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!
Debby Scholz
February 27, 2020 at 8:26 amI had peanut salad in India. I was staying at a former Maharaja palace that was operated by the Jains. Of course the food was vegetarian. I absolutely loved this salad and want to make it but raw peanuts are not available in Germany. Is there any way I can use roasted unsalted peanuts?
Manjula Jain
February 29, 2020 at 12:54 amYes that will work
vishal saini
May 28, 2018 at 1:35 pmgreat recipe
roopal
June 7, 2017 at 8:59 amHello Aunty,
I m big fan of u r recipe, I have a party how long before I can prepare this Peanut salad ?
Manjula Jain
June 8, 2017 at 7:30 pmRoopal, you can do all the preparations before and add the dry ingredients but others I will add may be 2 hour before not more then that, freshness of the tomatoes and cucumbers will not be there.
Shubhi Jain
November 9, 2016 at 2:09 amWe use peanuts in making Pulaao but chaat, we didn’t thinked about it. Nice Recipe
Kavita mehta
September 27, 2016 at 2:10 amYummy recipe,healthy& tasty also good for navratris
Maginee
September 26, 2016 at 10:55 pmhello Aunty, can we replace peanuts with cashew nuts?
Manjula Jain
September 27, 2016 at 12:41 pmMaginee, I can only try, I really can not put the flavors together
Sharon
September 26, 2016 at 5:46 pmThank you so much for sharing these delicious recipes. I too would appreciate nutritional info so i can make good choices. Take care b
Manjul jain.
September 26, 2016 at 12:54 pmYummy recipe…peanut chat. Manjula ji.
Nice for kids.. and nice snack ..with alcohol.
Salz
August 25, 2016 at 6:07 amHello Majula ji,
Your recipes are great, easy to make and delicious!
I have a suggestion. Please do add the nutritional facts of the recipes as it helps people like me who are watching their weight 🙂
Keep sharing such tasty recipes.
Cheers.
Kirti Talwar
April 5, 2016 at 10:43 pmNice recipes
Divya
March 9, 2016 at 11:46 amHi manjula aunty
I follow your blog and am very fond of your homey recipes.
This particular recipe, if done with steamed peanuts adds a great feel and flavor to the end result. ..
veena Permalloo
March 9, 2016 at 8:40 amHi Manjula. I amfollowing you from France, I love all your recipes. Continue to send us your recipes.
Manjula Jain
March 9, 2016 at 2:08 pmVeena, Thank you
pia chopra
December 22, 2014 at 12:15 pmNice
kushy
March 29, 2013 at 8:24 pmI love to have fried peanut with any combination.I am looking for oil less and healthy snacks.Thanks for sharing this recipe.Pictures is very colorful wants to try it now only.
Manidipa Bhaumik
November 23, 2012 at 9:05 pmGreat evening snack with the crunch of peanuts. Use of amchur adds to the taste. Will be a fav among the kids also!
Visit my recipes @ Manidipa’s Kitchen
ks
November 23, 2012 at 7:52 pmnamaste mataji, we loves your kitchen…greetings from chile!
anshul sethia
April 28, 2016 at 4:14 amEXCELLENT FOOD PAIRINGS
kesav
November 23, 2012 at 6:59 amWow tasty and ymmy good for health
faiza
November 29, 2012 at 6:37 amhi
am following u from past 5years,ur cooking results matches very good response.
thank u