Sweet Corn Chaat Recipe – Spicy Indian Street Food Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sweet Corn Chaat Recipe – Spicy Indian Street Food Snack

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. And let me tell you, this Sweet Corn Chaat is it. It’s a vibrant explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors – seriously addictive! I first made this when I was craving something light and chatpata (tangy) and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s the perfect little pick-me-up any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Corn Chaat is more than just a snack; it’s a little slice of Indian street food happiness you can make right in your kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, needing just about 10 minutes of cooking time and 5 minutes of prep. Plus, it’s bursting with fresh flavors and textures. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it’s just plain fun to eat!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sweet Corn Chaat:

• 2 cups sweet corn kernels
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sweet chili sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder (lal mirch)
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 0.5 teaspoon roasted cumin powder (jeera powder)
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec!

• Chaat Masala: This is the star of the show! It’s a tangy, savory spice blend that gives chaat its signature flavor. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or even online. Trust me, it’s worth having in your pantry.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a lovely sweetness and a gentle kick. I like to use the one with visible chili flakes for extra flavor.
• Sweet Corn: Sweet corn is surprisingly versatile in Indian cuisine. While often used in simpler dishes, it really shines when paired with these bold spices. You can use fresh, canned, or even frozen corn – I’ll share more on that in the FAQs!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s boil the corn. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the sweet corn kernels, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the corn is tender but still slightly crunchy.
2. Drain the water completely. You really want to get rid of all the excess water, so the chaat doesn’t get soggy.
3. Now for the fun part! While the corn is still hot, toss it with the butter in a bowl. This helps the butter melt and coat the kernels beautifully.
4. Add the chopped onion, tomato, green chili, and cilantro to the bowl.
5. Next, sprinkle in the sweet chili sauce, red chili powder, chaat masala, cumin powder, and Italian herbs.
6. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.
7. Finally, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the mixture and toss again. This brightens up all the flavors and adds a lovely tang.
8. Serve immediately while warm, or chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes for a cooler snack.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the corn! You want it to have a little bite.
• Taste as you go and adjust the spices to your liking.
• Fresh cilantro makes a huge difference, so don’t skip it!
• A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving really elevates the flavors.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative. It works beautifully!
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
• Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of green chili and red chili powder. Or, if you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper! My friend, Priya, loves to add a dash of ghost pepper powder – she’s fearless!
• Festival Adaptations: This is a fantastic quick snack to serve during festivals like Diwali or Holi. It’s light, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Corn Chaat is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A side of papdi (crispy fried dough wafers) for extra crunch.
• A dollop of yogurt for a cooling effect.
• A sprinkle of sev (thin chickpea noodles) for added texture.

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 of its crunch, but it will still be tasty!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this recipe suitable for kids? Yes, absolutely! Just reduce or omit the green chili and red chili powder.
• Can I use frozen corn kernels? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before boiling.
• What is Chaat Masala and where can I find it? Chaat Masala is a tangy spice blend commonly used in Indian street food. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online retailers like Amazon.
• Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (chop the veggies, measure the spices) ahead of time.
• How can I adjust the tanginess of the chaat? Simply add more or less lemon juice to suit your taste.

Enjoy making this Sweet Corn Chaat! I hope it brings a little bit of Indian street food magic to your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!