Chana Chaat

The method

Step by step

Written for first-time cooks — every quantity, timing and cue is spelled out.

1. 01

   Gather & Prep Ingredients

   First, gather all your tools: a large mixing bowl, chopping board, sharp knife, measuring spoons, measuring cups, and a lemon squeezer. Ensure your 1.5 cups of Kabuli Chana are already cooked and cooled. If using canned, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water.

2. 02

   Chop Onion

   Take your medium onion and place it on the chopping board. Carefully chop it into very small pieces, about the size of a mustard seed. Aim for a fine chop so it blends well with other ingredients. Transfer the chopped onion to the large mixing bowl.

3. 03

   Chop Tomato

   Next, take your medium tomato. You can remove the seeds if you don't like them, then chop the tomato into small, uniform pieces, similar in size to your chopped onion. Add the chopped tomato to the mixing bowl with the onion.

4. 04

   Chop Cucumber

   Peel the half large cucumber using your knife or a peeler. Then, chop it into small pieces, again matching the size of your other chopped vegetables. Add the chopped cucumber to the mixing bowl.

5. 05

   Chop Coriander

   Take the fresh coriander leaves. Wash them gently under running water and pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Finely chop the coriander leaves until you have about 2 tablespoons. Add the chopped coriander to the mixing bowl.

6. 06

   Combine Chana and Vegetables

   Now, add the 1.5 cups of cooked Kabuli Chana to the large mixing bowl with all the chopped vegetables and coriander. Use a large spoon to gently mix everything together, ensuring the chana is evenly distributed among the vegetables.

7. 07

   Add Spices

   Measure out 1.5 teaspoons of chaat masala, 0.5 teaspoon of red chilli powder, 0.5 teaspoon of black salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of regular salt. Sprinkle all these spices evenly over the chana and vegetable mixture in the bowl. The spices will give the chaat its signature tangy and spicy flavor.

8. 08

   Add Lemon Juice

   Cut the medium lemon in half. Using your lemon squeezer, squeeze all the juice from both halves directly over the mixture in the bowl. This will add a fresh, zesty tang to your chaat. Be careful not to let any seeds fall in.

9. 09

   Final Mix

   Using a large spoon, gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients in the bowl. Make sure the spices and lemon juice are well combined and coat all the chana and vegetables. You should see a uniform color throughout the mixture.

10. 10

    Rest and Serve

    Once mixed, let the Chana Chaat rest in the bowl for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the spices to infuse into the chana and vegetables. After 5 minutes, your Chana Chaat is ready to be served immediately. Enjoy your delicious, homemade snack!