Chikkar Cholay, also known as Chana Chaat, is a popular and delicious street food in Pakistan and India. It’s a dish made with chickpeas, also known as chana, that is typically served as a snack or an appetizer.
The dish is made by boiling chickpeas until they are tender, and then mixing them with a variety of spices and herbs, such as cumin, coriander, ginger, and chili powder. The chickpeas are then tossed with chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro to add a fresh and tangy flavor.
One of the key ingredients in Chikkar Cholay is the tamarind chutney, which gives the dish its unique sweet and tangy taste. Tamarind chutney is made by mixing tamarind paste, sugar, and spices to create a thick and flavorful sauce.
Chikkar Cholay is typically served with a variety of toppings such as yogurt, chaat masala, and sev (a type of fried noodle). These toppings add a creamy and crunchy texture to the dish and make it even more delicious.
It’s a popular street food, often found in street vendors, and sometimes served as a side dish at halal restaurants. It’s a vegan-friendly dish, and can be easily modified to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour for the sev.
If you haven’t tried Chikkar Cholay before, it’s definitely a dish to put on your list. The combination of tender chickpeas, tangy tamarind chutney, and a variety of spices and herbs make for a delicious and satisfying snack. Next time you visit a halal restaurant or street vendor, be sure to give it a try!