Channa Chaat/ Chickpeas Chaat

The other day I was going through my Blog's Archive & I realised that I really haven't posted much of Chaat recipes. Not that I don't like chaat, But its just that I really don't make it at home that much. I always feel its more convenient to eat Chaat outside since, for some chaats, you need sooo many ingredients that too a pinch of this & a pinch of that. I don't know about the rest of you, But I think its a pain to make Chaat at home.

Anyways, in India, Chaat is easily available in every nook & corner than you can ever imagine & I bet that you somehow will never be able to replicate the taste of your favourite Chaat waala. Don't you guys agree with this?

Shankar & I are Huge fans of chaat. We love gorging on everything from Bhel puri to Sev Puri to Paapdi Chaats to Paani Puris .. Slurrp !! Shankar's favorite is Masaal Puri which is a speciality of Bangalore/Mysore. I really haven't seen this kind of Masaal Puri anywhere, not even in places like Mumbai or Delhi . .

Whenever I make chaat at home, I always venture into something that is simple & is rather healthy like the Sprouts Chaat or Corn Chaat or something similar.

This evening, I tried my hands on Channa Chaat/ chickpeas chaat. I had soaked chickpeas for making another dish, which I conveniently forgot, so these chickpeas were lying in the refrigirator for quite a while & I also had some Mamra/Puffed Rice at hand. I summoned a few other basics & Voila, this was ready in minutes.

After all the chit-chat about Chaat, will head to the recipe,

Ingredients:

• 2 handfuls of channa/chickpeas - soaked overnight or for 5-6 hours & boiled. ( Canned chickpeas will do)
• 1/2 red onion - finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups of Mamra/Puffed Rice/Kadale Puri
• 1 small tomato - finely chopped
• 2 tbsp - grated carrot
• 2 green chillies - finely chopped
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt (Remember Puffed Rice is alredy salty)
• 1/2 tsp Chaat Masala
• A few sprigs of cilantro - for garnish
• 2 tsp Sev (optional )

Method:

• In a large bowl, combine together chickpeas, puffed rice, onions, tomato, carrots & chillies
• Add in lemon juice, Salt & chaat masala.
• Mix well & garnish with finely chopped cilantro & Sev ( I didn't add Sev )

Enjoy with your evening cuppa !!!

Since I always need something light to nibble when I get back from the gym every evening, this formed a perfect snack. Very light & nutritious.

NOTE:

• You can add sprouted chickpeas as well, It will make it even more healthy.
• Try adding a few finely chopped raw mango for that extra tangy taste.

This goes to JFI-Chickpeas & to My Legume Love Affair, Seventh Helping, Hosted by Srivalli which is a brainchild of Susan

-- Ciao !!