Masala Corn Chaat

The method

Step by step

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

1. 01

   Gather Tools and Prep Ingredients

   First, get all your tools ready: the large mixing bowl, chopping board, sharp knife, measuring spoons, measuring cups, small saucepan with lid, colander, and lemon squeezer. Now, let's prepare the ingredients. Finely chop 1/2 medium onion (about 75g) into tiny pieces, roughly the size of a grain of rice. Finely chop 1 small tomato (about 100g), making sure to remove the seeds first to avoid extra moisture. Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander leaves.

2. 02

   Steam the Corn Kernels

   Pour 1 cup of water into the small saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to high. Once the water starts to boil rapidly, carefully add 2 cups (about 300g) of corn kernels to the saucepan. Cover the saucepan with the lid.

3. 03

   Cook the Corn

   Reduce the heat to medium-low immediately after covering. Let the corn steam for exactly 5 minutes. You'll see steam escaping from under the lid, and the corn will look bright yellow and plump.

4. 04

   Drain the Corn

   After 5 minutes, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Place the colander in your sink. Carefully pour the hot corn and water into the colander to drain all the water. Shake the colander gently to remove any excess water from the corn.

5. 05

   Combine Corn and Butter

   Immediately transfer the hot, drained corn kernels into the large mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the hot corn. Stir gently with a spoon for about 30 seconds, until the butter has completely melted and coated all the corn kernels. The heat from the corn will melt the butter.

6. 06

   Add Onion and Tomato

   To the buttered corn, add the finely chopped 1/2 medium onion and the finely chopped 1 small tomato (seeds removed). Stir everything together gently using a spoon, ensuring the onion and tomato are evenly distributed throughout the corn.

7. 07

   Season with Chaat Masala and Salt

   Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of chaat masala over the corn mixture. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well for about 1 minute to make sure the spices are evenly mixed with the corn and vegetables.

8. 08

   Add Lemon Juice and Coriander

   Take 1/2 medium lemon and squeeze its juice directly into the bowl, using the lemon squeezer to catch any seeds. Add the 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves. Give it one final gentle stir to combine all the flavors.

9. 09

   Serve Immediately

   Your Masala Corn Chaat is ready! Serve it warm in small bowls. Enjoy your delicious, homemade snack!