Strawberry Chaat Masala Popsicles Recipe – Easy Summer Treat

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Chaat Masala Popsicles Recipe – Easy Summer Treat

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a refreshing treat to beat the Indian summer heat. And honestly? These Strawberry Chaat Masala Popsicles are a total game-changer. They’re sweet, tangy, a little bit spicy, and unbelievably easy to make. I first whipped up a batch last year during a particularly scorching heatwave, and they were an instant hit with the whole family! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These popsicles aren’t just about cooling down; they’re a flavour explosion! The sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the zing of the chaat masala, creating a unique and addictive taste. Plus, they’re a fun and healthy alternative to store-bought popsicles, and a brilliant way to use up seasonal strawberries. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful popsicles:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300g)
• ½ cup honey (about 120ml)
• ½ tablespoon chaat masala (about 7g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – a few little tips can make all the difference!

Strawberries: Choosing the Best Quality

Look for bright red, firm strawberries that smell wonderfully sweet. Avoid any that are bruised or moldy. Local, in-season strawberries will always have the best flavour, but you can definitely use good quality store-bought ones too.

Honey: Types and Substitutions

I prefer using a good quality wildflower honey for its floral notes, but any honey you like will work beautifully. If you’re vegan, or just don’t have honey on hand, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar – about ¾ cup (180ml) should do the trick.

Chaat Masala: The Star Spice – Origin and Flavor Profile

Chaat masala is a quintessential Indian spice blend, and it’s what makes these popsicles special. It’s a tangy, savoury, and slightly spicy mix, typically containing amchur (dried mango powder), cumin, coriander, ginger, black salt, and chili powder. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores, or online. The flavour is complex and adds such a lovely kick!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some popsicles! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, wash and hull your strawberries. Then, give them a good chop into smaller pieces. This helps them blend more easily.
2. Now, add the chopped strawberries, honey, and chaat masala to a blender.
3. Blend everything together until you have a smooth, beautiful mixture. Don’t be afraid to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times to make sure everything is fully incorporated.
4. Give it a taste! This is where you can adjust things to your liking. Want it sweeter? Add a little more honey. Prefer a bigger kick? Sprinkle in a bit more chaat masala.
5. Carefully pour the mixture into your popsicle molds, leaving a little space at the top for expansion.
6. Insert the popsicle sticks into the molds.
7. Finally, pop the molds into the freezer for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until they are completely solid.

Expert Tips

Want to take your popsicle game to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tips:

Achieving the Perfect Popsicle Texture

For a smoother texture, you can strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the molds. This removes any tiny seeds.

Balancing Sweetness and Spice

Chaat masala can vary in spice level, so start with ½ tablespoon and add more to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Preventing Ice Crystals

To minimize ice crystals, try to use a high-sugar content fruit (like ripe strawberries) and avoid fluctuating freezer temperatures.

Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few fun twists on this recipe:

Vegan Strawberry Chaat Masala Popsicles

Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar, as mentioned earlier. It works beautifully!

Spice Level Adjustment: Mild to Fiery

Adjust the amount of chaat masala to suit your preference. For a milder flavour, start with ¼ tablespoon. For a real kick, go up to a full tablespoon!

Festival Adaptations: Holi or Summer Celebrations

These popsicles are perfect for Holi! The vibrant red colour is so festive. They’re also a fantastic treat for any summer celebration.

Strawberry & Mango Chaat Masala Popsicles

Add 1 cup of chopped mango to the blender along with the strawberries for a tropical twist. My friend, Priya, makes these all the time and they’re always a hit at her parties.

Serving Suggestions

These popsicles are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a drizzle of honey. They’re perfect for a hot afternoon snack, a light dessert, or even a fun party treat.

Storage Instructions

Store the popsicles in the freezer for up to 2 months. To remove them easily from the molds, run the molds under warm water for a few seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Chaat Masala and where can I find it?

Chaat masala is a tangy and spicy Indian spice blend. You can find it in most Indian grocery stores or online retailers like Amazon.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before blending.

How do I prevent the popsicles from breaking when I remove them from the molds?

Run the molds under warm water for a few seconds to loosen the popsicles. Don’t force them out!

Can I adjust the sweetness without using honey? What are some alternatives?

Absolutely! Maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a little bit of sugar can be used as alternatives to honey.

How long can I store these popsicles in the freezer?

You can store these popsicles in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Enjoy making (and eating!) these Strawberry Chaat Masala Popsicles. I hope they bring a little bit of sunshine to your day! Let me know in the comments how they turn out for you. Happy blending!