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Ten years ago on this very date, the world was a different place. In a way I guess we were all ignorant of the evil that is hidding beneath the surface of certain individuals. It’s becoming a cliche but a lot of people know exactly what they were doing the moment they found out that the first plane hit the twin towers. And yes, I can still remember what I was doing. I had – in fact – just returned from the US the day before. Arriving on Dutch soil again on September 10th, flying home from Portland. I distinctly remember being in the office when one of my colleagues mentioned that a plane had hit the twin towers in New York. We all laughed about it; thinking it was a really bad joke. Until – more moments later – the 2nd plane went in and we all gathered in the tv room in the design area to watch with shock the drama that unfolded.

We all know what happened next. I cannot believe it has already been ten years ago that this world changing drama took place. There is not a lot I can say that hasn’t already been said but I couldn’t possibly write a post today and not mention this ‘anniversary’ that led to the death of so many people. I’ve been to New York afterwards, have seen ‘Ground Zero’, one year after the attack happened and even though you’ve seen it on tv many times. Going there in person and seeing the enormous hole that was once the twin towers is shocking and humbling in a way. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one in that tragedy as I am sure this date will always have a big stain on it. No matter how much time has passed.

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You might have seen this chana chat salad before when it was featured on the blog of my Dutch blogger friend Kay, from Kayotic Kitchen. I thought this was a fitting dish to share with you on this day, as it embraces other cultures through food.

It’s a quick salad and works perfect with this homemade Garam Masala that I shared with you earlier.

Chana chat salad | insimoneskitchen.com

Indian salad - Chana Chaat

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Ingredients

  • 1 piece onion small, halved and sliced
  • 2 cm ginger finely grated
  • 1 red chili deseeded and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil
  • 300 g chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder mild
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 piece cucumber peeled, deseeded and diced
  • 1 bunch cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1 squeeze lemon juice
  • 1 bunch fresh coriander roughly chopped, plus extra to serve
  • 4 heaped tablespoons greek yogurt
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 poppadoms roughly crushed

  • Fry the onion, ginger and chili in the oil for 5 minutes or until the onions begins to soften. Add the chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes until golden. Add the chili powder and the garam masala and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, season if needed and set aside to cool.
  • Combine the cucumber, tomatoes, lemon juice and chopped coriander in a mixing bowl. Divide among 4 plates and top with the chickpea mixture, yogurt, pomegranate seeds and crushed poppadums. Sprinkle with the coriander leaves and serve before the poppadums start to soften

Disclaimer

The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @insimoneskitchen_ or tag #insimoneskitchen!

Chana chat

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Simone van den Berg

Food blogger from the Netherlands. Loves good food. Likes to create healthy and easy recipes for daily use, but also loves the occasional sweet dish. Lives in the Netherlands with her two cats; Humphrey and Buffy. Profession: Food photographer, food blogger, recipe developer and nutritionist