Spinach (Palak) Chaat
Ingredients
- Approx. 5oz spinach leaves
- 4 tbsp besan, gram flour
- 4 tbsp corn starch
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Approx. 1/4 cup water use as needed
- Oil to fry
Instructions
- Clean and pat dry the spinach.
- Keep about 10 large spinach leaves aside; chop the remaining spinach very fine, this will be about 2 cups of chopped spinach.
- Next make the batter to fry the spinach leaves, mix 2 tablespoons of beasn, 2 tablespoons of corn starch, ¼ teaspoon of salt and black pepper. Add approx. 2 tablespoons of water slowly to make a batter. Note: batter should be thin in consistency but still should be able to cover the spinach for frying.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Frying pan should have approx. 1inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put one drop of batter in the oil. The batter should come up but not change color right away.
- Dip the spinach leaves in the batter one at a time and slowly drop into the frying pan. Fry the spinach until both sides are light gold. Turn them occasionally. This will take about 2 minutes. Keep aside.
- In left over batter add chopped spinach, salt, corn starch and besan mix it well, this should be the consistency of soft dough, add water as needed.
- Take about 1tablespoon of batter shaping in small balls drop them into the oil. Fry them until they are golden brown. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Take them out over paper towel.
Notes
- Approx. 1/4 cup of tamarind sweet and sour chutney check out the recipe on my website.
How to Make Spinach Palak Chaat: A Flavorful and Crispy Delight
Spinach Palak Chaat is a delightful and crispy Indian street food that combines the nutritious goodness of spinach with the tangy flavors of chaat. This dish is perfect for a quick snack or as an appetizer for your meals. Learn how to make spinach palak chaat with this easy and delicious recipe, which will surely become a favorite in your household.
The Essence of Spinach Palak Chaat
Spinach chaat is a unique combination of deep-fried spinach leaves topped with a variety of chutneys, spices, and yogurt. The crispiness of the spinach paired with the tangy and spicy chaat toppings creates a burst of flavors in every bite. Palak chaat is not only tasty but also a fun way to incorporate greens into your diet.
Origin and Popularity
Chaat is a popular category of Indian street food known for its bold flavors and diverse textures. While traditional chaat recipes often use ingredients like potatoes and chickpeas, spinach palak chaat offers a refreshing twist by using spinach leaves as the base. This dish has gained popularity for its unique combination of flavors and health benefits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious: Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, making this chaat a healthier snack option.
- Flavorful: The combination of tangy, spicy, and sweet chutneys with crispy spinach creates an explosion of flavors.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to make and requires minimal preparation.
- Versatile: Can be served as a snack, appetizer, or a light meal.
How to Make Spinach Palak Chaat
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make spinach palak chaat:
- Prepare the Spinach: Wash and dry fresh spinach leaves thoroughly. Ensure they are completely dry to get a crispy texture when fried.
- Make the Batter: Prepare a light batter using gram flour (besan), water, salt, and a pinch of turmeric. The batter should be smooth and slightly runny.
- Fry the Spinach: Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Dip each spinach leaf into the batter, ensuring it is coated evenly, and then deep fry until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Assemble the Chaat: Place the fried spinach leaves on a serving platter. Drizzle with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and green chutney. Sprinkle with chaat masala, cumin powder, red chili powder, and finely chopped onions and tomatoes.
- Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves and sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles) for added crunch.
Variations of the Recipe
Exploring Manjula’s Kitchen reveals a treasure trove of other delicious chaat recipes that you might enjoy. Here are some related chaat variations that you might find interesting:
- Papdi Chaat: A classic chaat made with crispy papdi, potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and chutneys.
- Aloo Tikki Chaat: Spicy potato patties served with yogurt, chutneys, and spices.
- Bhel Puri: A popular Mumbai street food made with puffed rice, vegetables, and tangy tamarind sauce.
- Dahi Puri: Hollow puris filled with yogurt, chutneys, and spices, offering a burst of flavors.
- Chole Chaat: Chola Chaat, a popular street food, makes for a spicy and tasty afternoon snack. It can be served in various ways.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach palak chaat can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a Snack: Serve it as a delicious and healthy snack during tea time.
- As an Appetizer: It makes a great appetizer for parties and gatherings.
- With a Meal: Pair it with your favorite Indian meal for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips and Tricks
To perfect your spinach palak chaat, consider these helpful tips:
- Dry the Spinach: Ensure the spinach leaves are completely dry before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Adjust Spices: Adjust the amount of chaat masala and chili powder to suit your taste preference.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the chaat immediately after assembling to maintain the crispiness of the spinach leaves.
FAQs
Is Spinach Palak Chaat Vegan?
Yes, it can be made vegan by using plant-based yogurt alternatives.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the fried spinach leaves in advance, but assemble the chaat just before serving to keep it crispy.
What Can I Serve with This Chaat?
This chaat pairs well with a variety of Indian snacks and can be served alongside beverages like masala chai.
How Long Does It Take to Make?
The preparation and cooking time for this chaat is about 30-40 minutes.
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