Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Watermelon Fruit Chaat combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon with the bold flavors of Indian spices like chaat masala, cumin, and black salt. The addition of fresh lime juice and mint adds a zesty, refreshing twist. It’s easy to make, low in calories, and packed with nutrients from the watermelon and spices. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized with various fruits and spice levels. Perfect for summer gatherings, Ramadan, or as a light, healthy snack!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chaat:
- 2 pounds watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup mango chunks
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- ¾ teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon amchur powder
- ¼ teaspoon chaat masala
- Pinch of ground cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Juice of 1 orange or mandarin (about ⅓ cup)
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped jalapeño pepper
- 3 to 4 fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
directions
1. Prepare the Fruits:
Place the cubed watermelon, pineapple chunks, mango chunks, and pomegranate seeds in a large dish. Spread them out evenly.
2. Toast and Grind Cumin Seeds:
In a small pan, toast the cumin seeds on medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Then, coarsely grind the toasted cumin seeds using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the ground cumin, sweet paprika, black pepper, amchur powder, chaat masala, ground cayenne, and sea salt. Add the citrus juice, chopped jalapeño pepper, and sliced mint leaves. Stir well to combine.
4. Combine and Marinate:
Pour the dressing over the mixed fruits. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let the chaat marinate in the fridge for 1 to 6 hours.
5. Serve:
Serve the fruit chaat chilled. For extra crunch, you can add roasted peanuts or crispy chickpea noodles just before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (Marinating time: 1 to 6 hours)
Variations
- Regional Twists: Add other fruits like kiwi, cucumber, or grapes for new textures and tastes.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne, black pepper, or jalapeño.
- Herb Options: Replace mint leaves with cilantro for a different flavor.
- Add a Crunch: For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted peanuts, crispy chickpea noodles (sev), or sunflower seeds on top just before serving.
storage/reheating
Watermelon Fruit Chaat is best served fresh after marinating. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the fruits may release additional juice over time, so it’s best to serve it right away for optimal freshness.
FAQs
What are the essential ingredients for making watermelon fruit chaat?
You need cubed watermelon, pineapple, mango, pomegranate seeds, cumin, sweet paprika, black pepper, amchur powder, chaat masala, cayenne, sea salt, citrus juice, and fresh mint leaves.
How can I prepare the ingredients for watermelon fruit chaat?
Cut the watermelon, pineapple, and mango into bite-sized cubes. Spread these along with pomegranate seeds in a large dish. Toast cumin seeds, grind them coarsely, and mix with the other spices, citrus juice, jalapeño, and mint leaves to make the dressing. Toss everything together.
Can I use pre-ground cumin instead of toasting and grinding whole cumin seeds?
Yes, you can use pre-ground cumin. However, toasting and grinding whole seeds will give your chaat a fresher and more aromatic flavor.
What additional toppings can I add for extra crunch?
You can add roasted peanuts, sev (crispy chickpea noodles), or even crunchy fresh vegetables like finely chopped cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
What is chaat masala, and where can I find it?
Chaat masala is a tangy and spicy Indian spice blend that’s often used in street foods like fruit chaat. It can be found in Indian grocery stores or online.
Can I make this dish non-spicy?
Yes, simply omit the cayenne and jalapeño if you prefer a milder version. You can also adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Conclusion
Watermelon Fruit Chaat is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of fruits with the bold flavors of Indian spices. It’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day or adding a flavorful twist to your summer gatherings. With its easy preparation and the ability to customize based on your tastes, this chaat will surely become a go-to dish for you and your guests. Enjoy this healthy, flavorful treat that brings a burst of fresh, zesty goodness to your table!
Watermelon Fruit Chaat with Chaat Masala
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (Marinating time: 1 to 6 hours)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Watermelon Fruit Chaat is a refreshing and healthy Indian dish that combines juicy fruits like watermelon, pineapple, mango, and pomegranate with bold spices like chaat masala, cumin, and cayenne. It’s a zesty, hydrating snack perfect for summer days or gatherings.
Ingredients
2 pounds watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup pineapple chunks
1 cup mango chunks
1 cup pomegranate seeds
¾ teaspoon whole cumin seeds
¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
¼ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon amchur powder
¼ teaspoon chaat masala
Pinch of ground cayenne
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Juice of 1 orange or mandarin (about ⅓ cup)
½ teaspoon finely chopped jalapeño pepper
3 to 4 fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: Place the cubed watermelon, pineapple chunks, mango chunks, and pomegranate seeds in a large dish. Spread them out evenly.
- Toast and Grind Cumin Seeds: In a small pan, toast the cumin seeds on medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Then, coarsely grind the toasted cumin seeds using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the ground cumin, sweet paprika, black pepper, amchur powder, chaat masala, ground cayenne, and sea salt. Add the citrus juice, chopped jalapeño pepper, and sliced mint leaves. Stir well to combine.
- Combine and Marinate: Pour the dressing over the mixed fruits. Gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let the chaat marinate in the fridge for 1 to 6 hours.
- Serve: Serve the fruit chaat chilled. For extra crunch, you can add roasted peanuts or crispy chickpea noodles just before serving.
Notes
Regional Twists: Add other fruits like kiwi, cucumber, or grapes for new textures and tastes.
Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne, black pepper, or jalapeño.
Herb Options: Replace mint leaves with cilantro for a different flavor.
Add a Crunch: For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted peanuts, crispy chickpea noodles (sev), or sunflower seeds on top just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
