Shakarkandi Chaat
A delightful North Indian street food classic featuring tender roasted sweet potatoes tossed in a tangy and spicy mix of chaat masala, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. A perfect healthy snack for any time of day.
For 4 servings
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Thoroughly wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Pat them dry.
- For roasting (recommended): Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Prick the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork, place them on a baking sheet, and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
- For boiling: Place the sweet potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain completely.
- Allow the cooked sweet potatoes to cool completely. This step is crucial for them to firm up, making them easier to peel and chop without becoming mushy.
Prepare the Chaat Base
- Once cooled, peel the skin off the sweet potatoes.
- Chop them into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Assemble the Chaat
- To the bowl with sweet potato cubes, add the lemon juice, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, black salt, and regular salt.
- Add the finely chopped green chili, if using.
- Gently toss everything together with a light hand until the sweet potato cubes are evenly coated with the spices. Be careful not to mash the cubes.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the prepared chaat to serving bowls or plates.
- Garnish generously with fresh pomegranate arils and finely chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roasting or air-frying the sweet potatoes yields the best texture, as it prevents them from becoming watery and concentrates their natural sweetness.
- 2Ensure the sweet potatoes are completely cool before chopping. This helps them hold their shape.
- 3Adjust the spice levels to your preference. You can add more chaat masala for tanginess or more chili powder for heat.
- 4Serve the chaat immediately after mixing to prevent the pomegranate and coriander from wilting and the chaat from becoming soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 1/2 cup of boiled chickpeas (chana) or black chickpeas (kala chana) for extra protein and texture.
Crunchy TextureCrunchy Texture
Top with a handful of roasted peanuts, sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles), or crushed papdi for a delightful crunch.
Fasting (Vrat) VersionFasting (Vrat) Version
For Navratri or other fasting days, use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt, and omit chaat masala. Season with black pepper powder, roasted cumin powder, and lemon juice.
Creamy TwistCreamy Twist
For a richer version, drizzle a tablespoon of whisked plain yogurt (curd) over the chaat before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting skin health.
High in Dietary Fiber
This chaat is packed with fiber from sweet potatoes, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness to help with weight management, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of Vitamin C from lemon juice and antioxidants from sweet potatoes and spices like cumin helps strengthen the immune system and protect the body against cellular damage.
Good for Heart Health
Sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral for managing blood pressure. The dish is also low in fat and cholesterol, contributing to overall cardiovascular wellness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy snack. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. This chaat is naturally low in fat, gluten-free, and provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.