Watermelon Chaat

First time I tried Watermelon Chaat was at Adya's in the Anaheim Packing District https://squareup.com/store/adya-anaheim/. "Chaat" is essentially a savory Indian fried dough snack mixed with aromatic spices (chaat masala). At Adya's they combine watermelon cubes with fresh mint, red onion, lime juice, thin shavings of fresh fennel bulb and their own blend of chaat masala. I wanted to recreate this refreshing dish, and here's my version, a great appetizer/prelude to spicy main courses like Lamb Vindaloo, Tandoori Chicken, or Tikka Masala. I also came up with a lighter, sweeter, palate cleansing version of watermelon chaat incorporating only lime juice, mango powder, sugar, and fresh mint leaves.

SAVORY VERSION:
5-6 cups cubed watermelon
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp. finely chopped red onion
2 tbsp. chopped or finely sliced (julienned) mint leaves
2 tbsp. finely sliced (julienned) basil leaves
2 tbsp. chopped cilantro

Chaat Masala
2 tsp. Amchuur (unripe mango powder)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground fennel (optional)
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (to taste)

1. Combine the Chaat Masala ingredients together in a small bowl.

2. Place the chopped red onion into a small bowl and cover with water. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (this will mellow out the onion flavor).

3. Gently toss the watermelon, lime juice, drained red onion, mint, basil, and cilantro together in a bowl. Add the Chaat Masala and stir to combine.

Finely diced red onion soaking in water; watermelon cubes, lime, fresh mint, cilantro and basil. 

Ground cumin, Amchuur powder, sugar, ground coriander and cayenne. 

Toss all ingredients together and serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use (best to use serve within 1-2 hours).

SWEET VERSION:
5-6 cups cubed watermelon
Juice of 1 lime
2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. Amchuur (unripe mango powder)
1 tbsp. chopped fresh mint leaves

1. Toss all the ingredients together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.