Fruit Chaat

Doesn't this remind you of the spicy pineapple / cucumber / raw mango slices sold on the streets here? Slices of these slathered with the spicy green masala and given on a piece of plantain leaf accompanied by a piece of newspaper so thoughtfully given to help you wipe your sticky hands.  Few shopping expeditions are complete without having this snack I relish so much. And I ask for a extra spicy version, which which will have me scurrying towards the nearest juice center. 

Oh, I love to gorge on this fruit / veggie masala, chana-chur, chaat specially on Commercial Street. I love to eat jowar rotis served with spicy chutney and brinjal masala when I am in or around Gandhi Bazaar, of course, the masala dosa at Upahaar Darshni . Filter coffee at Pavithra, Jayanagar 4th Block, the yumm stuff at Coffee House now on Church Street, parathas and dal at Bobby's Dhaba, Ulsoor... the list goes on and on. Which is your favorite street food and your favorite small eatery? Tell me about it!

Aren't we often left with a pile of fresh fruit post festivals or functions at home or post the visit of that very generous guest who gifts a fruit basket with just enough fruit to see you through the next two weeks? So, the next time, an assortment of fruit rains on you, give the predictable custard or fruit cream a miss and try this wholesome, quick and spicy  Fruit Chaat. All it takes is just an assortment of fruit and some mint-coriander masala and you have a really healthy and quick chaat.

This is one of those recipes which hardly classifies as a recipe, but comes in very handy.  And this is one of those dishes which you can make by throwing in just anything on hand and as per your taste. Fruits of your choice and spices to suit your taste and preference. This is what I did.

Adapted from a Sanjeev Kapoor recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Orange segments

1/2 Cup peeled, cored and diced apple

1/2 Cup Pomegranate 

1/2 Cup cored and diced Chinese pears

1/2 Cup pineapple cubes

2 tbsp fresh mint leaves

2 tbsp fresh coriander

1 green chilli
1 teaspoon roasted jeera powder

1 teaspoon chaat masala 

Black salt to taste

Sugar a pinch (use only if the fruits are very tart)

Grind the mint leaves, coriander, roasted  jeera powder and green chilli to a fine paste. Take the mixed fruit pieces in a bowl, add the ground paste. Mix with a spoon to coat the pieces well. Add the chaat masala, black salt and toss well. Serve immediately. 

  Water Melon and Star Fruit would also taste good with this.  And in case you chose to eat this extra spicy, have a glass of cold milk shake or lassi ready to douse the fire!