May 1, 2025
BY: TimesofindiaThere’s something magical about chaats — the crunch, the tang, the spice, and that unexpected kick of flavor in every bite. It’s street food with soul, the kind that makes you close your eyes and do a little happy dance without realizing it. But while our hearts scream “pani puri!”, our summer-soaked bodies whisper “maybe something lighter?” Don’t worry, you don’t have to say goodbye to your beloved chaat just because you’re trying to eat smarter or avoid feeling sluggish in the heat. With a few tweaks and quick tricks, you can whip up light, refreshing versions of your favorites without spending forever in the kitchen or drowning your plate in oil. And yes — you’ll still get all the chatpata satisfaction.
istock
Sprouts might sound a bit too healthy at first, but toss them with chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander, lemon juice, and a dash of chaat masala — suddenly, they’re the life of the party. This one’s full of protein, easy to digest, and gives your snack a fresh crunch without deep-frying anything.
istock
Swap out the puffed rice and sev with crushed khakra for a crunchy, low-oil twist. Add diced cucumber, tomato, a bit of raw mango, and drizzle some tamarind chutney or hung curd on top. It’s a crunchy-spicy-sweet medley that feels like bhel’s healthier cousin.
istock
Think juicy watermelon, pineapple chunks, papaya, or even oranges — all tossed with a pinch of rock salt, cumin powder, and lime. It cools you down, satisfies sweet cravings, and refreshes you better than any store-bought snack ever could.
istock
Boiled sweet corn, chopped cucumber, mint, and a touch of lemon — that’s it. It’s juicy, hydrating, and super quick. Keep it mild or go bold with some green chutney. Either way, it’s a chaat that won’t leave you heavy or sleepy.
istock
Instead of going full dahi papdi style with heavy toppings, use baked papdis or crackers, top with chilled curd, pomegranate, a drop of mint chutney, and a pinch of cumin. It’s bite-sized, cooling, and makes for a perfect mid-day refresher.
istock
Grated or finely chopped boiled beetroot mixed with roasted peanuts, green chillies, lemon juice, and a touch of chaat masala creates a vibrant, crunchy, and earthy chaat. It’s rich in iron, easy to prep, and adds a colourful twist to your snack game—perfect for when you want something light but still exciting.
istock
Boiled black chickpeas with onions, chillies, and lemon is an OG desi snack. Add a little raw mango if you have it, or even some grated carrot for extra texture. This one’s a great pick for energy without the crash — and it's super filling too.
istock
Have a roti or two sitting around? Tear them into pieces, toast lightly, and top with chopped veggies, curd, chutneys, and a sprinkle of masala. It’s fast, smart, and a clever way to rescue leftovers with flair.
istock
Thanks For Reading!
Read Next