Nutritious Twist on a Tangy Chaat Classic 😋 💪❤️🌱

Banarasi Tamatar Chaat

Discover the flavors of India with this protein-rich version of Tamatar Chaat — a vibrant, spicy, and tangy dish from the streets of Banaras, reimagined with a nutritious twist! Perfect for a cozy evening snack or a unique brunch, this chaat combines tender yellow peas with fragrant spices and zesty chutneys, making it an irresistible treat high in protein and flavor.

Ingredients:

✨️ For the tomato base:

2 tbsp coconut oil or plant-based oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tbsp grated ginger

1 tbsp minced green chilli

5–10 tbsp chopped cashews

½ tsp turmeric

1 tsp chilli powder (optional)

1 tsp cumin powder

½ tsp coriander powder

½ tsp garam masala

1 tsp chaat masala

2 tbsp tamarind chutney

2 medium-sized chopped tomatoes

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

2 cups boiled yellow peas (or potato)

1 cup water

2 tbsp minced mint leaves 

2 tbsp minced coriander leaves

✨️ For garnishing:

Roasted cumin powder

Black salt (must-have)

Minced green chili or red chili powder

Roasted cashews

Sev or namak pare

Finely chopped coriander

Instructions:

🌱 To prepare the tomato base:

1. In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp oil and add cumin seeds. Once they change color, add ginger and green chilli, and sauté on low heat for 1-2 minutes.  

2. Add cashews and sauté until golden brown.

3. Add mint and coriander leaves and sauté for another 2 minutes on low heat. 

4. On low heat, add the powdered spices: turmeric, chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and chaat masala — sauté until aromatic (2-3 minutes). 

5. Add chopped tomatoes and salt, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat. Then cook till all the water disappears. 

6. Add the boiled yellow peas and 1/2-1 cup of water, mixing well. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Add tamarind chutney and mix. 

Your flavorful tomato base is ready. 😍

🌱 To serve:

1. On a serving plate, spoon the prepared tomato base and top it with plant based curd and a little tamarind chutney.  

2. Sprinkle some black salt, roasted cumin powder, minced coriander, roasted cashew, and minced green chilli or red chilli powder.

3. Add some sev or namak pare for a satisfying crunch, and enjoy your protein-packed Banarasi Tamatar Chaat this Diwali! 

Make this to add the essence of Banaras Streets to your Diwali celebrations. This dish is a nutritious take on a classic favorite — perfect for fueling up while savoring iconic flavors this festive season. 😋😍😄