Moong Sprouts Chaat Recipe – Easy Indian Street Food Salad

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Moong Sprouts Chaat Recipe – Easy Indian Street Food Salad

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for snacks that are both delicious and good for you. This Moong Sprouts Chaat is exactly that – a vibrant, flavorful salad that comes together in minutes. It’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights, and honestly, it’s become a bit of a family favorite. I first made this when I was trying to sneak more sprouts into my kids’ diets, and they actually asked for seconds! Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Moong Sprouts Chaat is the perfect blend of textures and tastes. It’s crunchy, tangy, a little bit spicy, and incredibly refreshing. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a quick, healthy, and satisfying snack or light meal. And if you love Indian street food flavors, you’re in for a treat.

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup whole moong sprouts
• ½ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped tomato
• ½ cup grated carrot
• ½ cup grated radish
• 1 lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• ½ teaspoon chaat masala
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Salt & pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Moong Sprouts: Benefits & Selection

Moong sprouts are nutritional powerhouses! They’re rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. When buying, look for sprouts that are firm, crisp, and have a fresh smell. Avoid any that look slimy or have an off-odor. You can easily sprout moong beans at home – it’s surprisingly simple!

Chaat Masala: Regional Variations & Flavor Profile

Chaat masala is the flavor bomb of Indian street food. It’s a tangy, savory spice blend that adds so much character. Different regions have their own variations, so feel free to experiment with brands to find your favorite. I personally love the slightly fruitier notes in some blends.

Onion, Tomato & Radish: Choosing the Freshest Produce

Freshness is key here. Choose firm, bright red tomatoes, crisp radishes, and onions without any soft spots. The crunchier the veggies, the better the chaat! I like to use a mix of red and white radish for a little extra color.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, it’s super easy.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the moong sprouts, chopped onion, chopped tomato, grated carrot, and grated radish.
2. Squeeze the juice from one lemon over the veggies. This brightens everything up beautifully!
3. Sprinkle in the chaat masala, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the spices. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll end up with mushy sprouts.

Expert Tips

A few little things to keep in mind for chaat perfection:

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The best moong sprouts chaat has a delightful crunch. Don’t overcook or soak the sprouts for too long. And don’t overmix the salad!

Balancing the Spice Levels

Chaat masala can vary in spice level. Start with ½ teaspoon and add more to taste. If you like things extra spicy, a pinch of red chili powder works wonders.

Variations

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

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your chaat masala ingredients to ensure they don’t contain any hidden animal products.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is also naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Spicy)

• Mild: Reduce the chaat masala to ¼ teaspoon and omit any chili powder.
• Spicy: Add ¼ – ½ teaspoon of red chili powder or a finely chopped green chili.

Festival Adaptation (Navratri/Fasting Friendly)

During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can skip the onion and garlic. It still tastes amazing!

Serving Suggestions

This chaat is best served immediately for the freshest, crunchiest texture. It’s a fantastic snack on its own, or you can serve it as a side dish with your favorite Indian meal. My family loves it with a side of papdi (crispy fried dough wafers) for extra crunch.

Storage Instructions

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead of time. Store the sprouts separately from the veggies. Mix everything together just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy. It will keep for a day in the fridge, but the texture will change.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What are the health benefits of moong sprouts?

Moong sprouts are incredibly nutritious! They’re a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also easy to digest and can help boost your metabolism.

Can I use pre-sprouted moong beans?

Yes, absolutely! Pre-sprouted moong beans are a convenient option. Just make sure they’re fresh and haven’t started to spoil.

How can I adjust the tanginess of the chaat?

Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. If you prefer a milder tang, start with ½ lemon and add more as needed.

Can this chaat be made ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Store the sprouts and veggies separately and mix just before serving.

What other vegetables can I add to this chaat?

Feel free to get creative! Cucumber, bell peppers, and even pomegranate seeds add a lovely crunch and flavor.