Sargent Choice Test-Kitchen: Chickpea Chaat
Sargent Choice Test Kitchen: Chickpea Chaat
November 20, 2024
Why We Chose This Recipe
This vibrant chaat is a delightful balance of colorful, spicy, tangy, and satisfying flavors! This version features fresh raw vegetables, bright flavors, and protein-packed canned chickpeas, creating a quick, no-cook option that’s perfect for a dorm-friendly snack or light meal.
Recipe adapted from flourandspice
Yield: Approximately 4 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced (or canned diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 green chili (optional), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste or chutney
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala (available at grocery stores)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Whole grain crackers, pita chips, or naan
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chili (optional). Add the tamarind paste, lemon juice, chaat masala, cumin powder, chili powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all the chickpeas and vegetables are well coated with the seasonings.
- For the best flavor, let the chaat sit for about 10 minutes or refrigerate it for longer. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro and mint leaves for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy with a whole grain bread, like naan, crackers, or pita chips, to help round out the meal.
Dorm Friendly Version
- The chickpeas this recipe calls for are canned, which means they are pre-cooked and ready to go. Therefore, a full kitchen is not necessary to make this chaat.
What We Liked
- We used mango chutney which has a sweet and tangy flavor. It was a perfect match for the veggies included in this dish. Taramind paste is also tangy and sweet!
- We chose to serve the chaat on multigrain crackers, creating a delightful mix of textures. The tomatoes and chickpeas paired perfectly with the crunchiness of the crackers and cucumbers, offering a balanced and satisfying experience.
Suggestions
- Add paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tofu, or hard-boiled eggs for a heartier dish with added protein for longer-lasting energy.
- Reduce or omit the green chili and red chili powder if you prefer a less spicy chaat.
Nutritional Value
- The cucumber and tomatoes featured in this recipe contribute to a satisfying fullness due to their water and fiber content.
- Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption.
- Cucumbers contain vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting and supports cell function.
- Chickpeas are a great source of protein, making this meal both satisfying and energy-sustaining. Chickpeas, like other beans and legumes, are also a great source of folate and fiber. Folate is needed for protein synthesis and red blood cell formation.
- Including whole grain bread, naan, crackers, or pita chips contributes additional nutrients, including fiber, which supports sustained energy by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates.