TheKitchn.com

One of my favorite things about India is its fantastic range of street food. From pav bhaji and vada pav to vegetable chaats and bhel puri, every corner of India boasts its specialties -- and no two street food vendors are alike. "Secret" ingredients abound, and no one gives away any recipes for their signature dishes.

These spiced cucumber sticks are probably the most ubiquitous of all street food. Every vendor, whatever his specialty, will also have these around as a quick, easy to-go snack.

Cucumber sticks are an easy, healthy snack to have on hand for when those spice cravings hit. The predominant flavor is chaat masala, a combination of savory, fragrant and salty spices. It is usually used as a finishing spice, to sprinkle over food, rather than one that needs to be cooked out. Chaat masala is one of those spice mixes that is, frankly, easier to buy than to make your own. Most Asian groceries will stock a version, and it lasts for a while.

When it comes to prepping the cucumbers, Indian vendors will leave the seeds in. However, I like to scoop them out since they can make the finished dish a little watery. I also like to mellow the bite of my red onions by soaking them in cold water before sprinkling them on the cucumber sticks. This is just my preference, though, so if you like a sharper, more raw flavor, you can always sprinkle the onions straight on. They are pretty tasty like that too, though I can't vouch for your breath after.

Spiced Cucumber Sticks with Chaat Masala

Serves 4 as a snack

3 large cucumbers

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 teaspoon chaat masala

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