Easy Chana Chaat: Healthy Indian Protein Snack Recipe
Chana Chaat is a delicious and healthy Indian snack featuring tender black horse gram (kala chana) simmered to perfection and tossed with fresh tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. This protein-packed vegetarian dish can be prepared ahead and enjoyed as a wholesome appetizer, breakfast, or snack throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chana
- 1 cup black horse gram (kala chana)
- 3 cups water + more for boiling
- Salt, to taste
Chaat Mix
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and mint, finely chopped
Instructions
- Soak the Chana: The night before cooking, place the black horse gram in a large stock pot and add 3 cups of water. Cover and allow it to soak overnight to soften (this step can be skipped if using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot).
- Cook the Chana: The next day, drain the soaking water and add fresh water to fill the pot to twice the amount of the chana. Bring the pot to a boil on the stove, then reduce the heat, add salt, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chana is fully cooked and soft. Alternatively, cook in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot by adding chana, water, and salt and cooking until three whistles or until soft.
- Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While the chana cooks, finely chop the tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. Measure out the cumin powder and chaat masala.
- Combine Ingredients: Drain any excess water from the cooked chana and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add the chopped tomatoes, onions, herbs, cumin powder, chaat masala, and squeeze over the lime juice. Stir everything well to combine.
- Serve: Serve the chana chaat immediately or refrigerate and enjoy as a healthy snack or meal throughout the week.
Notes
- If water reduces during simmering in the stock pot, add more as needed to prevent burning.
- Cook the chana until very soft; they should easily mash between your index finger and thumb.
- Feel free to customize this chaat by adding cucumbers, green chili, feta cheese, peanuts, boiled potatoes, grilled paneer (cottage cheese), or extra herbs and seasonings to your liking.