Spicy Peanut Chaat Recipe – Indian Street Food Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Peanut Chaat Recipe – Indian Street Food Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful snack. And let me tell you, this Spicy Peanut Chaat is it. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy, tangy, and spicy – seriously addictive! I first made this when I was craving something from the streets of Delhi, and it instantly transported me back. It’s become a regular in my kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Chaat is more than just a snack; it’s a burst of Indian street food flavors right in your kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, ready in under 15 minutes, and requires minimal cooking. Plus, it’s totally customizable – adjust the spice level to your liking, and swap in your favorite veggies. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup peanuts
• ½ – 1 tsp turmeric powder (about 2-4 grams)
• 1 tsp salt (about 6 grams)
• 2 cups water (480ml)
• 1-2 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder (about 4-8 grams) – adjust to taste
• ½ – 1 tsp chaat masala (about 2-4 grams) – adjust to taste
• 1 tsp green chutney (about 15ml)
• ¼ cup chopped onion (about 30 grams)
• 2 tbsp chopped tomato (about 30 grams)
• 2 tbsp sweet corn
• 1 tsp grated raw mango (about 5 grams)
• 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup boiled potato cubes (about 75 grams)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander (about 6 grams)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (about 5ml)
• Pinch of salt (to taste)

Ingredient Notes

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

Peanuts: Choosing the Right Type & Roasting Options

I prefer using raw, skin-on peanuts for this recipe. They have a lovely earthy flavor. You can also use roasted peanuts, but reduce the cooking time in the pressure cooker. About 150 grams of raw peanuts will give you roughly 1 cup.

Turmeric: Benefits and Regional Variations

Turmeric isn’t just about color and flavor; it’s packed with health benefits! In India, we use it in almost everything. The amount can vary depending on your preference – start with ½ tsp and add more if you like a stronger turmeric flavor.

Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder: Flavor Profile & Heat Level

Kashmiri red chilli powder is a game-changer. It gives a beautiful vibrant red color and a mild, fruity flavor without too much heat. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular chilli powder, but use less!

Chaat Masala: The Key to Authentic Chaat Flavor

Chaat masala is the secret ingredient that makes chaat, well… chaat! It’s a blend of tangy and savory spices. Every brand has a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.

Green Chutney: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Homemade green chutney is always best, but a good quality store-bought version works in a pinch. I usually make a big batch of mint-coriander chutney and freeze it in ice cube trays for easy use.

Raw Mango: Seasonality and Substitutes

Raw mango adds a lovely tartness. It’s best when mangoes are in season (spring/summer). If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a squeeze of lime juice or a small amount of grated green apple.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, add the peanuts, turmeric powder, salt, and water to your pressure cooker. Give it a good stir.
2. Close the lid and cook for 3 whistles on medium heat. Once the pressure releases naturally, drain the peanuts and transfer them to a large bowl.
3. Now for the flavor boost! Add the Kashmiri red chilli powder, chaat masala, and green chutney to the boiled peanuts. Mix everything really well, making sure the peanuts are coated evenly.
4. Time for the fresh stuff! Add the chopped onion, tomato, sweet corn, grated raw mango, pomegranate seeds, and boiled potato cubes to the bowl.
5. Finally, squeeze in the lemon juice and add a pinch of salt (taste and adjust!). Gently toss everything together. Don’t overmix, or the potatoes will break down.
6. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the peanuts! You want them tender but still slightly firm.
• Taste as you go and adjust the spices to your liking.
• For extra crunch, you can add some sev (thin chickpea noodles) on top.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your green chutney ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My family loves it spicy, so I usually add a bit more chilli powder. For a milder version, reduce the chilli powder to ½ tsp or omit it altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali, I love adding a sprinkle of boondi (tiny fried chickpea balls) for extra festive flair. During Holi, it’s a great snack to enjoy with friends and family.

Serving Suggestions

This chaat is best served immediately. It’s perfect as an afternoon snack, a side dish with lunch, or even a light dinner. I love serving it with a glass of lassi (yogurt drink).

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this chaat is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. The peanuts might lose some of their crunch, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I make this chaat ahead of time?

You can boil the peanuts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. But I recommend assembling the chaat just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.

What is the best type of peanut to use for chaat?

Raw, skin-on peanuts are my go-to. They have the best flavor and texture.

Can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

Absolutely! Start with less chilli powder and add more to taste.

What can I substitute for raw mango?

Lime juice or grated green apple work well as substitutes.

How do I make green chutney at home?

Blend together fresh coriander, mint, green chillies, ginger, garlic, and a little lemon juice. Add a splash of water to help it blend.

Enjoy! I hope you love this Spicy Peanut Chaat as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!