Peanut Chaat Recipe And 5 Cocktails To Pair With The Desi Snack
In the fabric of Indian bar snacks – the peanut chaat is a versatile preparation that is prepared in different styles. What is essentially a spicy and savoury salad-like preparation made using roasted or fried peanuts tossed with aromatics and spices, the crunchy small plate is typically relished with a host of drinks at local watering holes. In a home setting, the peanut chaat is a simplistic yet effective sharing option to serve guests – while also pairing it with an assortment of craft cocktails made using a variety of foundational spirits.
Peanut Chaat Recipe
Ingredients [Serves 2]
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 2 green chillies, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon freshly chopped coriander
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- 2 tablespoon pomegranate seeds
- Crushed papdi, for garnish
Method
- Toss the peanuts, onions, tomato, chillies and pomegranate seeds into a bowl.
- Sprinkle the dry spices and mix well to combine before adding in the lemon juice; check for salt and only add if needed.
- Garnish with chopped coriander and crushed papdi before serving.
Peanut Chaat Drink Pairings
Gin & Tonic Cocktail
The crisp drink has botanical notes which complement the fresh herbs and citrus juice added to the peanut chaat. The cocktail’s clean profile cleanses the palate between bites and can be further elevated by adding a sprinkle of cumin powder to finish off the cocktail – so that it echoes similar flavours cohesively.
Tamarind Margarita Cocktail
The tart-tangy notes from citrus and tamarind pulp make for a great contrast to the assortment of textures from the bar snack. The umami profiles of the cocktail offset by a mellow sweetness complement the chaat flavours in the form of the salty rim that laces every sip.
Spicy Paloma Cocktail
As the name suggests, this variation of the classic paloma has an additional heat derived from the use of chilli powder or jalapenos – based on personal preferences. The citrusy notes of grapefruit highlight the savoury edge of the nutty chaat – whose layers of flavours, enhanced by spices make for a great pairing.
Mint Mojito Cocktail
Consider adding a dollop of green chutney to your peanut chaat to echo the herbal notes of the mojito. Alternately, add a pinch of a cumin and chaat masala blend to the drink to create a uniform profile between snacking and sipping.
Moscow Mule Cocktail
The spicy fizz of the ginger beer provides contrasting flavour to the peanut chaat – mirroring the acidity of the bar snack seamlessly. Elevate the citrus zest in the cocktail to complement the slight sweetness from the onions and pomegranate arils or alternately, use a pinch of dried ginger powder while mixing the chaat before serving.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
