Dahi Alloo Chole Chat

This Dahi Chana Chaat is a delicious, tangy, and flavorful Indian street-style snack made with boiled chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys, and spices. Just like the kind served by vendors and carts—bursting with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

Base:

• 1 cup chickpeas (boiled until soft; soak overnight and boil with salt)

• 2 medium boiled potatoes (chopped)

• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)

• 2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped)

• 1 cucumber (chopped, optional)

• 1 green chili (finely chopped, optional)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

For the yogurt:

• 1 cup thick curd (yogurt)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

Chutney:

• 2 tablespoons tamarind sweet-sour chutney

Spices:

• 2 teaspoons chaat masala

• 1/2 teaspoon black salt

• 1/2 teaspoon regular salt

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon roasted crushed cumin seeds

For topping:

• Additional tamarind chutney

• Whisked yogurt

• Papdi (crisp crackers) or crushed puris

• Savory sev or thin vermicelli (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Chickpeas:

   • Soak overnight and boil with salt until soft but not mushy.

   • Do not use baking soda—it alters flavor and texture.

2. Prepare the Yogurt:

   • In a bowl, whisk thick curd with 1 tsp sugar until smooth.

   • Set aside. Do not add water.

3. Mix the Chaat Base:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add boiled chickpeas, chopped potatoes, onions, tomatoes, cucumber, green chili, and coriander leaves.

   • Toss gently.

4. Add Spices:

   • Add chaat masala, black salt, regular salt, crushed red chilies, and roasted cumin.

   • Add tamarind chutney and mix everything well so the spices coat every ingredient.

5. Final Assembly:

   • Transfer to a serving bowl.

   • Top with extra tamarind chutney and the prepared sweetened yogurt.

   • Add crushed papdi or puris and sprinkle some sev or salty vermicelli for crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

• Enjoy as an evening snack or a light lunch.

Tips:

• Use only thick curd to avoid watery chaat.

• Adjust spice levels to your preference.

• You can prepare the chickpea mix in advance and assemble with yogurt and toppings before serving.