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Chana Chaat with Amla & Pomegranate

Chana Chaat with Amla & Pomegranate

Vegetarian | Quick Bite | Snack

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings
10 min 5 min 15 min 2

Ingredients

  • 1 can (400g) chickpeas or 1.5 cups boiled - 4.31 mg iron per 100g cooked (IFCT 2017, Food Code B001, Mineral & Trace Elements Table)
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils - ~0.3 mg iron per 100g; high natural Vitamin C (IFCT 2017, Food Code D048)
  • 2 tbsp amla (Indian gooseberry) grated or amla chutney - 600 mg Vitamin C per 100g (IFCT 2017, Food Code D002, Water Soluble Vitamins Table)
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced | 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional) | 1 tomato, deseeded and diced
  • 1 tsp chaat masala | 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder | 1/4 tsp black salt
  • Juice of 1 lemon | 2 tbsp fresh coriander
  • 1 tbsp tamarind chutney (optional)

Method

  1. 1. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse under cold water. If using dried, soak overnight and boil for 40–50 minutes until soft.
  2. 2. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, onion, tomato and green chillies.
  3. 3. Add chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, black salt and lemon juice. Toss gently.
  4. 4. Fold in pomegranate arils and grated amla gently to preserve Vitamin C.
  5. 5. Top with fresh coriander. Drizzle tamarind chutney if using.
  6. 6. Serve immediately - do not let sit more than 15 minutes as Vitamin C degrades rapidly.

This dish combines chickpeas (non-haem iron) with amla (one of the richest Vitamin C sources in any Indian ingredient at ~600 mg/100g), creating an optimal iron absorption environment. Avoid adding yoghurt - calcium competes with iron absorption.

Nutritional Information(Per Serving)

Nutrient Per Serving % RDA Men % RDA Women
Calories ~210 kcal
Protein ~11 g 20% (RDA: 54 g) 24% (RDA: 46 g)
Iron ~5.4 mg 28% (RDA: 19 mg) 19% (RDA: 29 mg)
Vitamin C ~60 mg (amla) 75% (RDA: 80 mg) 92% (RDA: 65 mg)
Folate ~120 mcg 40% (RDA: 300 mcg) 55% (RDA: 220 mcg)
Dietary Fibre ~9 g ~30% (30g/2000 kcal) ~30%
Carbohydrates ~38 g Above 130 g min threshold

Allergen Note:

Chickpeas (legume allergen). Check for tamarind sensitivity.

Serving Suggestion:

Best served immediately as a mid-morning snack or light lunch.

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