Spring Chaat with Sprouted Mung beans and Raw Cauliflower

serves 4 to 6

It is the first day of spring today. Of course, it does not feel like it at all. As if to prove it,it is also snowing in our neck of the woods. Hopefully pretty soon we will see some flowers peeking through, but until then my it has to be my spring ‘ flower ‘ chaat.
I believe the word’ chaat’ comes from the word ‘ chatna’ or to taste in Hindi. It  also derives from a Prakrit  word, which  reminds me of the sound our tongue makes with the roof of our mouths when we taste something savory, sweet and sour and ooh so yummy! Did you just try making the sound?…Yes , I know, I tried it too:) It is the sound we make when we can’t help ourselves eating noisily, enjoying every morsel! When I write the word Chaat in English, of course it reminds me of chatting with friends. To me this spring chaat is perfect for friends to gather around, chat and enjoy the chaat.
The arrival of spring also reminds me that I have 10 pounds to lose. Yes, my four pounds to lose has turned into my 10 pounds to lose:(  Why was it so super easy to gain those 10 pounds? But when it comes to losing the same 10 pounds, it will take me months or years of discipline, which I know I lack, especially when there is yummy food around. Can any of you relate to me?
So my balance is yummy but healthy food. And when I think of healthy foods that I truly enjoy, this chaat is definitely one of them. This chaat is also 3 recipes in one-The super nutritious sprouted  mung bean and raw cauliflower chaat can also be a healthy salad by itself and also tastes delicious combined with hummus in a wrap. I have simply combined my favorite raw veggies with  sprouted mung beans and the crunchy sweet apple for a balance of taste and texture in creating this chaat recipe.

Ingredients for the chaat-

• 1 cup sprouted mung beans
• 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
• ½ apple, diced
• 1 large floret of cauliflower, chopped  finely
• ½  red onion, diced fine
• 1 small green chili pepper, minced or 1/2 teaspoon medium hot chili powder. (I used the green chili pepper)
• a handful of cilantro leaves, chopped fine
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
• sea salt to taste
• about 7 turns of the black pepper mill
• juice of ½ lime
• Chips. I used Lays Stax chips

To make the Chaat-

1. Cook the mung beans + a pinch of sea salt in the microwave on high for 1 minute. Let it cool.
2. Combine all the ingredients. Toss and serve with chips!

3. 

Enjoy the chaat with your friends this weekend! I am taking this Spring Chaat Angie’s Fiesta Friday party co- hosted by Tracy @Scratch It Cook and Nancy @Feasting With Thank you ladies for a super fun party!

Love,

Sandhya