Palak Chaat: A Healthy Twist on Street Food

Palak Chaat is a popular North Indian street food that has gained immense popularity for its delicious taste and health benefits. Made from spinach, yogurt, and spices, this snack is a great way to add some healthy greens to your diet while satisfying your taste buds. In this article, we will delve into the history of Palak Chaat, how to make it, its nutritional benefits, and why it has become a favorite among health-conscious foodies.

History of Palak Chaat

Palak Chaat has its roots in the streets of Delhi, India, where it was first served as a snack in the late 1970s. It is believed to have been created by the famous chaat vendor, Natraj, who wanted to introduce a healthier version of the popular street food, chaat. Natraj experimented with spinach, yogurt, and spices, and Palak Chaat was born. Today, Palak Chaat is served in various parts of India and has become a favorite among food lovers.

How to Make Palak Chaat

Palak Chaat is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this healthy snack:

Palak Chaat: A Healthy Twist on Street Food

Recipe by SAYEDCourse: FoodCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

Palak Chaat is a popular North Indian street food that has gained immense popularity for its delicious taste and health benefits. Made from spinach, yogurt, and spices, this snack is a great way to add some healthy greens to your diet while satisfying your taste buds. In this article, we will delve into the history of Palak Chaat, how to make it, its nutritional benefits, and why it has become a favorite among health-conscious foodies.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of spinach leaves, washed and chopped

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tomato, finely chopped

• 1 green chili, finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp chaat masala

• 1/4 tsp red chili powder

• 1/4 tsp cumin powder

• 1/4 tsp coriander powder

• 1/4 tsp dry mango powder

• 1/4 tsp black salt

• 1/4 cup gram flour (besan)

• 2 tbsp oil

• Salt to taste

• Coriander leaves for garnishing

Directions

• Heat oil in a pan over medium flame.
• Add gram flour and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
• Add chaat masala, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, dry mango powder, black salt, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Add chopped spinach leaves and stir well. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the spinach leaves are wilted and tender.
• Transfer the spinach to a serving plate.
• Top with chopped onion, tomato, and green chili.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Nutrition Facts: Calories: 120 | Total Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 324mg | Total Carbohydrates: 12g | Dietary Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Protein: 5g

Nutritional Benefits of Palak Chaat

Palak Chaat is not only delicious but also loaded with nutritional benefits. Here are some of the reasons why you should add Palak Chaat to your diet:

• Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
• Yogurt is rich in probiotics that promote gut health and boost immunity.
• Tamarind chutney and green chutney are made from tamarind and coriander, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and red chili powder are loaded with flavor and are known to aid digestion.

Why Palak Chaat is a Favorite Among Health-Conscious Foodies

Palak Chaat is also a great snack for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. It is made from all plant-based ingredients and is a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. The combination of yogurt and spinach also makes it a filling snack that can keep you full for longer.

Another reason why Palak Chaat is popular among health-conscious foodies is that it is a versatile snack. You can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite toppings, such as chopped cucumber, pomegranate seeds, or sev. You can also make it spicier or milder, depending on your taste preferences.

Conclusion

Palak Chaat is a healthy twist on the popular Indian street food, chaat. Made from spinach, yogurt, and spices, it is a low-calorie snack that is loaded with nutrients and flavor. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. If you’re looking for a healthy snack that satisfies your cravings, give Palak Chaat a try!

See also: Chicken Pakodi The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious

FAQs

Is Palak Chaat gluten-free?

• Yes, Palak Chaat is gluten-free as it is made from plant-based ingredients.

Can I use Greek yogurt to make Palak Chaat?

• Yes, you can use Greek yogurt to make Palak Chaat. However, you may need to dilute it with a little water to get the right consistency.

How many calories are in Palak Chaat?

• One serving of Palak Chaat (approximately 1 cup) contains around 150-200 calories.

Can I make Palak Chaat without frying the spinach leaves?

• Yes, you can make Palak Chaat without frying the spinach leaves. Simply blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water for a few seconds and then place them on a paper towel to remove excess water.

How long can I store Palak Chaat in the refrigerator?

• Palak Chaat is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.