4 Tasty and Easy Chaat Recipes
The corona virus lockdown has got us all confined to our homes. This means no going out to relish the lip smacking chaats from the street vendors. But, what if we really miss the taste and sensation of these savory foods?
Preparing chaat is not a big deal, since you will require the simplest ingredients. So, if you cannot resist drooling over these tangy snacks, here are a few chaat recipes to try at home.
1. Aloo Chaat
This is humble street food is well loved, particularly in North India. You will require cubed potatoes, chopped chili and ginger, chaat masala, coriander leaves, red chili powder, nylon sev, lemon juice and tamarind chutney. You can also add coriander chutney for a unique taste. Fry or grill the potatoes with ginger or garlic and add the ingredients. Garnish with pomegranate or cashews and serve immediately after preparation. Aloo chaat is best savored during summers and undoubtedly overtakes any other street food.
2. Matar Chaat
Matar ki Chaat is a special dish prepared particularly during a Holi party at home. The basic items required are white peas, tamarind chutney, roasted cumin powder, finely chopped chilies, onion, chili powder and ginger. Pressure cook the peas for 1-3 whistles on medium flame. Once the peas are soft, mix all the ingredients well and garnish with onions and coriander leaves. Devour this before or after the Holi celebration.
3. Papdi Chaat
This has its origins in the Mughal era and is a heavenly combination of sweet and tangy. It is one of quickest chaat recipes and can be easily prepared at home to cheer you up during the lockdown. Crisp papdis, chickpeas, fresh curd, chopped onions and tomatoes, chaat masala, chili and cumin powder, chaat masala and lime juice are required for Papdi chaat. Boil the chickpeas well to make sure they are soft and moist. Add tamarind chutney and the rest of the ingredients and mix well. You can sprinkle sev and coriander leaves on top and garnish with thinly diced onions. Make sure to serve immediately, before the papdis turn soggy.
4. Samosa Chaat
Be it the festival of colours or otherwise, samosa chaat is always like a party in your mouth. Loads of everyday ingredients like turmeric powder, chili powder, lemon juice, onions, carom seeds, tomatoes, coriander leaves, tamarind chutney, black salt, chili garlic chutney and black salt go into the dish. Make sure to soak and rinse the chickpeas properly for a delicious taste. Sauté the tomato and onion masala well. Use a pressure cooker to cook for at least 12-14 minutes on medium flame before adding all the ingredients. Put some lemon juice, crispy sev and coriander leaves to garnish before serving.
Chaat is an interesting medley of flavors and has been the go-to street food since the ancient times in India. They are easy to pull off too, so you easily relish them at home.