Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Holi with this Festive Indian Chaat, a deliciously flavor-packed treat. With crispy papdis (fried crackers) as the base, topped with a creamy yogurt mixture, tangy chutneys, and garnished with crunchy sev, pomegranate seeds, and aromatic spices, this dish is the ultimate indulgence for your taste buds. Bursting with a combination of textures and flavors, it’s the perfect festive snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and colorful – The vibrant mix of ingredients reflects the lively spirit of Holi, making it a visually appealing dish.
- Crispy, creamy, and tangy – The combination of crispy papdis, smooth yogurt, and tangy chutneys creates a unique, irresistible flavor profile.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal treat when you’re short on time.
- Customizable – Adjust the level of spice or tanginess to your preference.
- Perfect for sharing – This is a fun dish to serve during gatherings or celebrations, bringing everyone together for a tasty snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Base:
- Papdis (crispy fried crackers) or small puris
- Boiled and mashed potatoes
- Cooked chickpeas
- Chaat masala
- Black salt
For the Yogurt Mixture:
- Plain yogurt
- Sugar
- Salt
For the Chutneys:
- Tamarind chutney
- Green coriander-mint chutney
For Garnish:
- Sev (crispy chickpea noodles)
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- Pomegranate seeds
- Red chili powder
- Roasted cumin powder
Directions
Prepare the Base:
- In a bowl, combine boiled and mashed potatoes with cooked chickpeas, chaat masala, and black salt.
- Place papdis (or small puris) on a serving plate and layer them with the potato and chickpea mixture.
Whisk the Yogurt:
- In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt with sugar and salt.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy, then generously drizzle over the papdi base.
Add Chutneys:
- Drizzle tamarind chutney and green coriander-mint chutney over the yogurt for an added tangy kick.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle sev, chopped cilantro, pomegranate seeds, red chili powder, and roasted cumin powder on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy this crunchy, creamy, and tangy chaat while it’s fresh and vibrant!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy kick: Increase the amount of red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies for more heat.
- No tamarind chutney? Substitute with date chutney or a simple mix of tamarind paste and sugar for a similar tangy-sweet flavor.
- Add protein: For an extra boost, add cooked paneer cubes or chicken tikka pieces.
- Vegan version: Use dairy-free yogurt to make this dish vegan-friendly, and check chutneys for any dairy ingredients.
- Crunchier texture: Top with roasted peanuts or crushed papdi for additional crunch.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: This chaat is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers (without the garnishes) in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- Reheating: Since this dish relies on crispy elements, it’s best served fresh. However, you can store the potato-chickpea mixture separately and prepare the rest of the components when ready to serve.
FAQs
What is chaat masala?
Chaat masala is a blend of spices commonly used in Indian street food. It typically contains cumin, coriander, black salt, amchur (dried mango powder), and chili powder, giving it a tangy and slightly smoky flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the potato and chickpea mixture ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and garnish the chaat just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the papdis.
What other toppings can I add?
You can add boiled eggs, pomegranate seeds, or thinly sliced onions for extra texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the red chili powder or add chili sauce or jalapeños for more heat.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, ensure you use gluten-free puris or substitute with crispy rice crackers for the base.
Conclusion
This Festive Indian Chaat is a vibrant, flavorful, and festive dish that’s perfect for celebrating Holi or any special occasion. With its balance of crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy elements, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a party or a casual snack, it’s a fun, colorful treat that brings the joy of Indian street food to your home.
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Festive Indian Chaat (Holi Special)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant, flavor-packed Indian chaat topped with creamy yogurt, tangy chutneys, crunchy sev, and fresh pomegranate for the perfect festive treat.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 6 papdis (crispy fried crackers) or small puris
- 1/2 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1/4 tsp chaat masala
- 1/4 tsp black salt
For the Yogurt Mixture:
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Chutneys:
- 2 tbsp tamarind chutney
- 2 tbsp green coriander-mint chutney
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp sev (crispy chickpea noodles)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 tsp red chili powder
- 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- In a bowl, mix boiled potatoes and chickpeas with chaat masala and black salt.
- Place papdis on a serving plate and layer with the potato-chickpea mixture.
Whisk the Yogurt:
- Combine yogurt with sugar and salt. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle generously over the papdis.
Add Chutneys:
- Drizzle tamarind and green chutneys over the yogurt.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle sev, chopped cilantro, pomegranate seeds, red chili powder, and roasted cumin powder on top for an explosion of flavor.
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy this crunchy, creamy, and tangy chaat while fresh!
Prepare the Base:
- In a bowl, mix boiled potatoes and chickpeas with chaat masala and black salt.
- Place papdis on a serving plate and layer with the potato-chickpea mixture.
Whisk the Yogurt:
- Combine yogurt with sugar and salt. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle generously over the papdis.
Add Chutneys:
- Drizzle tamarind and green chutneys over the yogurt.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle sev, chopped cilantro, pomegranate seeds, red chili powder, and roasted cumin powder on top for an explosion of flavor.
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy this crunchy, creamy, and tangy chaat while fresh!
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less green chutney or red chili powder.
- For a richer flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.
- This chaat is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to keep the papdis crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Street Food, Festive
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: Indian
