Indian salad – Chana chat
Spicy and delicious; this Indian salad with garam masala
Ten years ago on this very date, the world was a different place. In a way I guess we were all ignorant of the evil that is hidding beneath the surface of certain individuals. It’s becoming a cliche but a lot of people know exactly what they were doing the moment they found out that the first plane hit the twin towers. And yes, I can still remember what I was doing. I had – in fact – just returned from the US the day before. Arriving on Dutch soil again on September 10th, flying home from Portland. I distinctly remember being in the office when one of my colleagues mentioned that a plane had hit the twin towers in New York. We all laughed about it; thinking it was a really bad joke. Until – more moments later – the 2nd plane went in and we all gathered in the tv room in the design area to watch with shock the drama that unfolded.
We all know what happened next. I cannot believe it has already been ten years ago that this world changing drama took place. There is not a lot I can say that hasn’t already been said but I couldn’t possibly write a post today and not mention this ‘anniversary’ that led to the death of so many people. I’ve been to New York afterwards, have seen ‘Ground Zero’, one year after the attack happened and even though you’ve seen it on tv many times. Going there in person and seeing the enormous hole that was once the twin towers is shocking and humbling in a way. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one in that tragedy as I am sure this date will always have a big stain on it. No matter how much time has passed.
Delicious with chickpeas and yogurt
You might have seen this chana chat salad before when it was featured on the blog of my Dutch blogger friend Kay, from Kayotic Kitchen. I thought this was a fitting dish to share with you on this day, as it embraces other cultures through food.
It’s a quick salad and works perfect with this homemade Garam Masala that I shared with you earlier.
Chana chat salad
Ingredients:
- 1 piece onion (small, halved and sliced)
- 2 cm ginger (finely grated)
- 1 red chili (deseeded and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil
- 300g chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (mild)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 piece cucumber (peeled, deseeded and diced)
- 1 bunch cherry tomatoes (quartered)
- 1 squeeze lemon juice
- 1 bunch fresh coriander (roughly chopped, plus extra to serve)
- 4 heaped tablespoons greek yogurt
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 poppadoms (roughly crushed)
Directions:
Fry the onion, ginger and chili in the oil for 5 minutes or until the onions begins to soften. Add the chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes until golden. Add the chili powder and the garam masala and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, season if needed and set aside to cool.
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Combine the cucumber, tomatoes, lemon juice and chopped coriander in a mixing bowl. Divide among 4 plates and top with the chickpea mixture, yogurt, pomegranate seeds and crushed poppadums. Sprinkle with the coriander leaves and serve before the poppadums start to soften
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Such a vivid salad! Yum!!
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 12th, 2011 at 16:58
Thanks Anh.. It’s as good as it looks!
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colourful chaat looks wonderful hope you can join the food palette series rainbow colours
regards
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Summery, fresh, refined-tasting ad so pretty! A salad for me.
Cheers,
Rosa
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Chana chat is one of my favourites anytime…just looks delicious and mouthwatering.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 12th, 2011 at 08:50
Thanks Kalyan. It’s my new favorite too!
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Fantatsic tasty and colourfull salad.Almost a lunch;)
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 12th, 2011 at 16:56
It is a lunch (of sorts… even though we had it for dinner)
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Beautiful vibrant salad, and I am absolutely in love with that tea towel, I WANT IT!!! I was in Japan at the time.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 12th, 2011 at 08:51
Well I’ll tell you a little secret. It’s not really a teatowel but merely a piece of cloth I bought at the market… I usually buy up little pieces of fabric that I then use as napkins or tablecloths or tea towels… Works wonderful!
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i’ve never really had indian food before, but that looks so tasty!!
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 12th, 2011 at 08:52
You should try Indian Casey. It’s lovely!
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The colors are beautiful! and this kind is what we love and eat a few times a week. The pom. arils look so very pretty here. and I am really curious about the hazelnut oil! How very unique:)
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Love the flavours and colours here Simone!
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I am as always wondering how you find those pretty napkins! Great styling and brilliant colours and photography. I like the addition of pappadams! I would not have thought of it.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 14th, 2011 at 22:23
It’s not so difficult finding those ‘napkins’…
I just buy pieces of fabric and cut them into whatever size I need! Works perfectly!
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love the addition of pomegranate in it ! looks so vibrant & flavorful
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great recipe…..but added tamerind chutney for authentic indian flavour
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