Zesty Pakistani Chana Chaat with Tamarind Sauce

Name: Zesty Pakistani Chana Chaat with Tamarind Sauce
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: Chickpeas; Red onion; Tomatoes; Cucumber; Green chili; Cumin seeds; Chili powder; Chaat masala; Salt; Black salt; Tamarind paste; Jaggery or brown sugar; Red chili powder; Water; Fresh coriander leaves; Sev

A Tangy and Spicy Chickpea Delight

A classic street food from South Asia, this Chana Chaat combines chickpeas with a medley of spices, fresh vegetables, and a tangy tamarind sauce.

45 min
4
Easy

Ingredients

For the Chana Mix

Chickpeas

2 cans (400g each), drained and rinsed

Red onion

1 medium, finely chopped

Tomatoes

2 medium, diced

Cucumber

1, peeled and diced

Green chili

1, finely chopped

For the Spice Mix

Cumin seeds

1 tsp, roasted and ground

Chili powder

½ tsp

Chaat masala

½ tsp

Salt

½ tsp (or to taste)

Black salt

¼ tsp

For the Tamarind Sauce

Tamarind paste

1/2 cup

Jaggery or brown sugar

2 tbsp

Red chili powder

1/2 tsp

Water

1 cup

For Garnishing

Fresh coriander leaves

chopped

Sev

crunchy chickpea noodles

Preparation

Preparing the Chana Mix

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and green chili.

Toss to mix

Toss gently to mix the ingredients well.

Let flavors meld

Set aside to let the flavors begin to meld.

Making the Tamarind Sauce

Combine sauce ingredients

In a saucepan, combine tamarind paste, jaggery, red chili powder, and water.

Prepare the tamarind sauce in advance and refrigerate for deeper flavors.

Cook sauce

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Do not over-reduce the tamarind sauce as it will thicken further upon cooling.

Cool sauce

Allow to cool before using.

Cooking Process

Mix the Spice Blend

Combine cumin, chili powder, chaat masala, salt, and black salt in a small bowl.

Season the Chaat

Sprinkle the spice blend over the chana mix and toss to distribute evenly.

Drizzle with Tamarind Sauce

Pour the tamarind sauce over the chaat, adjust quantity to taste.

Plating & Serving