Sweet & Spicy Chickpea Chaat is a flavorful Indian street food that combines tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors for a satisfying snack. Made with chickpeas, aromatic spices, and topped with crispy sev and fresh garnishes, it’s the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness. Enjoy this simple yet vibrant dish as a quick meal or appetizer, full of bold flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of flavors – The combination of spices, tamarind chutney, and jaggery creates a tangy, sweet, and spicy explosion.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a fast snack or light meal.
- Customizable heat – Adjust the red chili powder and chaat masala to your desired spice level.
- Plant-based and healthy – Packed with protein from chickpeas, it’s a nutritious and satisfying option.
- Crispy and fresh – Topped with crispy sev and fresh herbs, adding delightful textures to every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained & rinsed)
- Oil
- Mustard seeds
- Curry leaves
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Cumin powder
- Chaat masala
- Tamarind chutney
- Jaggery or brown sugar
- Salt
- Finely chopped onions
- Fresh coriander, chopped
- Sev (crispy chickpea noodles) or crushed papdi (crispy crackers)
- Lime, for squeezing
Directions
Prepare the Base:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Toss in curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
Cook the Chickpeas:
- Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and stir well. Sprinkle in the turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the chickpeas are evenly coated.
Add Sweet & Tangy Flavor:
- Stir in tamarind chutney and jaggery. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly caramelized.
Finish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and mix in the chaat masala for an added burst of flavor. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Garnish:
- Top with chopped onions, fresh coriander, crispy sev (or crushed papdi), and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add vegetables: Throw in diced cucumber, tomatoes, or carrots for added crunch and freshness.
- Increase heat: Add more red chili powder or finely chopped green chilies to make it spicier.
- Vegan option: This recipe is already plant-based, but you can skip the jaggery and use another sweetener of your choice.
- No tamarind chutney? Use lemon juice and a bit of sugar as a substitute for the tangy-sweet flavor.
- More texture: Add roasted peanuts or pomegranate seeds for additional crunch and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be eaten cold as well. If reheating, warm gently on the stove for a few minutes.
FAQs
What is chaat masala?
Chaat masala is a spice mix commonly used in Indian street food. It contains tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, often including ingredients like cumin, coriander, amchur (dried mango powder), and black salt.
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, canned chickpeas are a convenient option. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before using.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is adjustable based on your preferences. You can reduce the chili powder or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
What other toppings can I use?
In addition to sev or papdi, you can also top your chaat with yogurt, shredded cheese, or even pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best to serve this dish fresh, as the crispy sev will lose its crunch if left to sit for too long. However, you can prepare the chickpea mixture in advance and assemble it right before serving.
What can I serve with this chaat?
Serve with a cool drink like a mint lemonade or chilled lassi, and you can even pair it with other Indian snacks like samosas or pakoras.
How do I make the chickpeas extra crispy?
If you want extra crunch, you can roast the chickpeas in the oven for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the pan.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Simply add more red chili powder or chopped fresh chilies to the mix for more heat.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of jaggery?
Yes, brown sugar or honey can be used as a substitute for jaggery.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses chickpeas and spices without any wheat-based ingredients.
Conclusion
Sweet & Spicy Chickpea Chaat is a vibrant and delicious snack that perfectly balances savory, tangy, and spicy flavors. With its combination of tender chickpeas, aromatic spices, and crispy toppings, it’s a fun and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a quick snack or appetizer. Give it a try for a taste of Indian street food in the comfort of your home!
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Sweet & Spicy Chickpea Chaat
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A tangy, sweet, and spicy Indian street food made with chickpeas, aromatic spices, and crunchy toppings. Perfect as a snack or appetizer to satisfy all your flavor cravings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained & rinsed)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 10–12 curry leaves
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- 1 tbsp tamarind chutney
- 1 tbsp jaggery or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp finely chopped onions
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
- 2 tbsp Sev (crispy chickpea noodles) or crushed papdi (crispy crackers)
- 1/2 lime, for squeezing
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Toss in curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds.
- Cook the Chickpeas: Add cooked chickpeas to the pan and stir well. Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Add Sweet & Tangy Flavor: Stir in tamarind chutney and jaggery. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until well combined and slightly caramelized.
- Finish & Serve: Remove from heat and mix in chaat masala. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish: Top with chopped onions, fresh coriander, crispy Sev, and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red chili powder and jaggery based on your preference for spiciness and sweetness.
- Sev can be replaced with crushed papdi or even roasted peanuts for a different crunch.
- This chaat can be enjoyed as a light snack or served as a side dish to a larger meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Street Food, Plant-Based
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Indian
