Indian Fruit Chaat Recipe – Potato, Mango & Banana Salad

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Indian Fruit Chaat Recipe – Potato, Mango & Banana Salad

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love a good chaat – that perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy that just wakes up your tastebuds. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Indian Fruit Chaat, a vibrant salad packed with fresh fruits, crispy potatoes, and a whole lot of flavour. I first made this for a summer picnic with friends, and it was a huge hit! It’s so refreshing and surprisingly easy to put together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average fruit salad. The addition of fried potatoes takes it to a whole new level, adding a lovely textural contrast. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal fruits, and the chaat masala brings everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for a quick snack, a light lunch, or a side dish at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Indian Fruit Chaat:

• 0.5 cup chopped banana (about 1 medium)
• 1 cup chopped mangoes (about 1 large)
• 1 cup chopped apples (about 1 medium)
• 1 cup boiled sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup chopped potato, for frying
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of chaat lies in the balance of flavours.

• Chaat Masala: This is key. It’s a blend of dried mango powder, amchur, cumin, coriander, ginger, black salt, and other spices. It gives chaat its signature tangy and savoury kick. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or online.
• Sweet, Tangy, Spicy: We’ve got sweetness from the mangoes and bananas, tanginess from the lemon juice and chaat masala, and a little heat from the red chili powder. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your liking!
• Fruit Variations: Traditionally, you’ll find fruits like papaya, pomegranate seeds, and grapes in fruit chaat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what’s in season and what you enjoy. My aunt always adds a little bit of orange segments – it’s lovely!
• Potatoes: I prefer using a waxy potato like Yukon Gold for frying, as they hold their shape well.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Cook the Tubers: First, let’s get those potatoes ready. Heat some oil in a pan and shallow fry the potato cubes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Set aside. While the potatoes are frying, boil or steam the sweet potatoes until they’re tender.
2. Chop the Fruits: Now for the colourful part! Chop your apples, bananas, and mangoes into roughly 0.5-1 cm cubes. Slice the bananas into rounds if you prefer.
3. Assemble the Chaat: In a large bowl, combine all the chopped fruits, the fried potatoes, and the boiled sweet potatoes.
4. Season it Up: Drizzle the lemon juice over the fruit and potato mixture. Then, sprinkle on the chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and red chili powder.
5. Mix Gently: Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the spices. Be careful not to mash the fruits!
6. Serve Immediately: Garnish with a few fresh mint sprigs for a pop of freshness and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the fruits mushy. A gentle toss is all you need.
• Chill the Fruits: For an extra refreshing chaat, chill the fruits for about 30 minutes before assembling.
• Spice it Right: Start with a smaller amount of red chili powder and add more to taste.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure your chaat masala doesn’t contain any hidden animal products (some brands might).
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the red chili powder. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for a milder warmth.
• Festival Adaptations: This chaat is amazing for Holi! The bright colours are perfect for the festival of colours. It’s also a fantastic addition to summer parties and potlucks. My family loves making a big batch for Diwali too!

Serving Suggestions

This Indian Fruit Chaat is delicious on its own as a snack or light lunch. It also pairs beautifully with:

• Puri or Bhature (Indian fried breads)
• Samosas or Pakoras (Indian snacks)
• A simple raita (yogurt dip)

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this chaat is best enjoyed immediately. The fruits will release juices over time, making it a bit soggy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. The potatoes might lose some of their crispness.

FAQs

• Is this chaat best served immediately? Absolutely! It’s at its freshest and most flavourful when served right away.
• Can I use other fruits in this chaat? Yes, definitely! Feel free to experiment with fruits like papaya, pomegranate seeds, grapes, oranges, or even pineapple.
• What is chaat masala and where can I find it? Chaat masala is a tangy and savoury spice blend used in Indian chaat dishes. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online retailers.
• Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Yes, you can! Start with a small amount of red chili powder and add more to taste.
• How can I prevent the fruits from browning? A squeeze of lemon juice helps prevent browning. You can also add the lemon juice just before serving.

Enjoy making this vibrant and flavourful Indian Fruit Chaat! I hope it brings a little bit of sunshine to your day. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!