In India, it is easy to fill your stomach with a different kind of sweet or savory at any time of the day. Whether it is breakfast or that time between breakfast and lunch when the hunger pangs strike and you crave something yummy with a cup of tea; whether it is an evening snack or even a midnight one – our culinary heritage has given us plenty of reason to smile! There are so many snacks that we can devour each time we find ourselves craving something sweet, tangy or even spicy.
Chaats have become a part of our pop culture and many brands have evolved to fit these into their menus and offerings. You can find a number of different kinds of shells, crisped and fried to perfection, filled with the most amazing fillings whipped up from the memories of granny’s recipes. A walk down any street, in any neighbourhood, in any town or city in India, will most definitely reveal an awesome array of snacks and chaats that one can have. Chaats are the best way to hang out, fill your stomach, or even entertain guests at home. Starting from Dahi Bhalla to Paani Puri and even Bhel Puri, there are a number of things that you can indulge in, every single day of the week. So here is a list of chaats that can be found around the country:
- Aloo Chaat: Cube sized boiled potatoes are mixed with bhel and a smattering of finely chopped onion, tomatoes, and coriander for this chaat. The garnishing and seasoning happens with plenty of spices ground to perfection for that right bite. And the topping is a mint infused chutney!
- Dahi Bhalla: Dumplings of dal soaked overnight are left in a seasoned curd for a yummy breakfast or snack that you have for a light yet filling meal. Serve this with pomegranate and grated beet root for an exotic effect!
- Paid Chaat: The younger brother of the Paani puri is the paid chaat. This flattened crisp finger food is often served as chaat with curd, spice rubs and chutneys so that you can enjoy a delectable snack at any time.
- Lentils or Chana Chaat: Black beans are found a plenty in most parts of India, especially the Northern parts. You can easily find a number of vendor selling chana chaat made with boiled black beans for a scrumptious snack. This protein filled snack also enjoys the company of cumin powder and chutneys along with finely chopped green chillies.
- Bhel Puri: The fluffy bhel and the yummy Indian seasonings have come together for a dish that can enthrall your taste buds anytime, anywhere. This snack is also seasoned with finely chopped onions and tomatoes along with coriander, for that fresh and tangy effect.
Most of the Indian chaats are prepared with fresh ingredients and are quite healthy. These also double up as your go to meal while you are on the go, and too busy to stop for a full fledged meal!