What are smashed potatoes and what is Smashed Potato Chaat?
Smashed Potatoes are not to be confused with Mashed Potato! Smashed Potatoes are boiled baby potatoes that are then lightly “smashed” with the back of a spoon but still kept intact. The potatoes are then roasted in the oven or air fryer until they are crispy all over. In smashed potato chaat, we have replaced the aloo tiki that usually goes into chaat with smashed potatoes that are lightly spiced with cumin and coriander powder. Smashed potatoes are the cheats version of the time-consuming aloo tiki but still lend great textures to the chaat.
What can I use instead of Smashed Potato
You could use shop-bought hash browns or tater tots (easily available in USA) to save time. You can alternatively make Khaman Dhokla Chaat or Papdi Chaat.
What goes in Smashed Potato Chaat
For the Smashed Potato:
Baby potatoes – use baby potatoes as we want the smashed potatoes to be small but still keep the potato intact
Dried Coriander and Cumin Powder – a little sprinkle of this powder gives flavour to the smashed potatoes
Oil – use any flavourless oil
For the Chaat:
Thin Sev – thin sev or nylon sev has the best texture for chaat and is available in Indian grocery shops or Indian sweet/snack shops. If you cannot find thin sev then you can use thicker sev
Imli (Tamarind) chutney – this tangy chutney is made with tamarind and dates (to give sweetness) and resembles English brown sauce. It is what gives the chaat its lip-smacking quality.
Green coriander chutney – this earthy and spicy chutney is made with fresh coriander, mint and chilies.
Red Garlic chutney – This should be used in moderation unless you can really handle the heat!
Yogurt – Use plain yogurt that is lightly beaten and lightly sweetened with sugar
Red onion – thinly cut red onion gives the chaat crunch
Pomegranate – not only do they provide a gorgeous dash of colour, but these jewels also add bite and a burst of sweet and sour. Either buy ready prepared pomegranate arils or to pick the best fresh pomegranates, see below.
Coriander leaves – finely chopped fresh coriander leaves to finish off the garnish
Chaat Masala – probably the key part of chaat is the chaat masala which is aptly named! It is a spice powder mix that is sprinkled on top of the chaat and adds a tangy, zingy and salty flavour.
Three Chutneys for Indian Chaat Recipe
To make the process easier, prepare these three special chaat chutneys in advance.
- Red garlic chutney
- Gujarati date and tamarind chutney (Imli chutney)
- Green coriander and mint chutney (hari chutney) These chutneys keep well in the freezer also, so it is worth making a big batch! Afterall, chaat cravings can hit at any time and it’s best to be prepared 😉
How to pick the best and freshest pomegranates
With pomegranates being a pricy ingredient, you want to know that you are picking the best fruit possible. There is a lot of information on this online but I am adding the tips that have worked for me over the years! Here are some handy tips on picking pomegranates in the supermarket: The skin of the pomegranate should be film and smooth – pomegranates that are soft and look wrinkly will not be fresh. The pomegranate should feel heavy that what it looks – I have noticed then that the seeds are more plump and juicy.
How to make Smashed Potato Chaat
First, prepare the smashed potatoes by boiling the baby potatoes in pan over the stove or pressure cook in the Instant pot. When they are soft when piercing with a knife, they can be drained and lightly “smashed” with the back of a spoon,fork or glass but remember to keep the potato still intact! You can then sprinkle the spice and salt and roast. Whilst the potatoes are roasting, (you can make air fry smashed potatoes too) prepare the ingredients for the chaat. When the potatoes are done, you are ready to assemble the chaat!
Air fryer Smashed Potatoes
Pre heat the air fryer on 200C/400F for 5 minutes. Spray little oil in the air fryer basket and arrange smashed potatoes in a single layer. Spray little oil over the potatoes. Close the air fryer lid and air fry potatoes on 200C/400F for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Use in the recipe.
How to serve Chaat
The great thing about Chaat is that you can pretty much serve it however you like – there is no exact science. Some like chaat with all of the ingredients mixed through, some like layers (in which case, start with the potatoes, then the sev, then add the chutneys and other garnishings on top. However, whatever your preference, it is best to assemble the chaat just before serving otherwise the moisture from the chutneys will make the dry ingredients go soggy. We love to gather the ingredients into large bowls and then everyone can help themselves to build their own chaat according to their taste preference! I love mine with extra Imli and Garlic Chutney! How do you like your chaat?
Other Indian Chaat recipes
