Sweet Lime & Bean Chaat
A vibrant and refreshing Indian chaat that marries the unique sweetness and tang of sweet lime with hearty, protein-packed beans and aromatic spices. This no-cook dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect as a healthy snack or light meal.
For 2 servings
Prepare the sweet lime: Carefully peel the sweet lime, ensuring to remove as much of the white pith as possible. Chop the flesh into small, bite-sized pieces, removing any seeds. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Rinse and drain the beans: Place the canned chickpeas and black beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Drain well, shaking off any excess water, then add them to the bowl with the sweet lime.
Chop fresh ingredients: Finely chop the red onion, tomato, fresh cilantro, and green chili. Grate the fresh ginger. Add all these prepared ingredients to the mixing bowl with the sweet lime and beans.
Season the chaat: Sprinkle the chaat masala and black salt over the ingredients in the bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice and, if using, the tamarind chutney.
Gently combine: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly coated with the spices and chutneys. Be careful not to mash the sweet lime pieces.
Taste and adjust: Taste the chaat and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add more chaat masala, a pinch more salt, or a dash more lemon juice for extra tang.
Serve immediately: Transfer the Sweet Lime & Bean Chaat to individual serving bowls. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra chaat masala, and serve immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors and textures.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, use firm, ripe sweet limes. Avoid limes that are too soft or have blemishes.
- 2Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chili. For a milder version, omit the chili entirely.
- 3Serving immediately is key to this chaat. The sweet lime can release juice and make the chaat watery if left to sit for too long.
- 4If you don't have black salt (kala namak), regular salt can be used, but black salt adds a unique pungent flavor characteristic of chaat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Crunchy Addition
Add a handful of crushed papdi (fried flour crackers), sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles), or roasted peanuts for an extra textural crunch.
Vegetable BoostVegetable Boost
Incorporate other finely diced vegetables like cucumber, boiled potato cubes, or grated carrots for added nutrition and variety.
Fruity TwistFruity Twist
Experiment with other fruits like pomegranate arils, diced green apple, or even a few orange segments for different sweet and tangy notes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
Both sweet lime and beans are excellent sources of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, aiding in satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Rich in Vitamin C
Sweet lime is packed with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, skin health, and helps in the absorption of iron.
Plant-Based Protein
Chickpeas and black beans provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily functions, making this a satisfying vegetarian/vegan option.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to prepare and serve this chaat immediately. The sweet lime can release its juices and make the chaat watery if left to sit, and the textures of the fresh ingredients are best when just combined.
