TAMATAR CHAAT RECIPE
Tamatar Chaat isnтАЩt just a dishтАФitтАЩs a flavor explosion, a street-side ritual, and a comfort bowl for every soul wandering the ghats of Varanasi. Unlike the usual cold chaats topped with chutneys, this one is hot, mushy, sweet, spicy, and unapologetically messy. ItтАЩs the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and say, тАЬYeh toh asli Banaras hai.тАЭ
Whether youтАЩre a hostel student craving warmth on a foggy morning or a food blogger chasing viral-worthy content, this recipe is your golden ticket.
ЁЯзВ Ingredients: The Heart of the Chaat
HereтАЩs what youтАЩll need for 4 servings:
ЁЯФе For the Tamatar Base:
- Tomatoes тАУ 4 medium, chopped
- Boiled potatoes тАУ 2, mashed
- Onion тАУ 1, finely chopped
- Ginger тАУ 1 inch, grated
- Green chilli тАУ 1, chopped
- Ghee or oil тАУ 2 tbsp
- Pav bhaji masala тАУ 2 tsp
- Garam masala тАУ 1 tsp
- Cumin powder тАУ 1 tsp
- Red chilli powder тАУ 1 tsp
- Chaat masala тАУ 1 tsp
- Black salt тАУ ┬╜ tsp
- Regular salt тАУ to taste
- Lemon juice тАУ 1 tsp
ЁЯНн For the Spicy Sugar Syrup:
- Water тАУ ┬╜ cup
- Sugar тАУ ┬╝ cup
- Roasted cumin powder тАУ ┬╝ tsp
- Red chilli powder тАУ ┬╝ tsp
- Black salt тАУ ┬╝ tsp
- Salt тАУ a pinch
ЁЯМ┐ For Garnish:
- Namak pare тАУ ┬╜ cup (or sev)
- Fresh coriander тАУ ┬╝ cup, chopped
- Optional: Boondi, tamarind chutney drizzle
ЁЯН│ Step-by-Step Recipe
1я╕ПтГг Prepare the Spicy Sugar Syrup
This syrup is the soul of Tamatar ChaatтАФit replaces traditional chutneys and adds a sweet-spicy kick.
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar.
- Add cumin powder, red chilli powder, black salt, and regular salt.
- Boil until it reaches a sticky consistency (about 5 minutes).
- Set aside to cool.
2я╕ПтГг Make the Tamatar Base
- Heat ghee in a kadai. Add ginger, green chilli, and onion. Saut├й until translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook covered for 5тАУ7 minutes until mushy.
- Add mashed potatoes and mix well.
- Sprinkle all dry spices: pav bhaji masala, garam masala, cumin powder, red chilli powder, chaat masala, black salt, and regular salt.
- Stir and cook for 2тАУ3 minutes until the mixture thickens and ghee starts separating.
- Finish with lemon juice and chopped coriander.
3я╕ПтГг Assemble the Chaat
- In a serving bowl, add a generous scoop of the tamatar base.
- Drizzle 2 tbsp of spicy sugar syrup.
- Top with namak pare or sev.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and optional boondi or chutney.
FOR VIDEO REFERENCE : COOK WITH PARUL
ЁЯза Flavor Science: Why It Works
Tamatar Chaat is a masterclass in contrast:
- Hot vs Crunchy: The warm tomato-potato base collides with crispy namak pare.
- Sweet vs Spicy: Sugar syrup balances the heat from chillies and masalas.
- Tangy vs Earthy: Lemon juice and black salt lift the richness of ghee and potatoes.
This dish doesnтАЩt just satisfy hungerтАФit stimulates every taste bud.
ЁЯПа Hostel-Friendly Hacks
- Use ready-made tamarind chutney if youтАЩre short on time.
- Microwave tomatoes and potatoes to save fuel.
- Replace namak pare with crushed papdi or chips.
- Skip onions and garlic during fasting daysтАФthis recipe still shines.
ЁЯзШ Emotional Connect: Why It Comforts
Tamatar Chaat is the kind of dish that feels like a hug. For students away from home, itтАЩs a reminder of street-side warmth. For foodies, itтАЩs a discovery of a lesser-known gem. And for bloggersтАФitтАЩs a story waiting to be told.
ЁЯеД Final Thoughts
Tamatar Chaat is messy, bold, and unforgettableтАФjust like Banaras itself. Whether youтАЩre cooking in a hostel kitchen or crafting content for your blog, this recipe delivers comfort, character, and clicks.
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