Indian Snacks: Delicious Recipes for quick snacks

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and a plethora of traditional recipes handed down through generations. However, maintaining a healthy diet amidst the tempting array of snacks can be challenging. Today, I want to share some nutritious yet delicious Indian snack recipes that align with our cultural heritage and dietary needs.

1. Bhel Puri

A quintessential Indian street food, Bhel Puri can be transformed into a healthy snack with a few tweaks.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups puffed rice (murmura)

• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tomato, finely chopped

• 1 cucumber, finely chopped

• 1 green chili, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney

• 1 tablespoon mint-coriander chutney

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• Lemon juice

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix puffed rice, roasted peanuts, onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chili.

2. Add tamarind and mint-coriander chutneys. Mix well.

3. Sprinkle salt, chopped coriander leaves, and a dash of lemon juice.

4. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch and freshness.

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2. Sprouted Moong Chaat

Sprouted moong beans are a powerhouse of nutrients. This chaat is a delicious way to include them in your diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sprouted moong beans

• 1 small potato, boiled and diced

• 1 small tomato, finely chopped

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 green chili, finely chopped

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and chaat masala to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine sprouted moong beans, boiled potato, tomato, onion, and green chili.

2. Add salt, chaat masala, and lemon juice.

3. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve.

3. Roasted Masala Chickpeas

A crunchy and protein-packed snack that's perfect for any time of the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight and boiled

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Pat the boiled chickpeas dry and place them on a baking sheet.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.

4. Mix well to coat the chickpeas evenly.

5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, shaking the pan occasionally.

4. Ragi (Finger Millet) and Oats Ladoo

A traditional sweet treat made healthier with ragi and oats, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without guilt.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ragi flour

• 1/2 cup oats, powdered

• 1/2 cup jaggery, grated

• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut

• 1/4 cup ghee

• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

• Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the ragi flour and powdered oats separately until fragrant.

2. In a pan, heat ghee and add the roasted flours.

3. Add grated jaggery and desiccated coconut, mixing well.

4. Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix thoroughly.

5. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Shape the mixture into small ladoos and garnish with chopped nuts.

These healthy Indian snacks are not only delicious but also embody the rich cultural heritage and flavors of our cuisine. Incorporating these nutritious bites into your diet can help you enjoy traditional tastes while maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.