Steamed corn chaat

Rain outside, chai on the stove, and something warm and chatpata in a bowl. This steamed corn chaat is the monsoon bhutta craving answered in your own kitchen. Sweet corn is steamed, then tossed hot with onion, tomato, lemon and chaat masala. It is quick, filling, and far more satisfying than a packet of chips eaten by the window.

Why it helps

Corn is a whole grain with fibre, and the onion, tomato and lemon add freshness and volume without any frying. Eaten warm as a proper bowl, it satisfies the snacky, rainy-day mood while keeping you comfortably full till dinner. A butter-loaded cup from the mall counter this is not, and your evening is better for it. What to eat and avoid

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1.5 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• Handful of chopped coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1/4 teaspoon roasted jeera powder
• Pinch of red chilli powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Juice of half a lemon
• 1 teaspoon butter or ghee (optional, a little goes a long way)

Method

1. Steam or boil the corn kernels for 5 to 6 minutes until tender. Frozen corn needs just 3 to 4 minutes. Drain well.
2. While the corn is hot, tip it into a large bowl.
3. Add the onion, tomato, green chilli and coriander.
4. Sprinkle over the chaat masala, jeera powder, chilli powder and salt.
5. Squeeze the lemon juice on top and toss everything together.
6. Add the teaspoon of butter or ghee if using, stir once so it melts through, and serve warm in katoris.

Make it your own

• Add boiled kala chana or moong sprouts to push the protein up and make it a fuller mini-meal.
• Toss in chopped cucumber and pomegranate for a cooler, summer-style version.
• For a street-style corn cup, add a small spoon of grated cheese on a treat day, and keep the portion to one katori. That balance beats fighting cravings all evening.

Enjoy it as part of the CurviCare Plate, or try the boiled peanut chaat for another warm monsoon bowl.