Chana Chaat / How to make Kala Chana Chaat

                      

Chana Chaat is one of the easiest and lip smacking chaat snack made with black chickpeas (kala chana), veggies, herbs and basic Indian spices. This chana chaat is very healthy and guilt-free chaat as it is oil-free, vegan and gluten-free. Basically, this chaat is a tangy, spicy and flavorful chickpea salad. If you have leftover boiled chickpeas, ready at hand making this chana chaat is a breeze. You can serve this chatpata chana chaat at breakfast, as an after school snack or as a mid day munching snack.

What is a Chaat?

A chaat is a tongue-tickling snack, and a popular Indian street food. Chaat originated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, however, it has gained popularity in the rest of the Indian subcontinent. The word chaat means to lick in Hindi, so basically, a chaat is a preparation which is finger-licking good. We Indians can enjoy it any time of the day. The delicious Dates and Tamarind Chutney and the Spicy green chutney along with some spice powders contribute to the spicy tangy and sweet flavors of a chaat. I usually keep these chutneys handy in my refrigerator. If you do not have them in stock, I would suggest you make them one day before you intend to make the chat to save time.

                          

What goes into my version of Kala Chana Chaat/ The Key ingredients:

• Kala Chana / Black Chickpeas : Boiled black chickpeas are used in this recipe. The chaat can also be made using white chickpeas or kabuli chana. I often have some leftover boiled chickpeas, ready at hand  in my refrigerator and making this chaat with it is a breeze. The chickpeas are boiled in a pressure cooker until soft and tender.

• Veggies and fruits: I have used boiled potatoes, red onions, tomatoes and green apple in this recipe.

• Herbs and spices: I have used both coriander leaves and mint leaves in this chaat which gives it a nice refreshing flavor. I have used basic spice powders like red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, rock salt, black salt, chaat masala in this recipe.

• Lemon juice and Khajur imli ki chutney / dates and tamarind chutney  for the tangy, lip-smacking flavors.

Dietary Notes: This Kala chana chaat is

• Healthy and flavorful snack
• Oil-free chaat
• Vegan
• Gluten-free
• Kid friendly
• Helps in weight loss if swapped with meal
• Excellent mid-day snack
• Easy to make

Related Event: A to Z Recipe Challenge Group Part 2-Alphabet B

This Kala Chana Chaat recipe is featured in the A to Z recipe challenge group where we have started a new season or we can say part 2 of our A to Z series where we have decided to make recipes alphabetically with Hindi names. For instance, C for Chukunder, Chana, Chole, Chana dal etc. I chose C for Chana as my key ingredient and made this healthy chatpata kala chana chaat for the theme.                                 

Preparation Time: 8 hours (includes soaking time of chana)

Cooking Time: 15 minutes (includes boiling time of chana)

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cups black chickpeas
• 1 large potato, boiled
• 1 large red Onion, finely chopped
• 1 large tomato, finely chopped
• 1 small green apple (optional)
• 1 small bunch of fresh coriander 
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon Khajur Imli ki chutney/Dates and Tamarind chutney
• 1 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black salt
• 1/2 teaspoon rock salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mint leaves (optional)

Method:

1. Rinse the black chana and soak it in enough water for 6-8 hours.
2. Next, drain the soaked chickpeas and add 2 cups fresh water to it and salt to taste. Pressure cook the chickpeas for 3-4 whistles or until it becomes soft and tender but not mushy.
3. Drain the cooked chickpeas. Reserve the water and use it in soups, dal or curry.
4. Allow the chickpeas to cool down completely. Now transfer them to a mixing bowl. 
5. Add boiled, peeled and mashed potato to it, followed by addition of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and chopped green apple if using.
6. Add the spice powders, (red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, black salt, rock salt, chaat masala, and dried mint leaves to it.
7. Next, add finely chopped coriander leaves, tamarind chutney and lemon juice to it.
8. Give it a good mix. Do a taste test and add more seasonings to it if required.
9. Serve the chatpata chana chaat immediately and enjoy with your loved ones!

                               

                             

Recipe Notes:

• The same recipe can be followed using boiled or canned white chickpeas.
• I have added chopped green apple which ads a tangy flavor and a bite to the chaat. This is optional. You may also add raw mango bites, if it is available.
• The spice powders can be adjusted as per your spice tolerance.
• Skip adding chopped green chilies, if serving the chaat to kids.

Would love to hear from you !

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See you soon with yet another healthy and delicious creation from my Kitchen. Until then Stay safe and eat right !

 

Happy Cooking !

Happy Eating !

 

Regards

Poonam Bachhav 

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