Nepali Gilo Chatpat with Fried Noodles by Tanhatrisha8

Ingredients

• 1 packet instant noodles (spicy/masala flavour, with seasoning packet)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gilo sauce)
• 1 cup water
• 1–2 drops red or orange food colouring
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp tamarind paste or concentrate
• 1/2 cup canned or boiled chickpeas
• 1/2 small cucumber, diced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1–2 green chillies, finely chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp chaat masala or magic masala seasoning
• Small handful of puffed rice or chanachur (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

1. Crush the dry instant noodles into small pieces and fry them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, tossing constantly, until golden and crispy. Sprinkle the seasoning packet over them and toss to coat. Set aside.
2. Make the gilo sauce: whisk 2 tablespoons flour into 1 cup water until smooth. Pour into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pourable sauce consistency.
3. Stir in the food colouring, tamarind paste, and salt. Taste and adjust — the sauce should be tangy, slightly salty, and vibrantly coloured. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Dice the cucumber, tomato, and green chillies and set them out alongside the lemon juice, chickpeas, and fried noodles.
5. To assemble: place chickpeas in a bowl or flat plate. Add cucumber, tomato, and green chillies. Drizzle generously with the gilo sauce.
6. Top with the fried spicy noodles, squeeze lemon juice over everything, and sprinkle chaat masala. Toss lightly and serve immediately before the noodles soften.