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Making healthy chaat involves using fresh, wholesome ingredients and balancing flavours to create a nutritious and satisfying snack. The key to a healthy chaat is incorporating a variety of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Start with a base of cooked or raw vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers, which add crunch and freshness. For protein, include boiled chickpeas, black chana, or paneer cubes. These ingredients not only enhance the texture but also make the chaat more filling and nutritious. Sprouts are another excellent addition, offering a rich source of protein and fibre.
Video Credit: Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
To add tanginess and spice, season the chaat with ingredients such as lemon juice, chaat masala, cumin powder, and finely chopped green chilies. Herbs such as coriander and mint add freshness and additional health benefits. Instead of using deep-fried puris, opt for roasted nuts or seeds to maintain the crunch without the extra calories.
Fruit chaat can be made using a mix of seasonal fruits like apples, bananas, and pomegranates, seasoned with a pinch of chaat masala and lemon juice. This version provides natural sweetness and essential nutrients. By focusing on fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients and minimising unhealthy additions, you can create a variety of healthy chaats that are both delicious and beneficial for your health.
Each of these healthy chaat recipes offers a unique combination of flavours and textures. They are easy to make with fresh and wholesome ingredients, and are perfect for satisfying your cravings without compromising on health.
Sprouts Chaat
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This is a nutritious and protein-packed chaat made with mixed sprouts, usually a combination of mung beans, chickpeas, and lentils. These sprouts are lightly boiled and tossed with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and green chilies. Fresh coriander leaves, lemon juice, and a dash of chaat masala bring all the flavours together. This chaat is refreshing and incredibly healthy, being a good source of fibre and essential nutrients.
Fruit Chaat
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Make a colourful and delicious chaat made with a variety of fresh fruits such as apples, bananas, pomegranates, oranges, and grapes. The fruits can be mixed with chaat masala, black salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance their natural sweetness with a hint of tanginess. Fruit chaat is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavours, making it a delicious and nutritious snack or even a dessert option.
Corn Chaat
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Who doesn’t love boiled corn, especially in the monsoon? Corn Chaat is a delightful and crunchy chaat made from boiled sweet corn kernels. The corn is mixed with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves. A squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of chaat masala, and a pinch of black salt add a tangy and spicy kick. This chaat is light, refreshing, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a perfect snack for any time of the day.
Paneer Chaat
A protein-rich chaat made with grilled or pan-fried cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) is filling and healthy. The paneer cubes are tossed with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers. A mix of spices, lemon juice, and fresh mint leaves adds a burst of flavour to the dish. This chaat is not only satisfying but also a great source of protein and calcium, ideal for a healthy snack or light meal.
Kala Chana Chaat
Kala Chana Chaat is a hearty and nutritious chaat made with black chickpeas (kala chana). The chickpeas are boiled until tender and mixed with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves. A dash of chaat masala, cumin powder, and lemon juice gives the chaat its distinctive tangy and spicy flavour. This chaat is rich in protein and fibre, making it a wholesome and filling snack.
Beetroot Chaat
This bright-coloured chaat is made with roasted or boiled beetroot cubes. The beetroots are combined with diced cucumbers, carrots, onions, and green chilies. A sprinkle of chaat masala, lemon juice, and fresh coriander leaves enhances the natural sweetness and earthy flavour of the beetroot. This chaat is not only visually appealing but also packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Bhel
Bhel Puri is a popular street food chaat made with puffed rice, sev (crunchy chickpea noodles), and a mix of chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and boiled potatoes. The ingredients are tossed together with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. This chaat is light, crunchy, and bursting with flavours, making it a healthy and satisfying snack option.
Rajma Chaat
Rajma Chaat is a nutritious and filling chaat made with boiled kidney beans (rajma). The beans are mixed with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green chilies. Fresh coriander leaves, lemon juice, and a dash of chaat masala add a tangy and spicy flavour. This chaat is rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and delicious snack.
