Chole Tikki Chaat – A Street-Style Treat Bursting with Flavors
Chole Tikki Chaat is one of the most beloved Indian street foods, offering a perfect balance of crispy tikkis, spicy chole, tangy chutneys, and refreshing curd. It’s a dish that brings together multiple flavors and textures, making it a favorite among food lovers. Whether you crave something crispy, spicy, or tangy, this chaat has it all. The best part? You can easily make it at home with simple ingredients!
Many people love the taste of street food but hesitate to eat it due to hygiene concerns and unhealthy cooking methods. Excessive oil, lack of fresh ingredients, and improper handling often discourage food lovers from indulging in their favorite chaats and snacks. However, the good news is that you can recreate the magic of street food at home—using fresh, hygienic ingredients while keeping it healthier without compromising on taste!
Nutritional Benefits of Chole Tikki Chaat
Chole Tikki Chaat is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chole (chickpeas) are a great source of protein and fiber, which promote digestion and keep you full for longer. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium.
The sweet potato tikkis used in this recipe are a healthier alternative to regular potato tikkis. Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A, and fiber, making them beneficial for immunity and gut health. The addition of curd and chutneys further enhances the dish’s nutritional profile by providing probiotics and vitamin C, making it a wholesome snack or light meal.
How to Make Chole Tikki Chaat
Step 1: Preparing the Chole and Masala
Soak chickpeas (chole) overnight and pressure cook them with potatoes, turmeric, bay leaves, salt, and water for 5-6 whistles. This ensures they turn soft and absorb the flavors well. Meanwhile, dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and black pepper. Grind them into a coarse powder with black salt, asafoetida, and regular salt. This homemade spice mix will enhance the overall taste of the chole.
Step 2: Making the Tikkis
Peel and grate boiled sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl. Add chopped green chilies, ginger, coriander leaves, salt, and rice flour. Mix well and shape the mixture into small round tikkis. Heat a pan with oil and cook the tikkis on both sides until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and keep them aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Chole Masala and Assembling the Chaat
Blend chopped tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and green chilies into a smooth paste. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and asafoetida, followed by the blended paste. Cook it on medium heat until thickened, then add coriander-cumin powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Fry the masala well before adding the boiled chole. Let the chole cook for a few minutes with a little water for consistency.
To assemble the chaat, place crispy sweet potato tikkis on a serving plate, top them with hot chole, and drizzle with beaten curd, tamarind chutney, and coriander chutney. Garnish with chopped onions, tomatoes, raw mango, and fresh coriander. Finally, sprinkle the prepared masala over the dish for an extra punch of flavor.
Conclusion
Chole Tikki Chaat is a must-try for anyone who loves street food but prefers a healthier homemade version. It combines protein-rich chickpeas, fiber-packed sweet potatoes, and flavorful spices, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish. Whether you’re making it for a snack, a gathering, or simply to enjoy a taste of authentic street food at home, this chaat will leave your taste buds delighted!
