Grilled Corn Chaat Recipe – Spicy Indian Street Food Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Grilled Corn Chaat Recipe – Spicy Indian Street Food Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you absolutely love a good chaat. There’s just something so satisfying about that explosion of flavors – sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite. I’m so excited to share my take on a classic street food favorite: Grilled Corn Chaat! It’s quick, easy, and seriously addictive. I first made this when I was craving something flavorful but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, and it’s been a hit ever since.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Grilled Corn Chaat is the perfect snack or side dish. It’s bursting with incredible flavor thanks to the smoky grilled corn and a vibrant blend of Indian spices. Plus, it comes together in under 20 minutes! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the sweetness of corn in a whole new way. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious chaat:

• 6 fresh corn on the cob (lightly grilled)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
• ¼ tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp chaat masala
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Grilling the corn is key here. It adds a beautiful smoky flavor that really elevates the whole dish. You can grill it over an open flame, on a grill pan, or even under the broiler.

Now, about that chaat masala… it’s a magical blend of spices that’s essential for authentic chaat flavor! It’s a North Indian staple, and every family has their own little twist. You can usually find it at Indian grocery stores, or online. It typically contains amchur (dried mango powder), cumin, coriander, ginger, black salt, and other spices. Don’t skip it – it really makes the recipe!

And don’t be shy with the lime juice! It brightens everything up and balances the spice perfectly.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, grill your corn on the cob until it’s lightly charred. Let it cool down enough to handle, then carefully scrape off the kernels into a large bowl. This is the fun part!
2. Add the finely chopped onion and jalapeno to the bowl with the corn.
3. Now, sprinkle in the red chili powder, cumin powder, and – the star of the show – chaat masala. Don’t forget a generous pinch of salt and pepper!
4. Pour in the fresh lime juice.
5. Give everything a really good mix, making sure all the kernels are coated in that flavorful spice blend.
6. Finally, garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

And that’s it! Seriously, it’s that easy.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the corn: You want it slightly charred, but still tender.
• Adjust the jalapeno: If you’re sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the salt, pepper, and lime juice to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different!

Variations

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

• Spice Level:
  • Mild: Reduce or omit the jalapeno and red chili powder.
  • Medium: Use the recipe as is.
  • Hot: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter chili powder. My friend, Priya, loves to add a dash of ghost pepper powder – but be warned, it’s seriously spicy!
• Festival Adaptations:
  • Diwali Snack: This is a perfect festive snack for Diwali!
  • Navratri Falahar: Skip the onion and garlic for a Navratri-friendly version.
• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your chaat masala is certified gluten-free if you’re particularly sensitive.

Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Corn Chaat is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with something to scoop it up with!

• Tortilla Chips: A classic pairing!
• Mini Tortilla Cups: For a more elegant presentation.
• Papadums: Crispy Indian crackers.
• Just eat it straight from the bowl! No judgement here.

Storage Instructions

This chaat is best served immediately. The corn tends to lose its texture and the spices can become less vibrant if stored. However, if you absolutely have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just be aware that it won’t be quite as good as when it’s freshly made.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe best served immediately? Yes! It’s at its best when the corn is fresh and the spices are vibrant.
• Can I use frozen corn? While fresh grilled corn is ideal, you can use frozen corn in a pinch. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before mixing with the other ingredients. It won’t have the same smoky flavor, though.
• What is Chaat Masala and where can I find it? Chaat Masala is a tangy and savory spice blend commonly used in Indian chaat dishes. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online retailers.
• Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeno and red chili powder to your liking.
• How can I make this ahead of time? You can grill the corn ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. But I recommend mixing everything together just before serving for the best flavor and texture.