You’re an Indian and you haven’t had chaats—that seems impossible! Chaats are the most beloved street food in India and have spread worldwide. The sight of it makes people salivate and ask for more. From aloo tikki chaat to bhel puri, chaats are something that can be cherished at any time of the day, whether individually or shared with family and friends.
Having vibrant flavours and an enticing texture, chaats are enjoyed by adults and kids alike. They are the easiest and most common street foods that are often deep-fried and have poor nutritional value. Although you love indulging in chaats, you must know that they are not very beneficial for your health, especially if you’re trying to stay away from extra kilos. However, if you make chaats at home, it gives you the opportunity to enjoy the culinary delight in a healthier and guilt-free way. With the inclusion of fresh ingredients, smart cooking techniques, and mindful choices, you can easily make your chaats nutritious and healthy. Here are six tips you can follow to make your homemade chaats healthy. Take a look:
- Opt For Whole Grain Or Legume Bases
If you want to make your chaat a nutritious one, choose whole grain or legume-based ingredients as the base. Instead of refined flour puris or fried papdis, consider healthier alternatives like baked whole wheat or multigrain crackers, steamed green moong, roasted peanuts, or even steamed lentils. They not only provide essential nutrients like fibre and protein but also keep you full and satisfied for a longer time.
- Load Up On Fresh Vegetables
Apart from providing you with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, vegetables add vibrant colour and a refreshing crunch to your chaat. Add a variety of colourful vegetables, like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and shredded carrots, to enhance the nutritional value of your dish. You can also experiment with different combinations to create visually appealing and flavour-packed chaats that are both nutritious and delicious
- Use Yoghurt-Based Sauces And Chutneys
The street-style chaats often feature creamy sauces and chutneys that are made from full-fat yoghurt or mayonnaise, which can be high in calories and saturated fats. If you’re making the chaats at home, you can easily opt for yoghurt-based sauces and chutneys flavoured with herbs, spices, and citrus juices. Use Greek yoghurt or low-fat yoghurt to create a creamy, tangy dressing that adds flavour and moisture to the chaat without the excess calories.
- Bake Or Air Fry Instead Of Frying
You can modify the cooking method and make your chaats healthier. For instance, samosas, pakoras, or aloo tikkis are deep-fried; instead, you can consider baking them or air-frying them with minimal oil to achieve a crispy texture. This helps reduce the overall fat content of your chaat while maintaining its delicious crunch. Brush or spray a small amount of oil on the surface of the food before cooking so that it attains golden-brown perfection without excess grease.
- Limit Added Sugars And Salt
Without the sweet and tangy chutneys, as well as the chaat masalas, no chaat can be complete. However, these often contain added sugars and salt. To make your homemade chaats healthier, reduce the amount of sugar and salt in these condiments and opt for natural sweeteners and low-sodium alternatives. Use fresh fruits like mango, pomegranate, or pineapple to add natural sweetness, and experiment with herbs and spices to flavour it.
- Practice Portion Control And Mindful Eating
What makes indulgence in chaats guilt-free is practicing portion control and mindful eating habits. Instead of loading up your plate with large servings, serve moderate portion sizes and eat slowly. Do not overeat, and pay attention to hunger and fullness cues.