This chana chaat recipe is a quick and refreshing Indian snack made with boiled white chickpeas, fresh veggies, and tangy spices.
It’s a light, protein-rich dish that you can prepare in minutes using either freshly boiled or leftover chana.
This flavorful mix of chickpeas, lemon, and chaat masala makes it perfect for tea time or a healthy mid-day bite. Every spoonful is bursting with freshness and crunch. (step-by-step-recipe-video)
About Chana Chaat Recipe:
Some recipes just happen without any planning, and this was one of those.
One afternoon, while working, I couldn’t stop thinking about the bowl of leftover boiled chana sitting quietly in the fridge.
I didn’t want to waste it, but I also didn’t want to make the same old curry again.
That’s when the idea of an instant chana chaat came to my mind.
I rushed to the kitchen, took out the chickpeas, chopped a few onions and tomatoes, added a handful of coriander and a squeeze of lemon, and before I knew it, the chaat was ready in less than 10 minutes.
When I brought it to the table, my family was surprised, they couldn’t believe I had made something so flavorful in the middle of my workday!
The combination of soft chana, crisp onions, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cornflakes turned out to be an instant hit.
This healthy chana chaat is the kind of recipe that reminds you how simple ingredients can make magic.
It’s quick, filling, and so versatile that you can serve it as a tea-time snack, a light lunch, or even pack it for your kids’ tiffin box. (If you’re packing this chana chaat for a lunch box, skip adding onions as they start smelling when kept for long).
Whether you have leftover chana or freshly boiled ones, this chaat will never disappoint.
Serving Suggestion for Instant Chana Chaat:
Serve this instant chana chaat fresh for the best texture and taste. It goes wonderfully with evening tea or coffee.
You can also serve it as a party snack, a kids’ tiffin recipe, or even as a light meal when you want something wholesome yet quick.
Storage Suggestion for Leftover Chana Chaat:
You can refrigerate boiled chickpeas for up to 2–3 days and make the chaat anytime.
But once you mix in onions, tomatoes, and chutney, consume it immediately, the veggies will release moisture and make it soggy if left for long.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Healthy Chana Chaat:
Add lemon juice only before serving to retain freshness.
For extra crunch, use roasted peanuts or puffed rice instead of cornflakes.
If you want a spicier chaat, add finely chopped green chillies or sprinkle black salt.
You can even add cucumber or grated carrots to make it more colourful and nutritious.
Why You Should Make This White Chickpeas Chaat Recipe:
This white chickpeas chaat recipe is everything you want in a quick Indian snack – tangy, spicy, filling, and full of flavor.
It’s also a great way to give leftover food a tasty twist instead of letting it go to waste.
Once you make it, you’ll realize that healthy snacking doesn’t have to be boring at all.
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Basic Ingredients Used to Make Instant Chana Chaat:
White Chickpeas: The star ingredient. Rich in protein and fibre, keeps you full longer.
Onion, Tomato and Coriander Leaves: Add freshness and texture to balance the soft chana.
Chaat Masala & Lemon: Give that signature tangy flavour that makes chaat irresistible.
Cornflakes & Sev: Bring crunch and fun to every bite.
Pomegranate Seeds: Add natural sweetness and a burst of colour.
How to Make Healthy Chana Chaat:
Let us learn how to make White Chickpea Chaat Recipe with my easy to follow step by step method. You can download the below recipe card for easy reference.
Chana Chaat Recipe
Ingredients
For Chana Chaat:
- 2 cups white chickpeas boiled, kabuli chana
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes finely chopped
- 3 tbsp coriander leaves finely chopped
- 2 green chillies finely chopped
- red chilli powder a pinch, optional
- ½ tsp chaat masala or as per taste
- 3 tbsp sev
- plain cornflakes as needed
- 3 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- salt as per taste
- lemon juice as per taste
For Boiling Chana:
- 1 cup dried white chickpeas
- Water enough to soak and cook
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
To Boil Chana:
- Wash and soak chickpeas overnight or for 7-8 hours.
- Drain and add soaked chana to a pressure cooker with fresh water and salt.
- Pressure cook for 4-5 whistles or until soft.
- Drain and let it cool completely. (save the water used for boiling chana, it’s full of nutrients and can be used to knead dough or in curries)
To Make Chana Chaat:
- In a large bowl, combine boiled chickpeas, onion, tomato, green chillies, chilli powder, chaat masala, coriander, salt, lemon juice and pomegranate seeds.
- Mix well until everything blends evenly.
- Taste and adjust spices.
- Garnish with sev and cornflakes just before serving.
- Serve fresh with hot tea or coffee.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Question About This Healthy Chana Chaat:
Can I use canned chickpeas?
Yes, you can. Just rinse them thoroughly before mixing.
Can I prepare chana chaat ahead of time?
You can prep all ingredients in advance but mix them just before serving to keep it crunchy.
Is chana chaat good for weight loss?
Yes. It’s high in protein, fibre, and low in oil, perfect for healthy snacking.
Is it vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free if you skip sev.
What else can I add to chana chaat?
You can include cucumber, grated carrot, or boiled potatoes to make it more filling.
Can I use black chana instead of white chickpeas?
Yes, you can. Black chana gives a slightly earthy flavour and is just as healthy. Soak and pressure cook it until soft before using.
How can I make chana chaat without sev or cornflakes?
You can use roasted peanuts, puffed rice (murmura), or crushed papdi for crunch instead of sev or cornflakes.
Can I serve chana chaat cold?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before serving if you prefer it chilled. Just mix in sev or cornflakes right before serving to retain the crunch.
How do I make my chana chaat more flavourful?
Add roasted cumin powder, squeeze some extra lemon juice, and sprinkle a bit of black salt or amchur for an extra punch.
Is chana chaat good for weight loss?
Yes, it’s a great choice! High in protein and fibre, it keeps you full longer and cut down unhealthy snacking.
Can I make chana chaat for parties?
Absolutely! Prepare all ingredients in advance and mix just before serving to keep it fresh and colourful.
My Recommended Product:
I recommend using a good-quality pressure cooker for boiling chana. It cooks faster, helps retain nutrients, and makes the chickpeas perfectly tender.
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