Sweet Potato Chaat

Sweet Potato Chaat, Shakarkandi

I have been wanting to make a sweet potato chaat (Shakarkandi Chaat) for some time now. It's a savory and flavorful chaat, which also happens to be a very popular Delhi street food. I have tried to make this recipe many times but never quite perfected it! Last weekend I had the honor of being a guest judge for a cooking contest which was conducted virtually over Zoom! The contest was for the best air fryer recipe. The winner of this contest, Rashmi Sabjur, happened to make an eggplant chaat. While she was discussing her creative recipe, I got the idea of making a sweet potato chaat in the air fryer. Many people ask me how I am inspired to come up with new recipes...well the answer is people like Rashmi, and of course you all, my viewers! Traditionally, sweet potatoes are cooked over coal, cut into small pieces, and drizzled with lemon juice and spices to make it delicious and flavorful. This spicy chaat is also had a nice crunch. Try this recipe out soon! A special thank you to Rashmi for inspiring me to perfect sweet potato chaat!

This recipe is also vegan.

This recipe will serve 6.

• Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer
• Reynolds Kitchens Pop-Up Parchment Paper Sheets

• 1 large sweet potato (sliced in thick rounds)

For Batter

• 1 ½ Tbsp all purpose flour (plain flour, maida)
• 1 ½ Tbsp corn starch (corn flour or arrowroot powder)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅓ cup water (approx)
• Oil spray

For Breadcrumbs

• ½ cup bread crumb (plain unflavored)
• ½ salt
• ¼ black pepper

For Garnishing

• ¼ cup whipped yogurt
• 2 Tbsp hari cilantro chutney
• ¼ cup tamarind chutney

For Garnishing (optional)

• lemon juice (sprinkle over chaat)
• chaat masala powder
• green chili (finely chopped)
• ginger (finely chopped)

1. Use a large, sweet potato. Wash and peel and slice them in rounds of about ¼ inch thick. Keep aside.

2. In a bowl take breadcrumbs, add ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper, and mix it all well.

3. In another bowl mix all-purpose flour, corn starch, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Add the water slowly and make it into a thick batter. I used about 1/3 cup of water.

4. I am using parchment paper over air fryer baking tray oil the parchment paper.
5. Coat both sides of a sweet potato slice in the flour batter and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess breading and transfer the sweet potato slices to an airfryer baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sweet potato slices.
6. Spray the slices with oil.
7. Bake in air fryer for 10 minutes (on 325-degree Fahrenheit). Then turn the sweet potato slices and bake it again for 10 minutes. Maybe you will have to adjust the time and temperature according to your air fryer.
8. The sweet potatoes will have a nice crunch. You may serve them hot or at room temperature with your favorite garnishing. I prefer with yogurt and chutney.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potatoes have nice crunch, my favorite way to serve this chaat, is to drizzle with yogurt, little cilantro chutney and top it with tamarind chutney if you like hot and spicy sprinkle with finely chopped green chilies and ginger. I have done cilantro chutney and tamarind chutney recipes earlier; you can find these recipes on my website.

You will also enjoy some of these vegan and gluten free recipes:

Zucchini Lentil Pakoras, Vegan Rice Kheer (Payasam), Apple Banana Pakora, Bhajia, Fritters, Methi Bajra Paratha (Millet Bread)

Appetizer

Indian

Sweet Potato Chaat: A Flavorful and Nutritious Snack

Sweet Potato Chaat is a popular Indian street food snack that offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures. This savory dish features roasted or boiled sweet potatoes tossed with a medley of spices, chutneys, and crunchy toppings, creating a symphony of sweet, tangy, and spicy tastes. 

Sweet Potato Chaat is not only mouth watering delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying snack option.

Benefits of Sweet Potato Chaat:

• High in Fiber: Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber also contributes to a feeling of fullness and satiety, making Sweet Potato Chaat a satisfying snack that can help curb cravings and prevent overeating.

• Low in Calories: Despite being nutrient-dense, sweet potatoes are relatively low in calories, making them a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight. Sweet Potato Chaat provides a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor without adding excessive calories to your diet.

• Versatile and Flavorful: Sweet Potato Chaat is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit individual taste preferences. From adjusting the level of spiciness to varying the types of chutneys and toppings used, there are endless possibilities for creating unique and delicious flavor combinations.

Variations of Sweet Potato Chaat:

• Traditional Chaat Style: The traditional Sweet Potato Chaat typically includes boiled or roasted sweet potatoes tossed with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, yogurt, chaat masala, and crunchy sev (fried chickpea noodles). Garnish with chopped cilantro and pomegranate seeds for added freshness and flavor.

• Healthy Twist: For a healthier version of Sweet Potato Chaat, skip the deep-frying and opt for baking or air-frying the sweet potatoes instead. You can also reduce the amount of added sugar in the chutneys or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

• Protein-Packed: Add protein to your Sweet Potato Chaat by incorporating ingredients such as boiled chickpeas, black beans, or grilled tofu. Protein helps increase satiety and provides sustained energy, making the chaat a more satisfying and balanced snack.

• International Fusion: Experiment with international flavors by incorporating ingredients like feta cheese, olives, roasted peppers, or avocado into your Sweet Potato Chaat. These additions add a unique twist to the traditional Indian snack and create an exciting fusion of flavors.

Tips for Making Perfect Sweet Potato Chaat:

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Select sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of bruises or blemishes. Look for varieties with vibrant orange or purple flesh, as they tend to be sweeter and more flavorful.

• Roast or Boil Sweet Potatoes: Depending on your preference, you can either roast or boil the sweet potatoes before making the chaat. Roasting adds a caramelized flavor and crispy texture, while boiling results in a softer and more tender consistency.

• Balance Flavors: Pay attention to balancing the flavors in your Sweet Potato Chaat. Aim for a harmonious combination of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory elements by adjusting the amount of chutneys, spices, and toppings used.

• Serve Fresh: Sweet Potato Chaat is best enjoyed immediately after assembling to retain its crispiness and freshness. If preparing in advance, store the components separately and assemble just before serving to prevent the chaat from becoming soggy.

FAQs about Sweet Potato Chaat:

Can I make Sweet Potato Chaat ahead of time? 

While Sweet Potato Chaat is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble the chaat just before serving. Keep the sweet potatoes, chutneys, and toppings stored separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Is Sweet Potato Chaat gluten-free? 

Yes, Sweet Potato Chaat is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients used are free from gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination. Be sure to check the labels of packaged ingredients such as sev and chaat masala to confirm their gluten-free status.

Can I make Sweet Potato Chaat vegan-friendly? 

Absolutely! Simply omit the yogurt or use dairy-free yogurt to make the chaat vegan-friendly. Ensure that the chutneys and toppings used are also free from any animal products or by-products.

Can I customize the spice level of Sweet Potato Chaat?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level of Sweet Potato Chaat according to your preference by varying the amount of green chutney, chaat masala, and chili powder used. Taste as you go and add more or less spice as desired.

In conclusion, Sweet Potato Chaat is a delightful and nutritious snack that's bursting with flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed as a midday treat, appetizer, or party snack, Sweet Potato Chaat is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. 

With its versatility, health benefits, and delicious taste, Sweet Potato Chaat is a must-try dish for anyone looking to explore the vibrant world of Indian street food.