With T20 cricket keeping fans glued to the screen, match nights are a good reason to gather friends, pick a side and put together a spread that everybody keeps talking about. But when every over comes with just another flavour of chips or a bowl of popcorn, the usual watch-party snacks can begin to feel a little predictable. This time, why not give your match-night menu an Indian twist by trying a chaat-cuterie board?
Think of it as a desi take on the regular charcuterie board, where bite-sized snacks, dips, chutneys and crunchy toppings share the same space. In place of cold cuts and cheese being the centre of the attraction, you can place samosas, mini kachoris, papdi, dahi vada and all the ingredients that make the chaat fun to eat. The best part? Everyone can make their own bites to suit their taste, so the food turns out to be part of the match-night action. Here are a few ways to put together a chaat-cuterie board that is full of colours, easy to share, serve and anything but bland.
Start With A Mix Of Crunchy Chaat Favourites
Every good chaat-cuterie board needs a crunchy base. Arrange the papdi, mini samosas, bite-sized kachoris, sev puri shells and roasted makhana in different sections on a large wooden board or the serving platter. Mix larger snacks with smaller nibbles so that the guests can pick a quick bite without having to miss any six.
You can also add masala peanuts or some banana chips to give an extra dose of crunch. Pick snacks that have different shapes as well as textures, which can make the platter look more appealing. Keep the papdi and makhana away from dips and sauces, so that they can stay crisp throughout the match.
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Make Room For Chutneys And Dips
Chaat gets much of its personality from the chutneys, so give them a central place on your board. Set out small bowls of mint-coriander chutney, sweet tamarind chutney and spicy garlic chutney to fit different flavour choices. You could also include thick yoghurt flavoured with roasted cumin and black salt to make a creamy, cooling dip.
Arrange the bowls around the platter rather than placing them together, leaving enough space for guests to get their favourites. Keep spoons in the bowls and refill them in small batches to make serving more comfortable and prevent unnecessary spills.
Add Fresh Toppings For DIY Chaat
Give everyone a chance to make their own chaat by putting out colourful toppings in small bowls. Chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, pomegranate seeds and boiled potato cubes pair pleasingly with everything right from papdi to samosas. Pomegranate adds a pop of juiciness, whereas onions and tomatoes add freshness to the fried snacks.
You can also include boiled chickpeas for a more substantial topping. Keep the ingredients separate so guests can mix and match to their preferences. Keep the chopped vegetables in the refrigerator until it is serving time, and add a small spoon or fork for each bowl to make self-serving easier.
Bring In Dahi Vada And Other Soft Bites
A board made only of crunchy snacks can feel one-note, so add a few softer options as well for variety. Mini dahi vadas, bite-sized aloo tikki and small portions of chana chaat add different textures and flavours to the whole spread. You can serve dahi vadas in individual cups topped with yoghurt, tamarind chutney and a pinch of roasted cumin powder.
This keeps the yoghurt from spreading across the board and makes the portions easier to grab and eat. If you are making aloo tikki, cook it briefly before serving so that the outside remains crisp and the centre remains soft.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Finish With A Spicy, Tangy Sprinkle
The final touches can make a simple snack platter turn into a proper chaat spread. Place the small bowls of sev, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt and crushed papdi around the board for guests to use as they please. A few lemon wedges add another layer of tang for anyone who likes a more pungent flavour.
Sprinkle sev and crushed papdi over individual portions just before they are eaten to preserve their crunch. Rather than filling every bowl to the brim, serve smaller quantities and refill them when needed. This keeps the board appearing to be fresh without leaving you constantly busy in the kitchen.
Let The Snacks Be Part Of The Match
A chaat-cuterie board does not need to be complicated or expensive to make match night more enjoyable. Mix familiar Indian snacks, a few homemade chutneys and colourful toppings to make a spread that guests can enjoy between overs. Keep wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls, refill crunchy snacks as required and let everyone experiment with their favourite combinations.
If you are hosting a larger group, make the chutneys, chop the vegetables and portion the snacks ahead of time. Assemble the board before the toss, keep serving spoons handy and settle in with your guests for the game.