Introduction

 

Growing up, one of my fondest memories was visiting bustling street markets with my family, where the tantalizing aroma of street food filled the air. Among the array of mouthwatering snacks, Nimki Tomato Chaat always stood out to me. It was during one of these outings that I first discovered this delightful dish. I can vividly recall the vibrant colors and aromatic spices as I eagerly took my first bite. The crispy texture of the Nimki paired with the tangy and savory flavors of the tomato chaat left a lasting impression on me. Since then, Nimki Tomato Chaat has been a cherished part of my culinary journey, reminding me of those joyous moments spent exploring the bustling streets of my hometown.

 

---

 

 

Recipe of Nimki Tomato Chaat

 

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving

 

Ingredients:

 

For Nimki:

• 1½ cups Refined Flour
• ½ tsp Ajwain (Carom Seeds)
• ½ tsp Kalonji (Nigella Seeds)
• ½ tsp Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
• A pinch of Crushed Black Pepper
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Ghee
• Water (as required)
• Oil (for frying)

 

For Tomato Chaat Topping:

• 1 tbsp Ghee
• ½ tbsp Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
• ½ tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
• ½ tbsp chopped Garlic
• ½ tbsp chopped Ginger
• 1 tsp chopped Green Chilli
• ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1½ tsp Coriander Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• Water (as required)
• 2 cups diced Tomato
• 1 cup Tomato Puree
• ½ tsp Jeera Powder (Cumin Powder)
• ½ tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp chopped Coriander

 

For Assembly:

• 1 tbsp Green Chutney
• 1 tbsp Sauth Chutney
• A pinch of Chaat Masala
• A pinch of Jeera Powder
• A pinch of Red Chilli Powder
• 4-5 pcs Ginger Juliennes

 

 

Method:

 

For Nimki:

1. Prepare the Dough: Combine refined flour, ajwain, kalonji seeds, jeera, crushed black pepper, and salt in a plate. Mix well.
2. Add Ghee: Rub ghee into the flour mixture until it reaches a crumbly texture.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add water to form a smooth, tight dough. Cover and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. Portion the Dough: Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a flat circle.
5. Create Nimki Shapes: Make straight gashes within the circle and roll it to resemble a karela or bitter gourd shape. Seal the ends.
6. Deep Fry: Heat oil and deep-fry the nimki until golden brown and crispy. Drain excess oil on a kitchen tissue.

 

For Tomato Chaat Topping:

1. Prepare the Masala: Heat ghee, add jeera, hing, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, and chopped green chilli. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Add Spices: Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook into a thick paste with a little water.
3. Incorporate Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes and cook till softened. Add tomato puree, cook for 4-5 minutes, adjusting water if needed.
4. Season and Garnish: Add jeera powder, garam masala, and chopped coriander. Mix well.

 

Assembly:

1. Prepare the Plate: Crush some nimki on a serving plate.
2. Add Fillings: Top the crushed nimki with the prepared tomato chaat, green chutney, saunth chutney, chaat masala, jeera powder, and red chilli powder.
3. Serve: Enjoy the tantalizing Nimki Tomato Chaat, a fusion of crispy and tangy flavors, ready to tantalize your taste buds.

 

---

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Nimki Tomato Chaat is a popular street food snack in India, known for its combination of crispy Nimki (savory pastry) and tangy tomato chaat. This flavorful dish is made by topping crispy Nimki with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, onions, green chilies, and a blend of spices. The chaat is then garnished with fresh cilantro, sev (crunchy chickpea noodles), and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. Nimki Tomato Chaat is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Crispiness: Ensure that the Nimki is fried until golden brown and crispy to achieve the perfect texture for the chaat.
2. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh tomatoes, onions, and green chilies to enhance the flavor and aroma of the chaat.
3. Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and chaat masala according to your spice preference.
4. Assembly: Assemble the chaat just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the Nimki.
5. Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes such as chopped coriander, mint chutney, or yogurt for added flavor and texture.
6. Serve Immediately: Nimki Tomato Chaat is best enjoyed immediately after preparation to savor its fresh flavors and textures.
7. Variations: Feel free to customize the chaat by adding ingredients like boiled potatoes, tamarind chutney, or yogurt to suit your taste preferences.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

• Masala Chai: Enjoy Nimki Tomato Chaat with a piping hot cup of masala chai for a delightful snack time experience.
• Cold Beverages: Pair the spicy and tangy chaat with refreshing cold beverages like lemonade or iced tea to balance out the flavors.
• Indian Street Food Platter: Serve Nimki Tomato Chaat as part of an Indian street food platter alongside other favorites like samosas, pakoras, and bhel puri for a flavorful feast.

 

---

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Nimki Tomato Chaat

 

1. What is Nimki?
   • Nimki is a crispy, savory pastry popular in Indian cuisine, made from a dough of flour, salt, and spices, which is deep-fried until golden brown.
2. Can I make Nimki at home?
   • Yes, Nimki can be easily made at home using basic pantry ingredients. There are many recipes available online for homemade Nimki.
3. Is Nimki Tomato Chaat spicy?
   • The spice level of Nimki Tomato Chaat can be adjusted according to personal preference by varying the amount of green chilies used.
4. Can I make Nimki Tomato Chaat ahead of time?
   • While it's best to assemble Nimki Tomato Chaat just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the Nimki, you can prepare the tomato chaat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
5. What are the key ingredients in Nimki Tomato Chaat?
   • The key ingredients in Nimki Tomato Chaat include Nimki (savory pastry), chopped tomatoes, onions, green chilies, chaat masala, fresh cilantro, sev (crunchy chickpea noodles), and lime juice.
6. Is Nimki Tomato Chaat vegetarian?
   • Yes, Nimki Tomato Chaat is a vegetarian dish as it does not contain any meat or animal products.
7. Can I use store-bought Nimki for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought Nimki for convenience, or you can make Nimki at home using your favorite recipe.
8. What is chaat masala?
   • Chaat masala is a spice blend commonly used in Indian cuisine, known for its tangy and savory flavor profile. It typically contains spices like cumin, coriander, dried mango powder, and black salt.
9. Can I add other vegetables to Nimki Tomato Chaat?
   • Yes, you can customize Nimki Tomato Chaat by adding other vegetables such as boiled potatoes, cucumbers, or grated carrots.
10. What is the origin of Nimki Tomato Chaat?
    • Nimki Tomato Chaat is a popular street food snack in India, especially in regions like Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, where it is enjoyed as a flavorful and satisfying snack.

 

---