Watermelon and Feta Chaat: A Refreshing Indian-Style Salad
This delightful Watermelon and Feta Chaat brings together the refreshing sweetness of watermelon and the savory creaminess of feta cheese, all with a burst of Indian spices to elevate the flavors. Itβs an easy-to-make salad that delivers a balanced medley of textures and tastesβperfect for a light meal or as an appetizer at your next gathering. This salad is ideal for those looking for a vegetarian dish with a spicy kick.
Dish Overview
- Spice Level: Medium
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Serves: 6
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian
- Views: 16,652
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Number of Votes: 11
Ingredients
To make the crispy base for this chaat, we’ll start with a simple dough made from flour, salt, and carom seeds. These crispy discs provide the perfect texture to complement the fresh watermelon and creamy feta topping. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Atta (whole wheat flour) | 250g |
| Salt | Pinch |
| Ajwain (carom seeds) | 1 tsp |
| Baking powder | Β½ tsp |
| Rapeseed oil or Ghee | 3 tbsp |
| Water | ΒΌ cup |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, add the atta (whole wheat flour). Mix in a pinch of salt and the ajwain (carom seeds) for a subtle spice. Add the baking powder to give the dough some lift. Pour in 3 tablespoons of rapeseed oil or ghee, and start kneading the mixture. Gradually add water a little at a time until you have a soft dough. If the dough becomes sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out. -
Knead the Dough
After the resting period, knead the dough once more to ensure it’s smooth and soft. Divide the dough into small balls, each about the size of a walnut. -
Roll Out the Roti
Preheat your oven to 200Β°C (400Β°F). Take one dough ball and roll it out into a thin, even disc, about 2-3mm in thickness. You can dust the surface with a little flour to prevent sticking. -
Prepare the Roti for Baking
Use a fork to poke holes all over the surface of the rolled-out roti. This step ensures that the roti crisps up evenly as it bakes. Next, use a round cookie cutter to cut out circular discs from the rolled dough. Place these discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. -
Bake the Discs
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the discs turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them halfway through the baking time to ensure even crispness. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. -
Cool and Crisp
Once baked, remove the crispy roti discs from the oven and allow them to cool completely. As they cool, they will harden further, achieving the perfect crispiness for your chaat base.
Assembling the Watermelon and Feta Chaat
Once the crispy discs have cooled, itβs time to assemble your Watermelon and Feta Chaat. This recipe pairs perfectly with watermelon, feta, and a few additional toppings for a perfect balance of flavors.
| Ingredients for Topping | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Watermelon (cubed) | 2 cups |
| Feta cheese (crumbled) | 1 cup |
| Red onion (finely chopped) | ΒΌ cup |
| Fresh mint leaves (chopped) | 2 tbsp |
| Chaat masala | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Black salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander (chopped) | For garnish |
Instructions for Assembling:
-
Prepare the Watermelon and Feta Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh mint leaves. Add the chaat masala, black salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra punch of flavor. -
Assemble the Chaat
Take your crispy roti discs and top them with the watermelon and feta mixture. The freshness of the watermelon and the creaminess of the feta pair wonderfully with the crunch of the roti, creating a textural contrast thatβs sure to delight. -
Garnish and Serve
Garnish the chaat with freshly chopped coriander for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy, fresh, and creamy textures.
Allergen Information:
- Contains Gluten (from the atta/wheat flour)
- Contains Dairy (from the feta cheese)
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian
This recipe is perfect for those following a vegetarian diet, offering a refreshing and satisfying alternative to traditional salads. It can also be adapted for vegans by substituting the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~200 kcal |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Fat | ~8g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
| Sugar | ~10g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Advice and Tips:
- Variations: You can substitute watermelon with other fruits like mango, pineapple, or even cucumber for a twist on the traditional chaat. Adding a touch of pomegranate seeds can also enhance the dish’s flavor with bursts of sweetness.
- Make Ahead: The crispy discs can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Just assemble the topping fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chaat masala, or even a pinch of chili powder if you prefer extra heat.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this chaat as a starter for an Indian-themed dinner, or enjoy it as a light and refreshing snack on a hot day.
Conclusion:
Watermelon and Feta Chaat is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines fresh, sweet watermelon with the richness of feta cheese and the crunch of homemade crispy roti discs. With its medium spice level and balance of textures, it makes for a fantastic summer dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfect for vegetarians, this dish is both healthy and bursting with flavor, offering a delightful alternative to traditional salads. Enjoy it at your next gathering or as a special treat to brighten your day!
