Aloo Chat Recipe

Directions

1. 1
   Place potatoes, onion, chili, cilantro, tomatoes and Chat Masala in a medium bowl and toss lightly till well-mixed.
2. 2
   Taste and add in more Chat Masala, if you like.
3. 3
   Serve plain or possibly with tamarind chutney or possibly green-chili chutney.
4. 4
   Variations: For texture and crunch, add in roasted minced cashews or possibly peanuts, puffed rice, papri (flour chips), crushed potato chips, chunks of mango or possibly a handful of pomegranate seeds.
5. 5
   Note: Wear gloves when handling fresh, canned, dry or possibly pickled chilies; the oils can cause a burning sensation on your skin.
6. 6
   Chat Masala
7. 7
   1 1/2 Tbsp.
8. 8
   cumin seeds1/4 tsp.
9. 9
   black peppercorns2 Tbsp.
10. 10
    dry mint, crushed1/2 tsp.
11. 11
    asafetida (see note)
12. 12
    1/4 tsp.
13. 13
    grnd nutmeg2 Tbsp.
14. 14
    amchur (green mango pwdr; see note)
15. 15
    1/4 tsp.
16. 16
    cayenne pepper1 Tbsp.
17. 17
    kala namak (black salt; see note)
18. 18
    1/4 tsp.
19. 19
    salt
20. 20
    Roast cumin seeds and peppercorns in a small, heavy frying pan over high heat till fragrant, about 4 min, stirring frequently.
21. 21
    Reduce to low heat, add in mint, asafetida and nutmeg.
22. 22
    Toast another 2 min.
23. 23
    Remove from heat and cold slightly.
24. 24
    Grind into a fine pwdr in a spice grinder, coffee mill or possibly with a mortar and pestle.
25. 25
    Transfer to a small bowl and stir in amchur, cayenne, black salt and regular salt, mixing well.
26. 26
    Store in a glass jar in a cold place for about 6 months.
27. 27
    Makes 1/2 c..
28. 28
    Note: Asafetida, amchur (green mango pwdr) and kala namak (black salt) are sold at Indian and Asian markets.