Kabuli Chana Chaat – High Protein Chickpea Snack
Introduction
Kabuli Chana Chaat, a delightful and vibrant snack, is perfect for anyone looking for a high-protein, vegetarian option that satisfies your taste buds. Made with nutrient-packed chickpeas, this dish combines fresh vegetables with zesty spices, making it an ideal snack or appetizer. Whether you’re serving it at a party, during tea time, or as a quick meal, this chaat is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
The dish not only offers a punch of protein from chickpeas but also provides essential vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes. With the right balance of spices, it’s a light yet filling snack that will leave you craving more. The addition of tangy lemon juice and amchur (dry mango powder) brings a refreshing twist, while the crispy aloo bhujia adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kabuli Chana (White Chickpeas) | 2 cups (soaked for 8 hours) |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Onions | 2, finely chopped |
| Cucumber | 1, finely chopped |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, boiled and finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 3, finely chopped |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 3 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Chaat Masala Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Aloo Bhujia (Crispy Potato Snack) | 3 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Begin by soaking the Kabuli Chana (white chickpeas) in water for at least 8 hours, or overnight. This helps soften them and makes them easier to cook.
- Once soaked, drain the chickpeas and rinse them thoroughly.
- Pressure cook the chickpeas along with a pinch of salt for about 25 to 30 minutes, until they are soft but not mushy. Once done, set the chickpeas aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the meantime, boil the potato in a pressure cooker until soft. Once boiled, peel and finely chop the potato. Allow it to cool completely before using.
- Chop the onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and green chilies into fine pieces. Set these aside in separate bowls.
- Finely chop the fresh coriander leaves to garnish the chaat later.
-
Mixing the Chaat:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the boiled and cooled chickpeas. Ensure that there is no excess water in the chickpeas, as it might make the chaat soggy.
- Add the chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and boiled potato to the chickpeas. Mix gently.
-
Seasoning the Chaat:
- Add the freshly chopped green chilies, coriander leaves, chaat masala, amchur (dry mango powder), and lemon juice to the mixture.
- Season with salt according to your taste preference. Toss the mixture well to combine all the ingredients and ensure the spices coat the chickpeas and vegetables evenly.
-
Add the Crunch:
- To give the chaat its signature crunch, sprinkle the aloo bhujia on top just before serving. The crispy texture of the aloo bhujia enhances the chaat’s flavor and provides a delightful contrast to the soft chickpeas and veggies.
-
Serving:
- Adjust the salt and chaat masala if needed. If you prefer more spice, add extra chopped green chilies.
- Serve the Kabuli Chana Chaat immediately as a tasty snack or appetizer.
- For a complete meal, pair the chaat with other dishes like Spinach Paneer Kofta Curry, Garlic Naan, and Cauliflower & Cucumber Raita.
Tips for Perfect Kabuli Chana Chaat:
- Soaking the Chickpeas: Soak the chickpeas for at least 8 hours to ensure they cook evenly and are soft.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the level of spices (chaat masala, green chilies) to suit your taste. You can make it milder or spicier depending on your preference.
- Crispy Element: Always add the aloo bhujia right before serving to maintain its crunch. If you add it too early, it may become soggy.
- Vegan Variation: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by omitting any dairy-based garnishes if you prefer.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Vitamin C | 25% of DV |
| Iron | 10% of DV |
Conclusion
Kabuli Chana Chaat is not only a flavorful snack but also an incredibly nutritious option for those seeking a high-protein vegetarian dish. Packed with the goodness of chickpeas, vegetables, and spices, it’s a light yet filling choice that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick snack or serving it as an appetizer at a party, this dish will become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this healthy and delicious chaat!
