- In a large bowl, combine sweet corn kernels, chopped carrots, cucumbers, minced onion, chopped tomatoes, and chopped coriander leaves.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Calories:150 kcal25%
- Energy:627 kJ22%
- Protein:4 g28%
- Carbohydrates:22 mg40%
- Sugar:8 mg8%
- Salt:200 g25%
- Fat:7 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Sweet Corn Chaat Recipe – Quick & Easy Indian Street Food Salad
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, refreshing snack that’s bursting with flavor. And let me tell you, this Sweet Corn Chaat is it. It’s seriously one of my go-to recipes when I want something light, healthy, and totally satisfying. I first made this when I was craving the vibrant street food flavors of India but didn’t have a ton of time – and it’s been a family favorite ever since!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Corn Chaat is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s incredibly easy to make – seriously, it comes together in under 10 minutes! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover veggies you have in the fridge. It’s a light yet filling snack, perfect for a quick bite or as a side dish. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good chaat?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:
- 2 cup sweet corn kernels
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 cucumber, chopped
- 1 onion, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 tbsp coriander leaves (cilantro), chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Fresh sweet corn is always best – the sweetness really shines through. If you can get your hands on it, even better! But frozen corn works in a pinch too (more on that in the FAQs).
I like to use Roma tomatoes for this chaat because they’re firm and hold their shape well. But any ripe tomato will do. Feel free to experiment!
Now, about chaat masala… traditionally, chaat masala is a key component of many Indian chaats. However, this recipe is designed to be super simple and relies on salt and pepper for seasoning. If you do want to add a little extra zing, a sprinkle of chaat masala is fantastic! Different regions in India have their own unique blends, so feel free to use your favorite.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s so easy, you won’t believe it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the boiled sweet corn kernels, chopped carrots, cucumbers, minced onion, and chopped tomatoes. Don’t be shy with the veggies – the more color, the better!
- Next, toss in those lovely, fresh coriander leaves. They add such a bright, herbaceous flavor.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables. This helps everything come together and adds a nice richness.
- Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a little and add more as needed – you can always adjust!
- Finally, toss everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Give it a good mix!
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness. Trust me, you don’t want to wait!
Expert Tips
- Boiling the corn briefly brings out its sweetness. Don’t overcook it, though – you want it to still have a little bite.
- Chopping the vegetables into similar sizes ensures a nice, even texture.
- Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there and mix it all up!
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Spice Level Adjustments: Add a pinch of red chili powder or a finely chopped green chili for a little heat. My friend, Priya, loves to add a dash of cayenne pepper!
- Addition of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors beautifully.
- Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan!
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
- Festival Adaptations: During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can skip the onion and garlic to make this a vrat-friendly snack.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Corn Chaat is fantastic on its own as a light snack. It also makes a wonderful side dish with a simple Indian meal. I love serving it with a side of papdi (crispy fried dough wafers) for extra crunch.
Storage Instructions
Honestly, this chaat is best enjoyed immediately. The vegetables will start to get soggy if you store it for too long. However, if you absolutely must, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. But the texture won’t be quite the same.
FAQs
Let’s answer some common questions!
- Is this chaat best served immediately? Yes! It’s at its freshest and most flavorful right after it’s made.
- Can I use frozen corn? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.
- What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, radish, or even pomegranate seeds would be delicious additions.
- How can I adjust the spice level? Add a pinch of red chili powder, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped green chili.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best to make it right before serving, but you can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.