Banarasi Tamatar Chaat is a flavorful and tangy snack that originates from the vibrant streets of Varanasi, also known as Banaras. This unique chaat combines ripe tomatoes with a blend of spices, chutneys, and crispy ingredients, making it a refreshing treat perfect for all occasions. The street vendors of Banaras have been serving this delectable dish for generations, and now you can easily recreate it at home.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Banarasi Tamatar Chaat at home, with the perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy flavors.
Ingredients for Banarasi Tamatar Chaat:
- For the base:
- 4 ripe tomatoes (medium-sized)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small cucumber (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped, optional)
- For the seasoning and chutneys:
- 1 tablespoon roasted cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon chaat masala
- 1 tablespoon black salt
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
- 1 tablespoon mint chutney (optional for extra freshness)
- For the crunch:
- 1/4 cup crispy sev (gram flour noodles)
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon crushed papdi (optional)
- Other toppings:
- 1-2 tablespoons yogurt (optional, for a creamy touch)
Instructions:
- Prepare the tomatoes:
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and chop them into small cubes. You can choose to peel the tomatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds extra crunch and flavor.
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Finely chop the onion and cucumber. These vegetables will add a refreshing crunch to the dish.
- Mix the base ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and green chilies (if using). Add the fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and mix well.
- Season the mixture:
- Add roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, red chili powder, and lemon juice to the tomato mixture. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients with the spices.
- Add the chutneys:
- Pour in the tangy tamarind chutney and mint chutney (if using). These chutneys give the chaat its signature flavor. Adjust the amount of chutney to suit your taste preference.
- Assemble the chaat:
- Once all the ingredients are well-mixed, transfer the mixture to serving plates or bowls.
- Top with a generous amount of crispy sev for crunch, and sprinkle some pomegranate seeds for a sweet, juicy pop.
- Garnish and serve:
- If you like, drizzle some yogurt on top for a creamy finish. Garnish with additional fresh coriander and a sprinkle of chaat masala if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Banarasi Tamatar Chaat:
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best taste. Overripe tomatoes may be too mushy and watery.
- Crispy sev: The sev provides a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft tomatoes. Make sure to add it just before serving to retain its crunch.
- Adjust spice levels: You can control the spiciness of the chaat by adjusting the amount of green chilies, red chili powder, and chaat masala used.
- Tamarind chutney: The tangy and sweet tamarind chutney is a key ingredient in this recipe. You can easily find it in most Indian grocery stores or make it at home by simmering tamarind pulp with jaggery and spices.
- Yogurt: If you prefer a richer flavor, add a dollop of thick yogurt on top for a creamy texture. This also balances the spicy and tangy chutneys.
Why You’ll Love Banarasi Tamatar Chaat:
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 15-20 minutes, making it a perfect snack for any time of the day.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and tangy chutneys delivers a burst of flavor with every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the spices or toppings according to your personal taste. Whether you like it more spicy or sweet, this chaat is easily adjustable.
- Healthy: Packed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs, this chaat is light, refreshing, and loaded with vitamins.
Banarasi Tamatar Chaat is a perfect snack for hot summer days or as a quick appetizer before a larger meal. It brings the essence of Banaras’ vibrant street food culture right into your home, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked on its irresistible flavors!
