Black Chickpea Tuc Cracker Recipe – Quick Indian Chaat Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Black Chickpea Tuc Cracker Recipe – Quick Indian Chaat Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful snack. Especially one that satisfies those Indian chaat cravings! This Black Chickpea Tuc Cracker recipe is my go-to when I need something tasty and satisfying in minutes. It’s seriously addictive – be warned!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a snack; it’s a little burst of Indian flavor on a crunchy cracker. It’s super easy to whip up, requires minimal cooking (mostly just chopping!), and is perfect for a quick afternoon bite, a party appetizer, or even a light lunch. Plus, the combination of the soft chickpeas and the crispy Tuc cracker is just chef’s kiss.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful chaat snack:

• 2 cups black chickpeas (soaked overnight & cooked) – about 300g
• ¾ cup chopped cucumber – about 150g
• ½ cup sliced cherry tomatoes – about 75g
• 1 medium-sized red onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice – about 45ml
• 1 green chili, chopped (adjust to your spice preference!)
• ½ teaspoon salt – about 3g
• ½ teaspoon chaat masala – about 2.5g
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder – about 5g
• ½ teaspoon black salt – about 2.5g
• ¼ teaspoon red chili powder – about 1.25g
• 12 Tuc crackers
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves – about 7g

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference here.

• Black Chickpeas: Soaking the chickpeas overnight is key! It helps them cook evenly and get that wonderfully soft texture. If you forget, a quick soak for at least 4-6 hours works too.
• Black Salt (Kala Namak): Don’t skip this! It’s what gives chaat its signature, slightly sulfurous flavor. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online. It really elevates the whole snack.
• Chaat Masala: Another essential! This spice blend is a cornerstone of Indian street food. Each brand has a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
• Tuc Crackers: I love using Tuc crackers because they’re sturdy enough to hold the chickpea salad without getting soggy immediately. They provide a lovely salty base. But feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked black chickpeas, chopped cucumber, sliced cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.
2. Add the lemon juice, chopped green chili, salt, chaat masala, cumin powder, black salt, and red chili powder to the bowl.
3. Give everything a really good mix! Make sure all the chickpeas are nicely coated in the spices.
4. Now, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all those flavors get to know each other and really meld together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
5. Just before you’re ready to serve, place a generous tablespoon of the chickpea salad onto each Tuc cracker.
6. Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overmix the chickpea salad after adding the lemon juice, or it might become mushy.
• For extra flavor, you can add a tiny squeeze of lime juice along with the lemon juice.
• If you’re prepping ahead, keep the chickpea salad and crackers separate until just before serving to prevent the crackers from getting soggy.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan, so you’re all set!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use gluten-free crackers instead of Tuc crackers. There are some great options available now.
• Spice Level: If you like things extra spicy, add another green chili or a pinch more red chili powder. My friend, Priya, always asks for extra spice!
• Quick Snack Variation: If you’re really short on time, you can skip the refrigeration step. It won’t have quite the same depth of flavor, but it’s still delicious.
• Add some crunch: Throw in some chopped sev (thin chickpea noodles) for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Black Chickpea Tuc Crackers are perfect on their own as a snack. But they also make a fantastic appetizer for parties! You can serve them alongside other chaat-style snacks or as part of a larger Indian spread.

Storage Instructions

This snack is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the chickpea salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crackers are best stored separately in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for a potluck? Absolutely! It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Can I use other types of crackers? Yes, you can! Ritz, water biscuits, or even whole-wheat crackers would work well.
• How can I make the chickpea salad ahead of time? You can definitely make the salad a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
• What is black salt and where can I find it? Black salt (kala namak) is a volcanic rock salt with a distinctive sulfurous aroma and flavor. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online retailers.
• Can I adjust the tanginess of the salad? Yes! Add more or less lemon juice to suit your taste.