Kachalu Ki Khatti Meethi Chaat

To prepare Kachalu Ki Khatti Meethi Chaat, start by washing 1 kg of kachalu (yam) thoroughly. Pressure cook the yam for 3-4 whistles with a pinch of cooking soda. Once cooked, let it cool, peel, and chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chopped yam with sliced onions, chopped cucumber, green chillies, and grated ginger. Add 1 cup of tamarind water and 4 tbsp of jaggery powder, mixing well. Season with salt, black salt, black pepper powder, red chilli powder, cumin seeds powder, and ajwain. Finally, garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

Yes, Kachalu Ki Khatti Meethi Chaat is suitable for a vegan diet as it contains no animal products. The ingredients, including yam, vegetables, and spices, are all plant-based, making it a delicious and healthy option for vegans.

If you don't have tamarind water, you can substitute it with a mixture of lemon juice and a bit of sugar to mimic the tangy and sweet flavor. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought sweet and sour sauce, but adjust the quantity to taste.

To store leftover Kachalu Ki Khatti Meethi Chaat, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be kept for up to 2-3 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir, as the flavors may meld together over time.

Kachalu Ki Khatti Meethi Chaat pairs well with a variety of dishes for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside some crispy papad, a refreshing cucumber raita, or even with a side of fluffy naan or paratha to balance the flavors. It also makes a great appetizer before a main course.