Chana Trauma, or, Requiem for a Chaat

We here at Gora Chaat are nothing if not dreamers.  Let’s face it, we are two lily-white (or as we prefer, idli-white) gora trying to recreate the complex cuisine of India.  We may be way out of our league, but blind ambition and love of all things seasoned with chaat masala drive us forward.

So when we first heard about Coconut & Lime‘s blogiversary contest, it seemed like a natural fit for our (humble baby of a) blog.  Both coconuts and limes are abundant in India. Most chaats come finished with a healthy squeeze of lime, and if coconut is not usually featured in chaat, it certainly is not a discordant flavor. It couldn’t be that hard to combine coconut, lime, and chaat…

famous. last. words.

 

Chaat Masala, or, Chaat for Dummies

one little box, infinite possiblities...

Any voyage into the world of chaat requres some discussion of chaat masala.  Simply put, chaat masala is a spice mixture that TURNS ANYTHING INTO CHAAT.  Now, when I say spice mixture, I am not referring to the garam masala you bought online after watching the Food Network.  And I am definitely not referring tothe curry powder you got from the supermarket as an impulse buy the day after your first time at an Indian restaurant.  No, chaat masala is a different beast entirely.

 

Dear Readership,

…which is to say, no one.  This is just a warning to say that the phrase “chaat chat” is lies in waiting for an appropriate moment.

 

People of the world: spice up your life!

So… statement of purpose.  When you think of Indian food, you probably think about rich curries, fragrant rice, spicy tandoor-cooked meats, all served with a healthy helping of naan.  In a word, lame.  The food you are eating in restaurants is largely ignoring what is, in simple terms, the awesomest genre of Indian cuisine: streetfood.  No offence to the illustrious culinary traditions of India (and there are many!), but for us, chaat reigns supreme.

But, the streets here are not exactly overflowing with chaat-wallahs (snack vendors).  And so we aim to scope out our favorites, trying to recreate those delicious morsels.  We will talk about some of our favorites, and try to bring them out of our memories.  Expect the unexpected (to be deep fried).

Yes, that is a tomato.