Chatpate, aka "Chatpate" or "Chaat," is an ultra-famous street food snack in Nepal. It is tangy, spicy, savory, and has mix-ins with puffed rice, vegetables, and many seasonings. It's quick, easy, and light to prepare—just right for a snack or even as an appetizer. Here is the recipe to make Chatpate at home.
Ingredients
- Puffed Rice: 2 cups
- Boiled Potato: 1 medium, peeled and diced
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Tomato: 1 small, finely chopped
- Cucumber: 1 small, finely chopped, optional
- Carrot: 1 small, grated, optional
- Green Chilies: 1-2, finely chopped, adjust to taste
- Roasted Peanuts: 1/4 cup
- Bhujia or Sev: 1/4 cup, optional, extra crunch
- Mustard Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, adjust to taste
- Chaat Masala: 1 teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: 1/2 teaspoon, optional, extra heat
- Turmeric Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Fresh Coriander Leaves: chopped, for garnish
- Papdi or Golgappa, Puri: crushed, for garnish, optional
Instructions:
Prepare Vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion, tomato, cucumber and green chilies. Grate the carrot. Dice boiled potato into small cubes.
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the puffed rice (murmura).
- Add the chopped vegetables, onion, tomato, cucumber, carrot), and diced boiled potatoes.
- Toss in the roasted peanuts and bhujia or sev for that extra crunch.
Season the Chatpate:
- Sprinkle the mustard oil on the mix. Mustard oil imparts a sharp taste; however, you may use any other oil if you prefer it that way.
- Add the chaat masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder and salt. Toss well so that the masalas stick to the puffed rice and the vegetables evenly.
Add the Tangy Flavours:
- Squeeze the lemon juice over it, tossing really well. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste.
- If desired, crush some papdi or golgappa puris and mix them in for added texture.
Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve immediately so that the puffed rice does not get soggy.
Tips:
You can further customize this Chatpate by adding other ingredients like boiled chickpeas, chopped fruits such as mangoes or apples, or sprouts. Adjust spice levels according to taste. The best time for serving Chatpate is when it's fresh, as puffed rice gets soggy after some time.
Enjoy your flavorful and spicy Nepali Chatpate!