Chana Chaat (Chickpea Chaat with Potatoes)

Chana Chaat is an Indian street-style snack made with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and tomatoes. This tangy, spicy chickpea chaat is packed with flavor from chutneys and spices. Serve it as an appetizer or snack, or enjoy it as a flavorful side dish with dinner!

It takes just 10 minutes to prepare this delicious chaat using pre-cooked chickpeas and boiled potatoes, making it a perfect recipe for leftovers. Topped with thin sev, crushed papdi, and chutneys drizzled on top.

I usually keep tamarind and cilantro chutneys ready in the fridge, which makes it easy to whip up any chaat.

You can also use black chickpeas to make this chaat, similar to my Kala Chana Chaat recipe.

Whenever I make Chana Masala or Coconut Chickpea Curry, I cook some extra chickpeas to make this chaat.

Why You’ll Love This Aloo Chana Chaat?

✓ It is oil-free, which means it contains fewer calories.

✓ It’s simple to make if using pre-cooked chickpeas – ready in 10 minutes.

✓ It is high in protein and fiber.

✓ It’s packed with vibrant flavors and colors.

What is Chana(Chickpeas)?

Chickpeas are a popular legume found across nearly every continent, which is not surprising, given their numerous benefits and nutritional content.

They are a powerhouse of nutrients packed with plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and carbohydrates. One cup of boiled chickpeas has 269 calories, with 45 grams of carbohydrates, 4.5 grams of protein, and a whopping 12.5 grams of fiber.

In the US, chickpeas are available at Indian grocery stores or on Amazon. You can also substitute them with black chickpeas in this recipe.

If you need a quick way to cook chickpeas, check out this guide on how to Cook Chickpeas in the Instant Pot.

What is Chaat?

Chaat is basically a savory snack served as a hors d’oeuvre or snacks from stalls or food carts in India. Chaat is typically crunchy, spicy, and tangy all at once. Normally, a chaat consists of a base, spices, chutneys, and garnishes.

What Chutneys are needed to make Aloo Chana Chaat?

Two types of chutney are used in this chaat to bring that sweet, tangy, and spicy taste. 

• Sweet Tamarind chutney – This chutney combines the taste of sweet and tangy. The sweetness of dates and tanginess of the tamarind, along with jaggery, make it a must-addition to Aloo Chana Chaat.
• Cilantro chutney – It is the chutney prepared with fresh mint leaves, coriander, lemon juice, and salt.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas: Also known as garbanzo beans or chana in Hindi. Chickpeas can be canned or cooked. If using canned, drain and rinse it first. You can also cook dried chickpeas in the Instant Pot.
• Potatoes: Provides a hearty and filling element. Use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They should be pre-boiled
• Tomatoes: Use firm, ripe tomatoes. Roma or cherry tomatoes can be used.
• Onion: I used red onions because they work best in the chaats. They add a lovely color, crunch, and sweetness to the salad.
• Chutneys: Tamarind chutney and mint cilantro chutney are essential additions to most chaat. They add the tangy and spicy flavors to the chaat.
• Green Chili Pepper: Dice and top on the chaat. Remember to adjust the amount to your taste or skip it.
• Seasoning: Salt, black salt, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and chaat masala – the star ingredient that gives the tangy, zingy flavor. 
• Garnishes: Top with lime juice, cilantro leaves, optionally crushed papdis, and a few thin sev (also called nylon sev).

How to Make Aloo Chana Chaat?

This Aloo Chana Chaat is easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have at home. The main ingredients are boiled chickpeas and potatoes, which bring a hearty base to the chaat.

Dice the red onion, tomato, and boiled potatoes. For a bit of spice, finely chop the green chili (optional).

In a bowl or plate, spread the yogurt.

Now add the boiled chickpeas, diced potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and green chili (if using). Sprinkle in the roasted cumin powder, black salt, chaat masala, and a bit of regular salt as needed.

Adjust the green chutney and tamarind chutney to taste. These chutneys bring that classic tangy and spicy flavor to the chaat. Add Kashmiri red chili powder for a mild hint of spice.

Squeeze in fresh lime juice, and toss in crushed papdi and thin sev for crunch. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves for freshness.

Mix everything gently and serve this flavorful Aloo Chana Chaat as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.

How to Serve?

Serve Aloo Chana Chaat fresh and immediately after mixing to enjoy its crunch and freshness.

You can serve it in small bowls as an appetizer or snack, or as a side dish with your main meal.

We hope you enjoy this easy yet delicious Aloo Chana Chaat. For a variation, try my Indian chickpea salad.

Storage Suggestions

This Aloo Chana Chaat tastes its best when consumed freshly.

If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. To keep it crunchy, wait to add the sev and papdi until just before serving, as they can get soft. When you’re ready to eat, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and some extra cilantro to brighten it up.

You can prepare it ahead of time by keeping all the ingredients ready in the refrigerator and mixing them just before serving. I hope you enjoy this easy Aloo Chana chaat. 

Variations:

• Avocado: Adding avocado will lend this chaat a creamy texture.
• Fresh Vegetables: Cucumbers, bell peppers, or grated carrots can add more crunch and nutrition.
• Yogurt: Adding a little whisked yogurt along with the chutney takes it to the next level.
• Protein: Add a sprinkle of roasted peanuts or chopped nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for an extra protein boost and added crunch.

Want More Chickpea Recipes?

Lentils & Beans

Instant Pot Chickpea Curry with Spinach (Chana Saag)

Appetizers & Snacks

Vegan Chickpea Squash Fritters

Lentils & Beans

Instant Pot Chana Masala (Punjabi Chole Masala / Chickpea Curry)

Salads

Indian Chickpea Salad