Seasoned Puffed Rice and Cucumber Salad - a Gluten-Free Healthy Snack / Kakdi Bhel/ काकडी भेळ

How to Make Cucumber Chaat / Seasoned Puffed Rice Salad / Kakdi Bhel

Hello Foodies,

      Cucumber Chaat/Kakdi Bhel is a total classic and a popular side dish. This classic recipe is made with fresh cucumbers, seasoned puffed rice, onions, fresh and homemade tangy, spicy and sweet sauces, and a handful of other ingredients for a seasoning that everyone will love. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to make. 

       There are different versions of Bhel that you might find, one having a dry and crunchy version, the other being a wet and less crunchy version. There are slight variations out there, of course, but this version is my favorite. A wet version would have a sauce made with date, tamarind, mint, salt, red chilly powder, and coriander. Both tamarind-date and green/mint sauce can also be commonly found in Indian Chaat dishes. It is a perfect snack or stater for picnics, pot lucks, or parties. 

YouTube Video:

         Whether you grew up on eating Indian chaats or are trying it for the first time, you’re sure to love the flavor in this easy cucumber chaat! It is such a simple chaat, yet it’s packed with so much flavor. 

          Tamarind gives the vinaigrette a tart boost and puffed rice and cucumber brings crisp, vibrant, and delicious color to the plate. Seasoned puffed rice, is a low-fat, nutritious, and delicious food. It is a chaat, which is a spicy food that is typically sold via street carts throughout the region. It’s actually just a variation on eating cereal for breakfast. As such, this is a very easy and quick recipe. You can be snacking on this in no time.

Here are some Best and Refreshing Indian Chaat/Snacks recipes to try:

• Panipuri 
• Kutchi Dabeli
• Mint Fritters / Pudina ke Pakode
• Corn Bhel
• Hot and Spicy Mirchi Bhajji 
• Bhel/Bhadang

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes.

Ingredients:

• Cucumber /Kakdi 1 Cup, chopped 
• Bhadang / Seasoned Puffed Rice 2 Cups 
• Sev ¼ Cup
• Papdi ½ Cup
• Khara Boondi 1/2 Cup
• Onion 1 Small, finely chopped 
• Coriander leaves 3-4 Tbsp, chopped 
• Red chili powder ½ Tsp 
• Salt 1/2 Tsp 
• Green Chutney ¼ Cup 
• Tamarind-Date Chutney ¼ Cup

Instructions:

• In a bowl add bhadang(seasoned puffed rice), papdi, chopped onion, khara boondi, coriander leaves, red chili powder, salt, sev, and cucumber and mix all well. 
• Now pour green chutney, date-tamarind chutney, mix well and here Cucumber Chaat or Kakdi Bhel is ready to serve. Enjoy!!!

What kind of Onion should I use?

• Red, yellow, and white onions are perfect for eating raw.
• Be sure to slice them as thinly as you can.

What are some other variations on this recipe?

• You can add tomatoes, beetroot, chickpeas, black beans, peppers, and pineapple chunks.
• Leave the skins on the cucumbers for more color and crunch
• You can totally omit the onion.
• Substitute another fresh herb in place of the cilantro(e.g. dill, fresh mint or basil).

Good Time To Eat:

        It's good to eat cucumber bhel or cucumber chaat as an evening snack.

• If you make this recipe, share your food picture with hashtag #AaichiSavali on Instagram and Facebook so that everyone can enjoy it too! 
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Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!!!