Masala Corn Chaat Cup | Easy Indian Street Food Recipe

Masala Corn Chaat is simple but super delicious as it combines mildly sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory smack with boiled corn. A perfect way to roll on an evening snack with some of your favorite veggies, flavorful herbs, and earthy spices. 

In India, many chaat recipes on every street corner uniquely describe their taste and flavors. India is the hub of street food varieties that identify its culinary heritage, and corn chaat is one of them. Chaat is wondrous love that resides in the heart of every home.

This easy and quick mug recipe is excellent for adults, and it is kid’s friendly too. It comes together in five minutes when you have ready-boiled corn kernels. As said, in India, street food is for ages, but this masala corn chaat recipe made with sweet corn has gained the international culinary spotlight to tickle your tastebuds.

Corn Chaat Video Recipe:

What are corn and its history?

Corn is a vegetable, a whole grain, and a fruit because it comes from a seed or flower part of the plant. Eating an ear of corn in its natural growing form is healthy, such as corn on the cob, cooked kernels, or freshly milled. 

They were initially domesticated in Mexico by natives nearly 9000 years ago. It started from a wild grass called teosinte. In the past, it could only survive if planted and protected by humans.

In more technical terms, corn is a giant green stalk called maize, which came to English from Spanish maiz, a barely altered version of the Taino word for the plant mahiz.

Also, the earliest corn plant was tiny, but after a long period of breeding and inventions, it became the corn we all know today.

Types of corn:

There are four types of corn:

1. Flint Corn – It is a type of Indian corn with a more rigid outer shell and a wide range of colors. They are primarily used for decoration. 

2. Sweet Corn – Sweetcorn is corn on the cob and has more sugar than the other types of corn. It contains high fiber in it. 

3. Dent Corn – Dent corn is also known as field corn which is widely grown in the fields used to feed livestock and some food products.

1. Popcorn – Popcorn is a type of flint corn, but they differ in shape, size, starch level, and moisture. The outer shell is hard and soft in the center. When heated, its water steams and thus builds up pressure to explode.

Difference between sweet corn and corn:

As we have discussed the varieties of corn above, sweet corn does not grow as taller as field corn and has high natural sugar content than cow corn. Moreover, it is picked immature milk stage before the sugar becomes starch.

More about sweetcorn:

Corn on the cob is full of minerals and nutrients that help to check blood sugar, so it is also suitable for people with diabetes. But as it is high in natural sugar levels, you should eat it in moderation. 

The middle part is the cob, the corn that grows on it is called ears, so the corn on the cob is the food term. You can steam, boil, grill, or roast the corn cobs. Before using, remove the green husk and silk on top of the corn cobs.

In addition, the life of the uncooked corn on the cob in a refrigerator lasts up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the husk before keeping it in the fridge, or if you do remove it, then use foil to cover it.

The National corn on the cob date falls on the 11th of June every year, a pre-summer date. 

Bhutta, or corn cob, best represents the monsoon in India. Enjoying the corn on a rainy day is highly exceptional. 

Charcoal roasted corn cob is super delicious when glazed with butter and topped with lemon juice, salt, and red chili.

Preparing the corn before cooking:

Remove the Husk, pull the silk threads, and cut any marks or spots with a sharp knife. Your corn cob is ready to boil.

Corn silk and its benefits:

Corn silk is a long thread-like strand that grows underneath the green husk of the fresh ear of corn. It contains fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is a natural corn fiber used in traditional Chinese and Native American medicines. 

It is suitable for kidney stones, fatty liver, and bladder infections, helps reduce inflammation, and bedwetting, manages blood sugar levels and lowers blood pressure and heart-related problems. 

No proper dosage is mentioned for humans, but they should take based on the body’s reaction, age, nutritional status, and medical history. 

Over and above that, corn silk is safe for most people, but not everyone, so it is recommended to consult your medical consultant before using it. It decreases potassium levels in the blood and causes allergies, rashes, and itching.

Amount of time needed to cook the corn cob:

Boil until the corn cob becomes bright yellowish and tender probably takes about 10 minutes. Take the corn cob carefully on a serving plate and serve it warm.

Always choose the fresher and sweeter corn, as it takes less time to boil. The garden-fresh and unhusked corn take 5-6 minutes to get cooked.

Use milk instead of water while cooking the sweetcorn for the chaat cup:

Yes, you can replace the water with milk for this instant mug recipe. When you boil the corn cob, it naturally brings out its sweetness, but adding milk instead of water makes the corn kernels juicer, sweet, and crisp-tender, enhancing flavor and texture.

Eating raw corn on the cob:

You can eat raw sweet corn, but take the freshest corn on the cob and wash it thoroughly before eating them. 

Removing corn kernels for the masala corn chaat cup:

There are various ways to remove the corn kernels from the cob for this mug snack. You can use a sharp knife and carefully cut the corn kernels from the cob, rotating it from side to side before boiling it, or even you can do it after steaming them. 

Another way is to use a tool to remove the corn kernels easily. There are a lot of tools available on the amazon store. I’ll provide the link to the best product here. 

While writing the blog post, I found another manageable method: use spoons backend, spike between ears of sweetcorn, push upward, and remove it using your finger. It will take a little more time to do the first row.

To that, in the second row, use your thumb to press the ears of sweetcorn towards the gap, then use your finger, which will come out quickly. Here is the link to that video.

Want to know when your corn kernels or corn cob is ready?

When fully cooked, the corn changes its color to an intense yellowish, the kernels are tender and easily pricked with a knife’s tip, or you can check it by pressing between your fingers.

Is it possible to overcook corn cob?

Absolute because when you overcook it, it becomes chewy and firm. So please, keep a check on the time. You can steam the corn or even use the microwave.

Microwave for cooking the corn for your masala corn chaat recipe:

True, you can use a microwave to cook the corn cob with the husk on a high setting for 3-4 minutes. Remove it using a cloth, napkin, or tong, cut the bottom, remove the husk, and it is ready.

About masala corn chaat cup:

This corn chaat cup is a vegetarian snack, a famous street food, and a perfect tea-time snack for the family. This mug recipe is similar to corn salsa but with an Indian twist. 

Everyone loves this recipe, even health-conscious people, as it is healthy, and you can make it vegan. Moreover, it is best when you are short on time because it is hassle-free, requires no special cooking skills, and is quick. So, great for bachelors too. 

More, this recipe goes well with kids. Make it less spicy, or skip adding green or red chili so they can enjoy it.

A combination of sweet and hot spices can become a light dinner or a side salad for an Indian buffet. You can make restaurant-style corn chaat at home and kill your hunger pangs at any time of the day. You can customize this versatile mug meal as per your preferences.

Why do I love this mug corn chaat recipe?

• Fuss-free, Easy, and Quick

• Particular cooking skill is not needed

• No fancy ingredients requirement

• Serves as an appetizer, snack, light lunch or dinner, or can help in-between meals

• Kids-friendly can make it for a school lunchbox or as an after-school snack

• Great way to consume corn

• Healthy, and you can make it vegan

• Delicious and lip-smacking

Best choice, kernels or corn cob for this mug recipe:

It is your choice to use corn kernels or corn cob. You can use whatever is available in your pantry for this Indian appetizer.

Possible to use frozen sweet corn for making masala corn chaat:

You can use frozen sweet corn or canned corn for this mug meal. Here, I am using fresh corn to make this chaat cup.

Just thaw the corn before using it. Remove the frozen corn from the bag, and run it under tap water until it defrosts.

Cut off the ears of the corn first or after boiling it?

Chopping off the corn ears first or after boiling them does not matter. But I cook the whole corn cob in this mug recipe, then cut off the ears. You can also do it before boiling the cob.

Boiling sweet corn methods to make the masala corn chaat recipe:

Three ways to cook corn; first, use a pressure cooker to boil corn cob or kernels. Whistle 2-4 and off the flame. Let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid, remove the cob with a tong, or drain the water in a colander.

Second, use an instant pot to boil the corn cob or kernels. Set the timer for 3-4 minutes. Once the timer is off, let the pressure release naturally. Open it, remove the cob, or drain the water in a colander.

Third, use a stove pot or saucepan. Bring the water to boil and the corn. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the excess water once cooked. Same for frozen corn kernels, thaw them first and then cook them. 

To add on, if you are using a tool to remove the kernels from the corn cob, it is best to do it before boiling because it may make a little mess as the corn ears get tender afterward.

How do I boil my corn cob for the desi snack?

For boiling my corn, I used a pressure cooker, removed the husk and silk of my corn, and broke it in half. Add salt, turmeric, bay leaf, and peppercorns to the water and corn cob to increase the taste of the corn kernels. 

Once boiled, use a tong to remove the corn cobs as they are hot. With the help of a knife, cut the corn kernels and collect them in a colander or bowl. Your corn cobs are ready to make the quick mug recipe.

Grill the boiled corn for sweet corn chaat:

Ideally, you can do so. Grilling the boiled corn gives a smokey flavor to the chaat recipe, enhances the texture, and ensures that it is cooked thoroughly.  

Besides, the exact process of grilling the corn cob before boiling takes about 20 minutes, which is a long wait.

Vegan healthy corn chaat recipe:

To make it vegan chaat corner, skip adding butter to the corn kernels instead, and use extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil. 

Apply the same thing if you are substituting water with milk while cooking. Use non-dairy milk such as soya, coconut, almond, or oat.

Seasoned water to boil the corn cob or kernels for the best street food recipe:

Most people add salt to the water while cooking the corn cob, but there are several items you can add to amplify the flavor of the ears of corn. 

To upgrade the taste, add turmeric, ginger, crushed garlic cloves, rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, oregano, black pepper, bay leaf, tarragon, cilantro, and other types of spices and herbs you have at home that act as fragrance flavoring agent. 

I have added salt, turmeric, bay leaf, and a few peppercorns to the savory mug recipe. You can add other herbs or spices if you wish.

Effortlessly chop veggies for your tea-time masala chaat:

Use a food processor or electric chopper if you have one to chop veggies without any fuss in a minute, or use a hand chopper. I am using one in-the-mug food to chop the veggies smoothly for your delicious Indian chaat. 

Chop the onion, tomato, and green bell pepper in quarters, then add them to the chopper. If the pieces feel significant, make them compact so that the chopper can quickly chop them.

To make it more chatpata chaat snack:

Add green, tamarind, or garlic chutney as per tastebud to give an extra hint to the healthy Indian snack. But I prefer to make my warm cup of chaat dry, so I have made it without chutney. 

Various other chaat recipes you can try:

So, this mug dish is all about corn chaat specifically, but as we have told you before, India is much more about different chaat dishes you can consume. 

Elven types of chaats of India have won millions of hearts and tummies not just in India but globally. Some names are as follows: aloo chaat, ragda patties, panipuri, dahi Puri, dahi vada, bhelpuri, papri chaat, samosa chaat, sev puri, and much more.  

Not only that, but even corn chaat has multiple varieties, which you will see in upcoming blog posts.

Food items to make with corn as a base of the recipe:

N-number of recipes to make using corn, such as corn soup, corn pulao, corn cutlets, sweetcorn fried rice, corn fritters, corn cheese balls, crispy corn, corn sev puri, corn and jalapeno fondue, and many others.

Things you can substitute for making street-style corn chaat:

Modifying the dish as per your liking and items available in your kitchen is what we all do while cooking. So, if you like the mild flavor of onions in your tasty mug recipe, go for white or yellow onions. If you want to try a whole new taste and look, use spring onion greens.

Furthermore, to add more zing to the food, add dry raw mango powder known as amchur to your chaat corner. 

On top of that, you can add pomegranate pearls, cucumber, raw mango, red or orange bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, candy peppers, or carrots—even namkeens such as sev, toasted puris, bhel, a pinch of sugar, paprika, sprouts, and other things.

Essential things you will need to make the corn chaat in a mug:

List of ingredients and equipment to make food in a cup:

• Boiled Corn Kernels

• Large Bowl

• Measuring Cups & Spoons

• Butter

• Spoon

• Vegetable Chopper

• Onion

• Coriander Leaves

• Tomato

• Green Bell Pepper

• Chaat Masala

• Salt

• Black Salt

• Cumin Powder

• Red Chili Powder

• Freshly Ground Black Pepper

• Lemon Juice

• Glass Mug

How to make an easy Indian appetizer chaat at home?

Simple 4-step process to follow to make the recipe in a mug:

• Add boiled corn kernels and butter to the large mixing bowl. Using a spoon, coat the butter well on the kernels.

• Now replace the bowl with a hand vegetable chopper and place the blend. Then add small pieces of onions, coriander leaves, tomatoes, and green bell pepper. Close the lid and pull the handle to have finely chopped veggies.

• Again place the mixing bowl, and add finely chopped veggies, chaat masala, salt, black salt, cumin powder, red chili powder, fresh ground black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix everything well.

• Replace the mixing bowl with the serving glass mug and add the mixture to the cup. Top it with fresh coriander, and your magnificent mug of masala corn chaat is ready to enjoy.   

Delightful mug meals to enjoy:

• Egg Frittata

• Maggi In A Mug

• Cheese Corn

• Spicy Corn Recipe

• Butter Corn

Listen To Audio Recipe:

Key points to keep in mind while making the sweet corn chaat recipe:

• Boil the corn cob or kernels in a pressure cooker, instant pot, or saucepan.

• When boiling it in the pressure cooker, let the pressure release naturally. Do not try to open it immediately. Be careful.

• Once the pressure is released, carefully open the cooker and remove the corn cobs using a tong or drain the excess water in the colander. 

• Allow the corn to cool for a bit.

• You can use fresh ears of corn, canned or frozen. 

• If using frozen corn, thaw them first and then boil. 

• Do not overcook the corn.

• Seasoned water, if possible, to boost the tang. Do not skip this part if you have every list of items in your pantry.

• For vegan chaat, skip the butter and add olive oil, coconut oil, or any other of your choice.

• In the mug recipe, I am using Kashmiri red chili powder which is less spicy but gives a bright red color. Use your choice of red chili powder. 

• Make it as spicy as for the adults to handle. 

• While making it for kids, make it less spicy or skip adding chilies.

• Combine it well so all the flavors are absorbed in the corn chaat.

• Add your favorite veggies. 

• Garnish it with fresh coriander, crispy sev, lemon wedge, fried paneer chunks, peanuts, red chili flakes, or any of your favorite snacks. 

• Amchur is also raw mango powder to add if you do not have chaat masala.

• Be careful while adding more salt while making the chaat, as we have added salt while boiling the corn cob.

Serving suggestions for the masala corn chaat recipe:

Serve your corn chaat as it is or with hot masala tea or coffee. Also, you can enjoy it for a drink party night, family night, BBQ, potluck, after-school snack, or lunchbox. 

Moreover, you can serve it along with any pasta, potato chips, french fries, potato wedges, grilled chicken, Sweet potatoes, hot dogs, burgers, baked beans, or salmon. 

Additionally, serve with a chutney topper like mint, red chili paste, garlic, or tamarind. This mug chaat recipe is best for any hunger spike at any time of the day as it is healthy, spicy, and savory. So, monsoon is the best season to try, as fresh corn cob is in the market.

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