Spicy Guava Recipe – Black Pepper & Salt Indian Fruit Chaat

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Guava Recipe – Black Pepper & Salt Indian Fruit Chaat

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best, right? This spicy guava chaat is exactly that – a burst of sweet, salty, and peppery goodness that comes together in literally 5 minutes. I first made this when I was craving something light and refreshing, and honestly, it’s been a go-to ever since! It’s the perfect afternoon snack, a fun way to enjoy seasonal guavas, and a little different from your usual fruit salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s fruit salad (unless your grandma is super cool!). It’s a quick and easy Indian-inspired snack that’s incredibly satisfying. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Fast: Seriously, 5 minutes is all you need.
• Flavorful: The combination of sweet guava, tangy spices, and a hint of heat is addictive.
• Healthy: Guavas are packed with Vitamin C and fiber!
• Unique: It’s a fun twist on traditional fruit chaat.

Ingredients

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

• 3-4 medium sized fresh/ripe guavas
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ?? tbsp pepper powder
• ?? tbsp salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference.

• Guavas: Ripe guavas are key! You want them slightly soft to the touch, with a fragrant aroma. The pink-fleshed variety is lovely, but white-fleshed works beautifully too.
• Salt: Now, this is where things get interesting. While regular table salt works in a pinch, I highly recommend using black salt (kala namak) or rock salt (sendha namak). They have a unique, slightly sulfurous flavor that really elevates the chaat.
• Pepper Powder: The heat level is totally up to you! Regular black pepper powder is great for a mild kick. For more heat, try using chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and add more to taste – you can always add, but you can’t take away!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking (well, assembling!). It’s so easy, you’ll be snacking in no time.

1. First, give your guavas a good wash. Then, peel them and carefully remove the seeds. I find cutting them into bite-sized cubes is the easiest way to go.
2. Pop those lovely guava cubes into a mixing bowl.
3. Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the sugar, pepper powder, and salt evenly over the guava pieces. Don’t be shy, but remember you can always add more later.
4. Gently toss everything together until the guavas are nicely coated with the spices. Be gentle so you don’t mush them up!
5. And that’s it! Serve immediately for the best crunch and freshness.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overmix: You want the guava to stay in nice, firm pieces.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the sugar, salt, and pepper to your liking. Everyone’s palate is different!
• Chill the guavas: For an extra refreshing treat, pop the guava cubes in the fridge for about 30 minutes before assembling the chaat.

Variations

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

• Spice Level:
  • Mild: Use a pinch of black pepper powder.
  • Medium: Use ½ tbsp black pepper powder.
  • Hot: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper along with ½ tbsp black pepper powder.
• Regional Variations: My friend’s mom, who’s from Maharashtra, adds a squeeze of lime juice for extra tang. In North India, some people like to sprinkle a little chaat masala on top.
• Festival Adaptations: During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can skip the sugar altogether for a completely vrat-friendly snack!

Serving Suggestions

This spicy guava chaat is fantastic on its own as a quick snack. But it’s also great:

• As a side dish with your lunch.
• As a light dessert after a heavy meal.
• Served with a cup of chai for the perfect afternoon treat.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this is best enjoyed immediately. The guavas will start to soften and lose their crunch if stored. However, if you absolutely must store it, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few hours, but the texture won’t be the same.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this recipe suitable for diabetics? While guavas are relatively low on the glycemic index, the added sugar might not be ideal. You can try using a sugar substitute or omitting the sugar altogether.
• Can I use green (unripe) guavas? You can, but the flavor will be much more tart and the texture will be harder. I recommend using ripe guavas for the best results.
• What type of pepper powder is best for this chaat? Black pepper powder is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Can I prepare this in advance? Not really. It’s best enjoyed fresh. You can prep the guavas by washing, peeling, and cubing them, but don’t add the spices until you’re ready to serve.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level? Start with 1 tbsp of sugar and add more to taste. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.