Ingredients
Yogurt Mixture
- 2 cups yogurt
- 3/4 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup water (plus extra 1/4 cup if yogurt is thick)
Green Chutney
- 1/2 bunch cilantro (washed and ends trimmed)
- 1/2 cup mint leaves (optional, skip if unavailable)
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, chopped (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp water
Spiced Chickpeas
- 1 1/2 cups chickpeas (canned)
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds (rai)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2-1 tsp salt (depending on chickpea saltiness)
- 1/2 cup water (plus more as needed for cooking)
- 3 tbsp strained tamarind pulp or 2 tbsp tamarind chutney
- 1/2 tbsp chaat masala
Other Components
- 1 onion, thinly sliced and soaked in water
- 1 potato, boiled and cubed into 1 cm pieces (average size 4-5 inches)
- Cilantro for garnish
- 1-2 minced green chilies
- Chaat masala (to taste)
- Papri (about 1/2 cup)
- Tamarind chutney (for serving)
- 1 tbsp dry roasted and coarsely ground cumin and coriander
- 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1 tsp chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Yogurt Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, salt, and 1/4 cup water until smooth. If the yogurt is very thick, add an additional 1/4 cup water to reach a pourable consistency. Set aside.
- Make the Green Chutney: In a mini blender, combine cilantro, mint (if using), cumin powder, salt, green chilies, lemon juice, garlic (optional), and 2-3 tablespoons water. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside.
- Prepare Dry Masala: Mix dry roasted and coarsely ground cumin and coriander, ajwain, and chili flakes in a small bowl and set aside for garnish and seasoning.
- Cook the Chickpeas: Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. When hot, add mustard seeds and nigella seeds and allow them to crackle.
- Add Spices and Chickpeas: Add chili flakes, stir quickly to release flavors, then add the canned chickpeas.
- Simmer with Spices: Add salt, chili powder, cumin powder, and 1/2 cup water to the pan. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally until chickpeas become tender. Add more water if the mixture begins to dry out to maintain some liquid.
- Finish Chickpeas: Once tender, stir in chaat masala. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Chaat: In serving plates, layer either starting with yogurt or chickpeas, followed by boiled potatoes, then yogurt. Drizzle with tamarind chutney and green chutney, add thinly sliced soaked onions, sprinkle papri, chaat masala, and/or extra dry masala. Garnish with fresh cilantro and minced green chilies. Serve immediately with extra chutneys and chaat masala on the side.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of green chilies and chili flakes.
- For a crunchier texture, add papri just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- If fresh mint is unavailable, the green chutney can be made with cilantro only.
- Use canned chickpeas for convenience, but if using dried chickpeas, soak and cook them prior to use.
- The dish is best enjoyed fresh as the papri can lose its crispness over time.
- Chaat masala adds tang and depth of flavor; adjust quantity based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian