Tamatar Chaat (banarasi)
Snacks • India
About Tamatar Chaat (Banarasi)
Spicy mashed tomato base with sev, peas and chutneys — Banaras Ghat-side classic.
How to Make Tamatar Chaat (Banarasi) – Traditional & Healthy Version
Tamatar Chaat (Banarasi) is a quintessential street food delight from the ghats of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet tomato-based chaat is bursting with bold Indian flavours and has a unique texture thanks to the hearty addition of mashed boiled potatoes and crispy sev. Unlike most chaats, which use papdi or puri as the base, Tamatar Chaat uses fresh, ripe tamatar (tomatoes), simmered with Indian spices, to create a warm, comforting snack. It’s commonly seen at bustling evening markets, especially during winter and festival seasons like Dev Deepawali, when locals and pilgrims indulge in this warming treat. The dish stands out for its blend of tanginess from tomatoes, heat from green chillies and garam masala, and the freshness of coriander. It’s garnished with sev, chopped onions, and lemon juice, making every bite a festival of textures and tastes. Not only is Tamatar Chaat incredibly flavourful, but it’s also naturally vegan and packed with nutrients, making it a smart choice for health-conscious snackers. Perfect for those who crave authentic North Indian chaat with a lighter, protein-rich twist. Serve it hot on chilly evenings to relive the true Banarasi street food experience at home.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl (approx. 250g) per serving)
- 4 large Ripe tomatoes (tamatar) (finely chopped)
- 1 medium Boiled potatoes (aloo) (peeled and mashed)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 Green chillies (finely chopped; hari mirch)
- 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves (hara dhaniya, finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Sev (for garnish)
- 1 tsp Roasted cumin powder (bhuna jeera powder)
- 1/2 tsp Black salt (kala namak)
- 1 tsp Chaat masala
- 1/2 tsp Garam masala
- 1 tsp Sugar or jaggery (gud, adjust to taste) - optional
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice (nimbu ras)
- 1 tsp Mustard oil (sarson ka tel, cold pressed preferred)
- to taste Salt
Instructions
- 1
Heat mustard oil in a kadhai. Add chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté on medium flame till onions turn soft and translucent.
3 minutes
Mustard oil adds authentic Banarasi flavour; heat till it smokes lightly to remove rawness.
- 2
Add chopped tomatoes to the kadhai. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cook until tomatoes turn mushy and start releasing oil.
7 minutes
Mash tomatoes with the back of the spoon for a smoother chaat base.
- 3
Stir in mashed boiled potato, roasted cumin powder, black salt, chaat masala, garam masala, and sugar or jaggery (if using). Mix well and cook for another 4 minutes.
4 minutes
Adjust sweetness as per your taste; a hint of jaggery balances the tartness.
- 4
Add 1/4 cup water to achieve a semi-thick consistency. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3 minutes
Don’t add too much water—chaat should be saucy, not runny.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This Tamatar Chaat is a healthy street food alternative because it uses minimal oil, focuses on whole plant-based ingredients, and is low in saturated fat. The use of tomatoes, potatoes, and spices ensures you get fiber, vitamins, and minerals. No deep-frying is involved, making it lighter than most chaats. Its high antioxidant content supports heart health and immunity, while the moderate calorie count makes it suitable for weight management.
Tamatar Chaat (Banarasi) is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants from ripe tomatoes, while potatoes provide healthy complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber. The addition of onions, coriander, and green chillies adds micro-nutrients and boosts immune health. Mustard oil delivers healthy fats and omega-3s. Each serving (215 calories) offers a balanced macro profile—6g protein, 32g carbs, and 7g fat—making this chaat filling yet light. It is naturally vegan, cholesterol-free, and gluten-free if you use gluten-free sev.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Always use ripe, desi tomatoes for authentic sweet-tangy flavor.
- 💡Tip 2: For extra smokiness, slightly char some tomato over an open flame before adding.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust sev quantity as per your calorie needs—baked sev is a healthier alternative.
Storage & Serving
Best enjoyed fresh and hot. You can store the cooked tomato-potato base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving and garnish with sev and fresh herbs just before eating to retain crunch.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 215.0 kcal |
| Protein | 6.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32.0 g |
| Total Fat | 7.0 g |
| Fiber | 4.0 g |
