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Elevate Your Appetizers With This Flavorful Channa Chaat Recipe

Channa Chaat is a nutritious, tangy dish made with boiled chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and spices. It's a protein-rich, low-calorie snack with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Topped with chutney, yogurt, and crunchy sev, it's ideal for a healthy and flavorful treat.

Harpreet Kour Updated: Dec 17, 2024 10:11 AM IST

Channa Chaat is a healthy, protein-packed dish made with boiled chickpeas, fresh tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and flavorful spices like cumin powder and chaat masala. It's balanced with tangy lemon juice and optional additions like tamarind chutney or yogurt for extra flavor. The dish is topped with crunchy sev and fresh coriander, making it a refreshing and delicious snack. Perfect as an appetizer, light meal, or evening snack, it is full of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. Channa Chaat is easy to prepare and ideal for weight management and heart health. Enjoy this quick, tasty, and versatile Indian street food.

Ingredients:

For Boiling Chickpeas:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
  • Water for soaking and boiling
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for softening)

For Chaat:

  • 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small cucumber, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup boiled potatoes (optional), diced
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon chaat masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup tamarind chutney (optional for tangy sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup yogurt (optional for creamy texture)
  • 1/2 cup sev (crispy gram flour noodles) for garnish

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Boil the Chickpeas

  • Soak the Chickpeas:

    • Rinse 1 cup dried chickpeas thoroughly and soak them in water overnight (8-10 hours).
    • If using canned chickpeas, rinse them under cold water and skip this soaking step.
  • Boil the Chickpeas:

    • Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the chickpeas.
    • Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, to soften them faster).
    • Cook for 5-6 whistles on medium heat. If using a pot, boil for 30-40 minutes until the chickpeas are tender.
    • Drain the chickpeas and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Finely chop 2 tomatoes, 1 onion, 1 cucumber, and 1 green chili.
  • Dice 1/2 cup boiled potatoes if you prefer adding them for a hearty texture.
  • Finely chop fresh coriander leaves for garnish.

Step 3: Mix the Chaat

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the boiled chickpeas.
  • Toss in the chopped tomatoes, onion, cucumber, green chili, and boiled potatoes.
  • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, and 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder. Adjust salt to taste.
  • Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the bowl and mix everything gently.

Step 4: Add Optional Chutneys and Yogurt

  • If you prefer a tangy-sweet flavor, drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of tamarind chutney over the chaat.
  • For a creamy texture, add a few spoons of whisked yogurt (optional). This step balances the tanginess with a hint of richness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish the channa chaat with finely chopped coriander leaves for freshness.
  • Top it with 1/2 cup sev (crispy gram flour noodles) to add a crunchy texture.
  • Optionally, sprinkle some extra chaat masala for a flavor boost.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch and freshness.

Serving Tips:

  • Channa Chaat tastes best when served fresh and slightly chilled.
  • Pair it with a hot cup of chai for a perfect evening snack.
  • You can customize the recipe by adding pomegranate seeds, grated carrots, or sprouted beans for more nutrition.

Health Benefits of Channa Chaat:

  • Rich in Protein: Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein.
  • High in Fiber: Helps in digestion and keeps you full for longer.
  • Low-Calorie Snack: Perfect for weight management.
  • Loaded with Vitamins: Fresh vegetables provide vitamins A, C, and essential minerals.
  • Heart-Healthy: Chickpeas help in reducing cholesterol and supporting heart health.

Conclusion:

Channa Chaat is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish loaded with nutrition. The combination of chickpeas, tangy lemon, crunchy vegetables, and spices makes it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack, a light dinner, or a party appetizer, this versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion! Enjoy it fresh and relish its delightful flavors.