Sweet Corn Chaat Recipe – Quick Indian Street Food Salad

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Sweet Corn Chaat Recipe – Quick Indian Street Food Salad

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, flavorful snack that hits all the right spots. This Sweet Corn Chaat is exactly that. I first made this when I was craving something light and tangy, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and zesty – seriously addictive! Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Corn Chaat is a total winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. It’s bursting with fresh flavors and textures. And honestly, it’s just a fun, vibrant dish that always brightens up my day. It’s the kind of snack that’s perfect for a quick bite, a picnic, or even a party.

Ingredients

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

• 400 grams corn cobs (about 3-4 medium cobs)
• 1 small onion
• 1 small to medium cucumber
• 0.25 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 0.25 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves (fresh is best!)
• 0.5-1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt, as required

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Corn: Fresh corn is key here. The sweetness really makes the chaat sing. Look for cobs with plump, tightly packed kernels.
• Chilli Powder: I usually use Kashmiri chilli powder for a vibrant color and mild heat. But feel free to use whatever you have on hand – regular chilli powder works great too!
• Chaat Masala (Optional): While not traditionally in every Sweet Corn Chaat, a pinch of chaat masala adds a lovely tangy complexity. Different regions in India have their own preferred blends, so experiment and find one you love!
• Coriander: Fresh coriander (cilantro) is a must! It adds such a bright, fresh flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, you’ll want to cook your corn. You can steam, boil, or even pressure cook the corn cobs until they’re tender. I usually steam them for about 10-12 minutes.
2. Once the corn is cooked, let it cool down enough to handle. Then, carefully scrape the kernels off the cob into a mixing bowl. This is the best part – so satisfying!
3. Now, finely chop your onion and cucumber and add them to the bowl with the corn.
4. Add the red chilli powder, roasted cumin powder, and salt. Don’t be shy with the salt – it really brings out the flavors.
5. Squeeze in the lemon juice. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of olive oil adds a lovely richness.
6. Finally, toss everything together really well until all the ingredients are nicely combined.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy! Or, if you prefer, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes for a refreshing treat.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the corn! You want it to be tender but still have a little bit of bite.
• Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
• For a more vibrant color, add a pinch of turmeric powder.
• If you want a creamier chaat, add a tablespoon of yogurt.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Spice Level Adjustments: If you like things really spicy, add more chilli powder or a chopped green chilli. For a milder chaat, reduce the chilli powder or omit it altogether.
• Addition of Tomatoes & Peppers: My friend, Priya, loves adding finely chopped tomatoes and bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your chilli powder doesn’t contain any hidden animal products.
• Festival Adaptations – Navratri/Fast-Friendly: During Navratri fasting, you can skip the onion and garlic to make this a vrat-friendly snack.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Corn Chaat is fantastic on its own, but it’s also great with:

• A side of papdi (crispy fried dough wafers)
• A sprinkle of sev (thin chickpea noodles)
• A dollop of yogurt

Storage Instructions

This chaat is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The corn might lose a little bit of its crunch, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh? You can, but the flavor won’t be quite as good. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.
• How can I adjust the spice level? Easily! Just add more or less chilli powder, or use a milder or hotter variety.
• What is the best way to cook the corn on the cob? Steaming is my preferred method, but boiling or pressure cooking also work well.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time (cook the corn, chop the veggies), but I recommend assembling the chaat just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.