Baked Spiced-up Chickpeas

uch is being said these days about the importance of eating healthy. I believe there is an increased awareness among people in general as well. The sad part is that health food oftentimes discounts on arguably the second most important aspect of food - taste. Well it does not have to be that way. It can not only taste great but actually taste like some of the most sinful treats that we coerce ourselves into resisting. If you have ever tried chana-zor or 'mixture' as it is also called in some parts of India, you would know that awesome tangy spicy crunchy taste that I believe hardly there would be any soul that does not like. Yet, at least I know for one that resists it due to all the deep frying involved. This masala mix of chickpeas is a attempt to create the same spicy tangy taste but without having to fire up the fryer. Being chickpea based, it also provides a healthy serving of protein. Although, after you've tried it you will care less about the nutrition and simply enjoy the addictive taste.
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Aloo tikki chaat

An all time favorite in the chaat category is the one and only aloo tikki chat...its something that can have you salivating just by thinking about it. Very popular among all age groups, the epitome of indian street food. These are flavorful patties or tikkies made out of mashed potatoes and other spices, which are shallow fried then smothered with a spicy yellow peas sauce and garnished with sweet and spicy chutney, yogurt, sev, onion and fresh cilantro..YUMM!! It is always reminiscent of the carefree school and college days :) My friends and I used to queue up in front of 'chaat wale bhaiyyaji' ka 'thela' and relish it every single day... pure bliss!

These are fairly easy to make, once you have all the ingredients and are soul satisfying.This I learned from my mom..

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Chhole bhature

hhole or chana masala is one of the most popular vegetarian dish in Northern India. When classically paired with bhature (a match made in heaven) it is the type of street food that can be had as a whole meal, so fulfilling, so hearty, so yummy, pure indulgence, simply mouthwatering. No wonder it continues to be the most popular food item in Indian restaurants all over the world. It is generally served for breakfast with a tall glass of lassi in the punjabi households, where it originated, but has become a much loved weekend brunch and dinner in our household.

It is a chickpea (kabuli chana) dish cooked in a spicy onion tomato based gravy with a deep fried unleavened bread :) Bhatura is one of my fav breads. It is a delicious soft bread that is chewy at the same time. They are such a treat to the eye and to the taste buds alike. My little one gets so excited when they puff up while frying :) My dear hubby earlier used to detest the dish, but that was before meeting me:) Now he can not wait to eat it whenever I make it. I learned this recipe from my mom, very simple and easy to make but tastes out of this world. Also she never used the store bought chhole masala powder (which is not needed in the first place). Hope you like it.

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