Tamarind Chickpea Chaat

This tamarind chickpea chaat is a light and delicious Indian dish that is ideal for summer. It’s really simple to make and you can easily change the ingredients to your liking.

Tamarind chickpea chaat is a popular Indian street food that is bursting with flavors and textures. It is a refreshing and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal. The combination of chickpeas, tamarind, and spices creates a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

See Black Chickpea Chaat and Kachumbari

So What Exactly Is It?

Chaat is a generic term for a variety of Indian snacks that can range from a salad with a variety of chutneys to fried crackers or samosas. Essentially, “chaat” means “to lick.” So all the meals with the name “chaat,” like “Samosa Chaat” and “Sev Puri Chaat,” will make you want to lick the bowl clean. In Chana Chaat, an Indian/Pakistani chickpea salad, ingredients such as lemon juice, diced vegetables like onions and tomatoes, green chilies, and chaat masala are typically included. Additionally, some people include tamarind chutney and pieces of boiled potatoes in their chat. Some households cook it slightly, while others serve it chilled and uncooked.

Depending on how I’m feeling and the ingredients that I have on hand, I like to modify my chana chaat recipe. This recipe is the simplest and least time-consuming one I’ve ever found, and it is also one of my favorites.

Why I Love Chana Chaat?

• This delicious Chana Chaat is not only a nutritious but also a satisfying snack option. So, it’s a good option for a snack between meals.
• Its light flavor makes it a great addition to any meal as a refreshing appetizer.
• I guarantee that your guests will enjoy it if you serve it as an appetizer in a small bowl or glass.

What Is Tamarind Paste?

Tamarind paste is made from the pulp that covers the seeds inside the tamarind pods, which are the fruit of the tamarind tree. The popular hardwood fruit tree known as the tamarind originated in Africa but is now found throughout Asia and Mexico. It produces enormous brown pods that are filled with tamarind fruit. To make a ready-to-use cooking paste, the dark reddish-brown fruit must first be taken from the pods and split from the seeds. You may make it at home or purchase it ready-made, but it’s not costly and keeps for a long time.

The tamarind tree, which yields the fruit, is a member of the legume family, Fabaceae. Technically, its fruits are legumes.

Ingredients I Used

• Chickpeas: Traditionally, chickpeas are boiled before being used in a recipe, but I find that using canned chickpeas is easier and just as tasty. Using the shortcut is both convenient and delightful.
• Potato: This recipe’s texture is significantly improved by the addition of chopped boiled potatoes. For this recipe, I’m using Yukon yellow potatoes. Yams or sweet potatoes that have been cooked can be used in their place.
• Onion: I used red onions because they do best in chaat. They give the chaat a beautiful color, crunch, and sweetness.
• Tomato: Use ripe, fresh, firm tomatoes. You can use either Roma or Cherry tomatoes.
• Green chili: Green Chilli adds a punch of heat to this chat recipe.
• Tamarind paste: It is commonly used in Indian, Mexican, Vietnamese, Latin American, and Caribbean cuisines.
• Chaat masala: Depending on my mood, I use this occasionally and don’t. I am aware that not everyone keeps this Indian spice blend on hand. Chaat masala can be found in Indian stores and the ethnic section of most large supermarkets.
• Roasted cumin powder: This chickpea salad has a wonderful flavor and fragrance thanks to toasted cumin powder.
• Red chili powder: Chili powder comes in two varieties: mild and spicy. On you, everything is dependent. Due to my preference, I use hot chili powder.
• Salt: For this dish, I suggest using either Himalayan rose salt, or black rock salt. However, it is merely a suggestion and not a directive;). You do what you like.
• Avocado oil: I used avocado oil. Why? Because it is healthy. However, you can use your favorite or available one.
• Cilantro leaves: Chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnishing
• Sev (fried noodles) for garnishing: I have used gluten free noodles for this recipe.

How To Make Tamarind Chana Chaat?

1. In a pan, heat some oil and add all the spices along with tamarind paste and cook for a few seconds.
2. Now add the cooked chickpeas, boiled potato, chopped onion, tomato, and green chili.
3. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves and serve.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of tamarind chickpea chat.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few suggestions for foods to pair with tamarind chickpea chaat. These dishes all go well together to make the ideal teatime menu.

• Serve with, Tamarind Sauce, or  Mint and Cilantro Chutney for the finest flavor combination.
• Excellent as a tea time snack with a cup of masala chai or rose milk tea.
• The ideal appetizer to serve visitors during a gathering. Place all of the ingredients on a table and allow guests to assemble themselves.
• To balance off the heat, serve it with a drink of mango lassi, rose lassi, or a smoothie like a tropical smoothie or a pineapple banana smoothie.

How To Store?

In the refrigerator, you can keep the leftover chaat for one week in an airtight container. It is best to be eaten fresh. You can prepare this healthy recipe in advance and include it on the menu for your celebration. Just before serving, add the vegetables; avoid adding them beforehand. Onions and tomatoes can make it runny and leave an unpleasant smell.

Pro Tips

• If you don’t have tamarind paste, you can soak a small amount of tamarind in warm water for 10-15 minutes and then strain it to obtain the paste.
• You can also use canned chickpeas instead of cooking them from scratch to save time.
• Make sure to rinse and drain the chickpeas well before mixing them with the other ingredients.
• Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences.
• You can adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences by adding more or less green chili and red chili powder.
• You can also add other ingredients such as pomegranate seeds and chopped cucumber to enhance the flavors and textures of the dish.
• If you don’t like a hot, spicy chaat, leave out the green chili. For small kids, avoid using green chilies and Kashmiri red chili powder. Red chili powder can be substituted with black pepper powder.
• Chana chaat recipe should be chilled if you wish to serve it cold. When chilling the chaat, avoid adding the onions, tomatoes, pooris that have been crushed, sev, and cilantro leaves. The finest taste and texture will result from adding and mixing these ingredients right before serving.
• For a healthier version, you can skip the sev or use baked or air-fried noodles or chips instead of fried ones.

Variations

• Add some chopped mango or pineapple for a fruity twist.
• Use black chickpeas instead of regular chickpeas to add some variety.
• Add some chopped avocado for a creamy texture.
• Substitute the green chili with jalapeno or serrano pepper for a different level of heat.
• Add some finely chopped mint leaves for a refreshing flavor.
• Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead of chickpeas for a different flavor and texture.
• Add some chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for extra crunchiness.
• Use a tbsp lemon juice instead of tamarind paste for a different tangy flavor.
• You can also serve the tamarind chickpea chat on top of a bed of mixed greens for a healthy and colorful salad.
• For a change, try adding boiled sweet potato cubes or corn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Chickpeas Instead Of Cooking Chickpeas From Scratch?

Yes. I like making chana chaat with canned chickpeas whenever I’m in a hurry because it’s easy and they’re delicious. Traditionally, chickpeas are prepared from scratch before being used in chana chaat. Both methods work well.

What Can I Add To Chana Chaat?

The main ingredients of chana chaat include potato, onion, tomato, sweet tamarind chutney, salt, 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and lemon juice. However, feel free to be artistic and add green chutney, papdi, pomegranate, sev, or any other fancy toppings you like. There are many possibilities and no restrictions when it is about making a chaat!

What Does Chaat Taste Like?

Chaat is a mixture of spicy, acidic, sweet, sour, and crunchy tastes and textures. This amazing concoction of flavor combinations is highly addicting and crave-able.

What Is The Difference Between Chickpea Salad And Chickpea Chaat?

Boiled chickpeas, vegetables, seasoning, and a basic dressing are all ingredients in chickpea salad. However, making chickpea chaat requires a lot of ingredients. It also needs tamarind chutney, dry spices, and crispy sev for the topping in addition to the boiling chickpeas, vegetables, and seasoning.

Do Chickpeas Cause Gas?

Due to the high fiber content of beans, lentils, and chickpeas, many people experience gas or bloating after eating them. Despite this, you may not need to avoid them entirely because they also give a number of other health benefits.

How Do You Serve Chaat At A Party?

For the use of those who are unfamiliar with chaats, lay out all the necessary materials in the order in which they should be utilized during assembly. Place the basic components next to the serving plates, then add the chutneys, crunchy toppings, vegetables, and dry spices like 1/2 tsp chaat masala and chilli powder.

Are Chickpea healthy?

I always have chickpeas at home as they are readily available, and are a cheap but complete and versatile nutrition source. They contain a few essential amino acids, which are important for healthy human function.  They are ideal for vegetarians and vegans because they are a superb source of non-animal protein.

The vitamins and minerals are also abundant in chickpeas. These include iron, magnesium, potassium, folate, and choline. Additionally, they are rich in vitamins A, E, and C. Chickpeas have numerous health benefits, including:

• Control blood sugar.
• Promote Weight Loss
• Lower cholesterol
• Help with digestion.
• Reduce your cancer risk
• Boost your mental health
• Prevent Constipation

Other Related Recipes

1. Mint And Cilantro Chutney
2. Garlic Red Chili Chutney
3. Tamarind Sauce
4. Tamarind Chutney
5. Air Fryer Onion Pakodas

Give this tamarind chickpea chaat recipe a try. It’s extremely tasty and incredibly simple. Hope you enjoy it. I always look forward to hearing from you. So do share your feedback in the comments section if you made this dish or any other from my website. I appreciate you checking out my Recipes and you being interest in returning.

I always look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to share your experience on the outcome of this recipe or any other from my site.