Chola chaat
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chickpeas (chickpeas, Kabuli chana), soaked and cooked
- 2 table spoon oil
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 table spoon finely grated ginger
- 1 chopped green chilli without seeds (to taste)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon toasted cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon mango powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup tamarind chutney
Serving Tips:
- Slices of toast or French bread
- Crispy potato wedges
- Ginger flavour
- Green chillies cut into thin slices
- Sliced tomatoes
- Lemon slices
- Extra tamarind chutney
Method:
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Wash and soak the chickpeas for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse.
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Cook chickpeas in an Instant Pot with 2 cups water for 25 minutes.
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In a saucepan, heat the oil and add the chickpea flour. Fry until golden brown.
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Add grated ginger, chopped green chilli and cooked chickpeas to the chickpea flour.
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Season with salt, black salt, black pepper, toasted cumin powder, mango powder and 1/2 cup water.
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Lightly mash the chickpeas and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes.
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Turn off the heat and add the garam masala and lemon juice. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
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Before serving, drizzle with tamarind chutney.
- Use canned chickpeas for a quicker recipe.
- Store boiled chickpeas in the refrigerator for versatility.
- Cook chickpeas in a pressure cooker for quicker results.
Spicy Chickpea Snack: Chola Chaat Recipe
Chola Chaat, a beloved street food, is a spicy and flavorful chickpea snack enjoyed by many. This healthy chaat recipe is not only delicious but also vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. With its combination of aromatic spices, tangy tamarind chutney and crispy potato wedges, Chola Chaat is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. In this recipe, we will explore how to make this delicious snack at home, along with its benefits, variations and frequently asked questions.
Exploring Spicy Chickpea Snack: Chola Chaat Recipe
Chola Chaat, a beloved street food delicacy, entices the taste buds with its spicy and vibrant flavours. This delicious snack, enjoyed by many, combines the healthiness of chickpeas with an array of aromatic spices, tangy tamarind chutney and crunchy potato wedges. Chola Chaat is a treat for the senses, it is also a healthy option, being vegan and gluten-free. In this recipe we will delve into the process of making this beloved snack at home, exploring its advantages, variations and answering the most common questions.
Benefits of Chola Chaat:
High protein content:
Chickpeas or Punjabi Chole, the main ingredient of Chola Chaat, are renowned for their high protein content. This plant-based protein is essential for muscle repair, growth and overall health, making Chola Chaat not only delicious but nutritious too.
Rich in fibre
Chickpeas are also rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. The inclusion of fiber-rich ingredients improves the nutritional value of Chola Chaat, making it a healthy snack option.
Vegan and gluten free
With its plant-based ingredients and absence of gluten-containing components, Chola Chaat caters to people with different dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or adhere to a gluten-free diet, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying snack solution.
Rich in vitamins and minerals
The spices used in Chola Chaat, including ginger, green chili and lemon juice, provide essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen immune function and overall well-being. By incorporating these flavorful condiments, Chola Chaat not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body. It is a great alternative to Crispy Aloo Tikki (potato balls).
Low in calories
Despite its rich flavor profile, Chola Chaat remains relatively low in calories, making it an ideal guilt-free treat. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or an evening snack, Chola Chaat satisfies the appetite without compromising on nutritional value.
Variations to improve Chola Chaat
Chaat Masala: For an authentic touch, sprinkle chaat masala over Chola Chaat, giving it an added burst of flavor and elevating its culinary appeal. This simple addition enhances the authenticity of the dish, delighting the palate with its complex blend of spices.
Healthy Chaat Recipe
Turn Chola Chaat into an even healthier option by incorporating additional veggies like chopped onions, peppers or shredded carrots. These nutrient-rich additions not only improve the visual appearance of the dish, but also contribute to its overall nutritional value.
Chickpea chaat with yogurt
For a creamy touch, serve the spicy chickpea snack with a dollop of yogurt or vegan yogurt. The creamy texture of the yogurt pairs with the bold flavors of the chaat, offering a delicious contrast and adding a touch of heat to every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Chola Chaat
Q: Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried chickpeas?
A: Yes, canned chickpeas can be substituted for dried chickpeas, offering a quicker and more convenient preparation method. Simply rinse and drain canned chickpeas before incorporating them into your recipe to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
Q: Can I adjust the spice level of the chaat according to my preference?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice level of the chaat according to your taste preferences. Adjust the amount of green chili or omit it altogether for a milder flavor. Similarly, you can increase or decrease the amount of black pepper and other spices according to your taste.
Q: Can I make tamarind chutney at home?
A: Yes, homemade tamarind chutney can be made using tamarind pulp, sugar, salt and spices like cumin powder and chilli powder. Numerous recipes are available online for making homemade tamarind chutney, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Chola Chaat is a testament to the vibrant flavors and culinary creativity of street food culture such as Chaat Bites. By recreating this beloved snack at home, you can enjoy its spicy chickpeas, tangy tamarind chutney, and crunchy potato wedges with friends and family.
