? - Yes, you can prepare the green chutney in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  6. Can I add other vegetables to the chaat? - Absolutely! You can customize the chaat by adding vegetables like boiled potatoes, grated carrots, or sweet corn.
  7. How long can I store the prepared chaat? - It is best to consume the chaat immediately after preparation to maintain its crispiness. If you must store it, keep the sev and puffed rice separately and assemble just before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Pressure Cooker - To cook the soaked yellow peas until they are soft.
  • Pan - To sauté the onions and green chilies.
  • Spatula - For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
  • Chopping Board - To chop the onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and coriander leaves.
  • Knife - To chop the vegetables and coriander leaves.

Origin stories

Chaat, a beloved street food, traces its origins back to the northern region of India, particularly Uttar Pradesh. It is said that the royal kitchen of emperor Shah Jahan, captivated by the idea of a snack that could work as a remedy against indigestion, put it together. The word "chaat" is derived from the Hindi verb "chaatna" which means to lick. It's no surprise that the lip-smacking array of flavors in chaat - sweet, tangy, spicy, crispy - makes it nearly impossible to resist. These days, this humble, palate-pleasing delicacy has found its way into high-end restaurants and international culinary scenes, yet it continues to hold onto its street-food soul.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.