Anda Ghuguni Chat
A hearty and flavorful street food classic from Eastern India. This chaat features a spicy dried pea curry (ghuguni) topped with a boiled egg, crunchy onions, tangy tamarind chutney, and crispy sev. A perfect evening snack.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Peas and Eggs
- b.Rinse the dried yellow peas and soak them in ample water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- c.Drain the soaked peas. In a pressure cooker, combine the peas, 4 cups of fresh water, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.25 tsp of turmeric powder.
- d.Pressure cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 whistles (or for 12-15 minutes in an electric pressure cooker). The peas should be soft but retain their shape. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- e.While the peas are cooking, place the eggs in a separate saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes to hard-boil them. Once done, peel the eggs and set them aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Ghuguni Masala
- b.Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat. Add the large chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it turns soft and golden brown.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for about 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- d.Add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and mushy.
- e.Stir in the remaining 0.25 tsp turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Sauté the spice mixture for 2-3 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Ghuguni Curry
- b.Pour the cooked peas along with their cooking water into the pan with the masala. Add the remaining 1 tsp of salt and mix everything well.
- c.Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the peas to absorb the flavors of the masala. Mash a few peas against the side of the pan to thicken the gravy slightly.
- d.If the ghuguni becomes too thick, add a splash of hot water to reach your desired consistency.
- e.Turn off the heat and stir in the garam masala.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve the Chaat
- b.To serve, ladle a generous amount of the hot ghuguni into individual bowls.
- c.Slice each hard-boiled egg in half or into quarters and place it on top of the ghuguni in each bowl.
- d.Garnish generously with finely chopped onion for crunch.
- e.Drizzle about 1 tbsp of tamarind chutney over each serving.
- f.Sprinkle with chaat masala, then top with a handful of crispy sev.
- g.Finish with a garnish of fresh chopped coriander leaves and serve immediately with a lemon wedge on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the peas overnight is a crucial step for even cooking and a soft texture.
- 2For an authentic street-style flavor, sprinkle a pinch of black salt (kala namak) along with the chaat masala.
- 3Assemble the chaat just before serving to prevent the sev from becoming soggy and to keep the onions crunchy.
- 4You can adjust the consistency of the ghuguni by adding more or less hot water during the simmering stage.
- 5For a richer, creamier curry, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of grated coconut along with the powdered spices.
- 6Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Omit the hard-boiled eggs to make this dish completely vegan. You can add boiled and cubed potatoes or fried paneer as a substitute.
SpicierSpicier
Increase the number of green chilies and add a pinch more of red chili powder. You can also add a spicy green chutney (hari chutney) during assembly.
With PotatoesWith Potatoes
Add one medium-sized potato, peeled and cubed, to the pressure cooker along with the peas for a heartier version of ghuguni.
Different LegumesDifferent Legumes
While yellow peas are traditional, you can also make this recipe with dried white peas (vatana) or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Combining plant-based protein from yellow peas and high-quality protein from eggs, this dish supports muscle maintenance, repair, and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
The yellow peas are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and supports gut health.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in the peas provide a slow and steady release of energy, making this a satisfying and energizing meal that keeps you full for longer.
Rich in Essential Minerals
This dish is a good source of important minerals like iron, which is vital for blood health, and magnesium and potassium, which are crucial for nerve function and heart health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Anda Ghuguni Chat contains approximately 450-550 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil, sev, and chutney used.
