Aloo Channa Chaat - Potato Chickpea Spicy Salad

An all time favourite at our house is this popular Indian snack, which is not only tasty but also nutritious as the main ingredient is Chickpeas. If you have pre-cooked or canned chickpeas its a super quick dish to prepare!

You know one of those nice afternoons when you feel like munching on something a little tangy and savoury but don't want to go for the unhealthy options, well this is perfect for a filling afternoon snack. It is also great as a light dinner dish and with its low in fat and high protein quality it'll keep that waistline in check too :)

So here it is, my version of Aloo Channa Chaat or Potato Chickpea Spicy Salad.

Ingredients for two servings: 400 grams soaked and cooked chickpeas (or if using canned chickpeas, one can), 1 potato, 1 onion, 1 tomato, handful of chopped corriander, 1 teaspoon chilli flakes, 1 spoon chaat masala, fresh lemon juice, handful of crispy corn chips or "papdi".

Make: In a pan, saute chilli flakes with chopped onion then add cubed potato and cooked chickpeas. Add salt to taste and fry until potato is thoroughly cooked. Leave aside and let cool. In a serving dish, crush the corn chips/papdi, put in chopped tomato and if desired chopped raw onion. Then add to this the fried chickpeas and potato. Toss all together and add chaat masala/chilli powder as desired (more for spicier taste). Finally squeeze some fresh lemon juice. Decorate with sprinkles of fresh corrainder and crispy boondi or sev. Enjoy!!

Eggless Mango Custard

Being a serious mango lover I often miss the taste and unique flavour when they are not in season. However why should this stop us from enjoying mango desserts all year round!? In an attempt to make something mango flavoured which feels just like the real thing, here is my very simple and quick Mango dessert - Mango Custard.

My two tasters at home and our friends that have tasted it have all given it the thumbs up and as for me the mango lover, I'm thrilled to be able to enjoy mango whenever we feel like it :)

One simple recipe, many delicious desserts! 

Ingredients: 1 cup full cream milk, half cup caster sugar, 2 tablespoons corn flour, 1 teaspoon mango essence or flavouring.
 

Make: Heat up the milk on stove until it is hot but not boiling and add the caster sugar and mix well. Keep flame to minimum. 

In a small bowl mix the corn flour with just a tablespoon of cold milk and mango essence, stir to remove any lumps. Add this mixture bit by bit into the hot milk on low flame. Stir continuously and you will see the whole mixture start to thicken. It should be at the right consistency after about 5 to 8 minutes of stirring. 

Remove from flame and pour into desired serving glasses. Immediately place in fridge and leave to set for atleast 1 hour before decorating as you wish and serving!

Enjoy your delicious mango custard topped with your favourite fruits, cream and toppings!