Peanut Chaat
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup raw peanuts
- 1/2+1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
- 3/4 cup tomatoes seeded cut in small cubes
- 3/4 cup cucumber cut in small cubes
- 1 tablespoon ginger finally chopped
- 1 green chili finally chopped adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin seed powder (bhuna jeera)
- 1/8 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon mango powder (amchoor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Method
- In a sauce pan add peanuts with 2 cups of water turmeric and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook over medium high heat for about 25 minutes until peanuts are soft.
- Drain the water and let it cool to room temperature.
- Mix ginger, chili, 1/2 teaspoon salt, cumin seed powder, red chili powder, black pepper, sugar, mango powder and lemon juice together.
- Mix the peanuts with tomatoes and cucumbers, add the spice mix and toss.
- Peanut Chaat is ready to serve.
Peanut Chaat Recipe
Peanut chaat is a delightful appetizer that caters to various dietary preferences, offering a gluten-free and vegan option packed with high protein, yet low in fat, making it an ideal snack choice. Peanut chaat is a delightful and flavorful snack that is popular across India. This peanut chaat recipe combines the nuttiness of peanuts with the tanginess of various spices and chutneys, creating a mouthwatering dish that is perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make peanut chaat at home.
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Boiling the Peanuts: Begin by placing the peanuts in a saucepan. Add 2 cups of water, turmeric, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring the pot to a medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and simmer the peanuts for about 25 minutes. The key here is to cook the peanuts until they are tender and soft throughout. You can test for doneness by taking a peanut out and splitting it in half. If the center is firm, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
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Cooling and Draining: Once the peanuts are cooked, drain the water from the pot using a colander. It’s important to drain the peanuts thoroughly to prevent a watery chaat. Spread the cooked peanuts on a plate or baking sheet to cool completely. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of peanuts. Cooling the peanuts is necessary before adding the other ingredients to ensure they don’t become soggy.
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Making the Spice Mix: While the peanuts cool, prepare the flavor base for your chaat. In a separate bowl, combine grated ginger, chopped chili pepper (adjust the amount depending on your spice preference), ½ teaspoon of salt, cumin seed powder, red chili powder, black pepper, sugar, mango powder, and lemon juice. Mix all these ingredients into a fragrant and flavorful spice mix. This will be what brings the chaat to life!
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Assembling the Chaat: Once the peanuts are cool, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add chopped tomatoes and cucumbers to the peanuts. Then, pour the prepared spice mix over the peanuts and vegetables. Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until well combined. This ensures each peanut gets a good coating of the flavorful spice mix.
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Serving: Your Peanut Chaat is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best textural contrast between the soft peanuts and the crisp vegetables. You can garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Tips:
- You can customize the peanut chaat by adding other ingredients such as boiled potatoes, diced cucumber, or grated carrots for added texture and flavor.
- For a healthier version, you can use roasted peanuts without any added salt or oil.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
Variations:
- For a tangier flavor, drizzle some tamarind chutney or mint chutney over the peanut chaat before serving.
- Experiment with different toppings such as pomegranate seeds, grated cheese, or yogurt for a unique twist on this classic snack.
Benefits:
- Peanuts are a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, making peanut chaat a nutritious snack option.
- This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions.
FAQs:
Can I use pre-roasted peanuts for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use pre-roasted peanuts if you prefer. However, roasting the peanuts yourself adds an extra layer of flavor to the chaat.
How long can I store peanut chaat?
- Peanut chaat is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the peanuts may lose their crunchiness over time.
Can I make peanut chaat ahead of time?
- While it’s best to assemble the chaat just before serving to maintain its freshness, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them when ready to serve.
For more delicious Indian recipes, you can explore other recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen, such as Vegetable Pakoras, Aloo Tikki Chaat, and Pani Puri. These recipes are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy cooking!
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