Masala Corn Chaat Recipe (Indian Spiced Street Corn)
Today we are making Masala Corn Chaat Recipe (aka, Indian Spiced Street Corn)! Let’s go on a journey through the streets of India, right from the comfort of your home. Today, we’re all about enjoying the irresistible charm of Indian street food with a savory snack that’s as delightful as it is full of flavor: Masala Corn Chaat – aka, an Indian corn salad recipe. Whether you’ve roamed the bustling streets of India or not, this culinary adventure is about to bring that authentic street food experience straight to your kitchen.
This Masala Corn recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a quintessential experience of Indian street food culture. It embodies the very essence of what makes this Indian recipe so unique and cherished around the world. Here’s why this chaat holds such a special place in the heart of street food enthusiasts and why it’s an important part of the Indian culinary landscape.
Ode to Indian Street Food
First and foremost, this Indian snack recipe is a celebration of flavors. It combines the earthy sweetness of corn with a symphony of spices and condiments. The combination of sweet corn kernels with tangy tamarind chutney, fiery chili powder, aromatic spice powders, crunchy onions and fresh herbs creates a flavor explosion that’s unparalleled. Each bite is a rollercoaster of tastes, from sweet to savory to spicy, leaving you craving for more. This makes for the perfect evening snack when hunger strikes, and a different way to use up corn kernels for a yummy summer salad.
But what truly makes it an important experience is the atmosphere it’s enjoyed in. Street food in India is not just about eating; it’s about immersing yourself in the vibrant chaos of the streets, where the sizzle of grills, the aroma of spices, and the laughter of fellow foodies create a sensory overload. Corn Chaat is often served by street vendors, and the act of ordering it, watching it being prepared, and relishing it amidst the hustle and bustle of the street is an integral part of the experience. Although we aren’t physically in India, making this recipe is an ode to the flavors that are!
Why You’ll Love This Indian Spiced Street Corn Recipe
Rich Indian Spice Mix: Corn Chaat is a testament to India’s diverse culinary traditions. It showcases the country’s rich tapestry of flavors and regional influences. While you’ll find variations of this dish throughout India, each region adds its unique twist, reflecting the local culture and its simple ingredients. Whether you’re in Mumbai, Delhi, or Kolkata, you’ll encounter different renditions of Masala Corn Chaat, making it a fascinating culinary journey within a single dish.
Substitutions
Lemon Juice: Lime juice is a close citrus alternative to lemon juice, providing the same tangy and acidic flavor required in the recipe. For best results, use a fresh lemon or lime and not bottled juice, which tastes more acidic.
Corn: Use cooked / boiled corn kernels. I used a bag of frozen corn for this recipe, which was easier than buying fresh corn on the cob and removing the kernels.
White Onion: Red onion can replace white onions, but red onions will be more bitter.
Chaat Masala: Substitute garam masala powder for this chaat spice blend. Garam masala is also a spice blend that includes many of the same spices found in chaat masala, though it has a different flavor profile.
Cilantro (Fresh Coriander): Try using fresh parsley instead of cilantro. However, note that cilantro is an integral herb in Indian recipes, and it just won’t taste the same without it!
Cumin Powder: You can find cumin seeds in Asian supermarkets. In a small saucepan over low heat, add your cumin seeds, stirring for 1-2 minutes until toasted. Then grind them in a spice grinder to make a powder. This is the easy way to make cumin seed powder at home, if you can’t find the (specifically roasted) powder.
Coriander Powder: These are ground coriander seeds. If you have whole coriander seeds, you can grind them to make your own coriander powder. It will have a fresher flavor than pre-packaged ground coriander. Alternatively, you can buy coriander powder at Asian supermarkets.
Chili Powder: Cayenne pepper can be used for a spicier kick, so adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
Masala Corn Chaat Recipe Notes
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. If you enjoy a fiery kick, add more red chili powder or chopped green chilies. Conversely, reduce the spice if you prefer a milder flavor.
- To recreate the authentic street food experience, consider serving the Masala Corn Chaat in small paper cups. You can also sprinkle some chaat masala and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for that extra burst of flavor.
- Add more flavor to this recipe by sprinkling in some pomegranate arils or black salt (kala namak).
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
Cucumber Raita (Indian Yogurt Sauce)
If you make this Masala Corn Chaat recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Masala Corn Chaat Recipe (Indian Spiced Street Corn)
Ingredients
- 2½ cups cooked corn kernels
- ⅓ cup white onion diced
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- ¼ tsp roasted cumin seed powder
- ¼ tsp coriander powder
- ¼ tsp Indian red chilli powder
- ¼ tsp pink salt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Adjust the seasoning as desired.
- Serve in small paper cups with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala to top!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
