Shakarkandi Chaat is a popular Indian street food snack made from boiled sweet potatoes mixed with a medley of spices, tangy chutneys, and crunchy toppings. The boiled sweet potatoes are diced and seasoned with chaat masala, lemon juice, and other spices, then garnished with coriander leaves and optional green chilies. Tamarind and mint chutneys are drizzled over the mixture, adding a sweet and tangy flavor. The chaat is finished with a generous sprinkle of crispy sev (chickpea noodles) and sometimes pomegranate seeds for extra texture and taste. It’s a flavorful, satisfying, and nutritious snack that offers a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy flavors.
Here’s a recipe to make Shakarkandi Chaat:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes (shakarkandi)
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Tamarind chutney (store-bought or homemade)
- Mint chutney (store-bought or homemade)
- Sev (thin, crispy chickpea noodles)
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes:
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water.
- Place them in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
- Let them cook until tender. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes.
- Once cooked, drain the water and let the sweet potatoes cool down.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel the boiled sweet potatoes and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the sweet potato pieces in a mixing bowl.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes:
- Add chopped green chilies (if using), and fresh coriander leaves to the bowl with sweet potatoes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture.
- Sprinkle chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt according to taste.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the Chaat:
- Transfer the seasoned sweet potato mixture onto a serving platter.
- Drizzle some tamarind chutney and mint chutney over the top, according to your preference.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of sev on top of the chaat.
- Optionally, garnish with pomegranate seeds for added flavor and color.
- Serve:
- Shakarkandi Chaat is best served immediately after assembling to maintain its crunchiness.
- Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious snack as a standalone dish or as a side accompaniment to your meals.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels, chutney quantities, and toppings according to your taste preferences. This recipe offers a balance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and crunchy flavors that make Shakarkandi Chaat a delightful treat for any occasion!
