Healthy snacks are a great way to keep your energy levels high between meals, but many snack options can be loaded with sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Fortunately, Indian cuisine offers a wide variety of delicious and nutritious snacks that are perfect for keeping you fueled throughout the day. From savory chaat to sweet lassi, there are plenty of healthy snacks recipes Indian style to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best options for tasty and healthy Indian snacks that you can easily make at home.
Introduction to Indian Healthy Snacks Recipes
Indian cuisine is known for its diverse flavors and spices. It is no surprise that Indian snacks are just as diverse and full of flavor as their main dishes. However, many traditional Indian snacks can be high in calories and unhealthy. But worry not, because there are plenty of options available that can be healthy, easy to make and beneficial for your body, and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. For those who enjoy snacking, but also want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, here are some of the best Indian healthy snacks recipes:
Masala Moong Dal
This is a popular, protein-packed snack from North India that is easy to make and is perfect for snacking. It is made using yellow split moong dal, which is cooked with a mix of spices and then roasted until crispy. You can enjoy this snack as it is or pair it with some fresh mint chutney for added flavor.
Sweet Potato Chaat
Chaat is a popular Indian street food that typically contains fried dough, chickpeas, and a variety of chutneys and spices. However, this sweet potato chaat is a healthier, lighter version of the traditional chaat. It is made by roasting sweet potatoes until they are tender, and then tossing them with some roasted peanuts, pomegranate, and a mix of chutneys. It is a perfect snack for those who want something sweet and savory at the same time.
Quinoa Upma
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional upma, then quinoa upma is the perfect dish for you. This dish is made with quinoa, mixed vegetables, and a variety of Indian spices, making it a protein-packed and healthy snack option. It is gluten-free, low in calories, and is easy to make. You can enjoy it as a snack or a light meal.
Oats Dhokla
Dhokla is a popular Gujarati snack that is made using gram flour and steamed. It is usually served with a variety of chutneys. However, this oats dhokla is a healthier and gluten-free version of the traditional dhokla. It is made using oats, gram flour, and a mix of spices that are steamed to perfection. This snack is high in fiber, protein, and is perfect for those who are looking for a guilt-free snack.
Makhana Salad
Makhana, also known as fox nuts, is a popular snack in India that is low in calories and high in protein. This makhana salad is a healthy, light, and yet satisfying snack option. It is made by roasting makhana and then tossing it with some fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and onion. You can add a dash of lime juice or chaat masala for some added flavor.
Baked Chickpeas Snack Recipe
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine and are also known for their health benefits. They are high in protein and fiber, making them a great snack option for those who want something filling and energizing. One of the best ways to enjoy this nutritious bean is by baking them to create a tasty and healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain and rinse your chickpeas and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, toss your chickpeas with olive oil to evenly coat them.
- Add your spices and continue to toss until they’re all mixed in.
- Spread out your chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake them in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until crunchy and golden brown.
You can enjoy your baked chickpeas as they are, or you can experiment with different seasonings and spices to create unique flavor combinations. Some popular options include curry powder, garlic and herb seasoning, or even a bit of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet twist.
These chickpeas are perfect for snacking any time of the day. They also make a great addition to a salad or a wrap for a nutritious and filling meal. Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy a crunchy and healthy snack that is easy to make!
Quinoa and Vegetable Cutlet Recipe
Are you looking for a healthy twist to the traditional cutlets? Quinoa and vegetable cutlets are perfect for those who crave something crunchy. These cutlets can be made by adding vegetables of your choice, making them not only delicious but also nutritious. Quinoa, a protein-packed superfood, adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to these cutlets, making them a great snack or meal option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
- Breadcrumbs for coating
Instructions:
- Take a mixing bowl and add cooked quinoa, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables.
- Add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder, ginger-garlic paste, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small, round cutlets. Coat each cutlet with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat a non-stick pan and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the cutlets and cook on medium flame till both sides are crispy and golden brown.
- Take them out on a plate lined with a tissue paper to get rid of excess oil.
- Your quinoa and vegetable cutlets are ready. Serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup.
Why are Quinoa and Vegetable Cutlets Healthy?
Quinoa and vegetable cutlets are a healthier alternative to traditional cutlets made with meat or potatoes. Quinoa is a complete protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It also contains dietary fiber, which can help promote digestive health and prevent constipation. Adding mixed vegetables to the cutlet recipe not only makes it more flavorful but also increases its nutritional value. Vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect the body from disease.
Final Thoughts
Quinoa and vegetable cutlets are a tasty and healthy snack option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Adding a few spices to the recipe can elevate its taste, making it a great addition to your meal or snack time. So, next time you are craving something crunchy, give these quinoa and vegetable cutlets a try, and you won’t be disappointed.
Healthy Chivda Recipe
Chivda is a classic Indian snack that is made of flattened rice, peanuts, and other spices. It is a popular snack that can be easily found on the streets of India. However, chivda is not always the healthiest snack option due to the high amount of oil and salt added to it. This is where Healthy Chivda comes in – a snack that is made using healthy ingredients and can be consumed guilt-free.
Ingredients
Making Healthy Chivda is easy, and the ingredients required are easily available in most Indian households. Here’s what you need:
- 2 cups poha (flattened rice)
- 1/2 cup roasted chana dal (Bengal gram)
- 1/2 cup peanuts
- 1/4 cup dried coconut
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
Directions
To make Healthy Chivda, follow these simple steps:
- Clean and rinse the poha, and let it dry.
- Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter.
- Add turmeric and red chilli powder, and sauté for a few seconds.
- Add peanuts, roasted chana dal, and dried coconut, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add raisins and mix well.
- Add the poha and mix everything together until the poha is coated with all the spices and ingredients.
- Switch off the flame and let the mixture cool. Add salt to taste.
Healthy Chivda is now ready to serve. You can store it in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also make a bigger batch and store it in an airtight container for a month.
Benefits of Healthy Chivda
Healthy Chivda is a guilt-free snack that comes with several health benefits:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Low in calories | Healthy Chivda is low in calories, making it a great snack option for weight watchers. |
| Rich in protein | Roasted chana dal and peanuts in Healthy Chivda are rich sources of protein, which helps in building and repairing muscles. |
| Good source of fiber | Poha in Healthy Chivda is a good source of fiber, which helps in digestion and keeps you full for longer. |
| Rich in vitamins and minerals | The ingredients in Healthy Chivda, such as peanuts and dried coconut, are rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals. |
In summary, Healthy Chivda is a delicious and healthy snack option that you can enjoy guilt-free. It is easy to make, can be stored for a long time, and comes with several health benefits. So, the next time you crave for a snack, ditch the unhealthy options and make yourself a batch of Healthy Chivda instead.
Masala Oatmeal Recipe
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest breakfast options, but have you tried it with Indian seasonings? This recipe for Masala Oatmeal will add classic Indian flavors like garam masala, turmeric, and cumin to make it a fulfilling and delicious snack. This recipe can be made quickly and easily with ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1½ cups water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté onions until lightly browned.
- Add green chili and grated ginger and sauté for another minute.
- Add rolled oats and cook until they start to slightly brown.
- Add water, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and salt. Mix well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and cook for 10-12 minutes until the oats are cooked and the water has been absorbed.
- Turn off the heat and let the oatmeal rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
The Masala Oatmeal recipe is not only a filling snack, but it is also loaded with nutrients. Oats are a great source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants, while the Indian spices are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. This recipe is perfect for those who want to try something different with oatmeal and enjoy a healthy and tasty snack at the same time.
Banana and Nut Butter Toast Recipe
Are you tired of the same old snacks and want to try something new? Look no further than this delicious and healthy banana and nut butter toast recipe. This snack is perfect for when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1-2 slices of whole grain bread
- 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- Optional toppings: chia seeds, honey, cinnamon
Directions:
- Toast your bread until golden brown.
- While your bread is toasting, mash your ripe banana in a bowl with a fork.
- Spread your desired amount of nut butter onto the toast.
- Top the toast with the mashed banana.
- Add any additional toppings such as chia seeds, honey, or cinnamon.
- Serve and enjoy!
One of the best things about this snack is how versatile it can be. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different breads or nut butters to find your favorite combination. You could also try swapping out the toppings for something new or adding a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning.
Not only is this snack delicious, but it also has some great nutritional benefits. Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Nut butter is a good source of healthy fats, and whole grain bread is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. These nutrients provide a steady stream of energy that will keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time.
So, next time you’re in need of a quick, healthy, and delicious snack, give this banana and nut butter toast recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Are you looking for healthy Indian snack ideas? Here are some of the frequently asked questions about healthy Indian snacks:
What are some other healthy Indian snacks ideas?
If you are looking for some healthy Indian snack ideas other than Quinoa and Vegetable Cutlet or Banana and Nut Butter Toast, here are some options:
- Makhana Chaat: This is a delicious and low-fat snack that is easy to make. Makhana is also known as lotus seeds or fox nuts. Roast makhana and add spices, chopped onions, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Sprouts Chaat: Sprouts are a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes. Make a sprouts chaat by combining boiled sprouts with chopped onions, tomatoes, and cucumber. Add a dash of lemon juice and some chaat masala to make it more delicious.
- Mixed Vegetable Salad: This is a classic healthy snack that can be customized based on your preferences. Chop your favorite vegetables, mix them together, and sprinkle some lemon juice and chaat masala over it.
Can I use other vegetables in Quinoa and Vegetable Cutlet?
Yes, you can use any vegetable of your choice in Quinoa and Vegetable Cutlet. However, make sure that the vegetables you use are low in calories and high in nutrients. Some of the vegetables that can be used in quinoa cutlet are carrot, beans, cauliflower, peas, broccoli, and sweet potato.
Can I use any nut butter for Banana and Nut Butter Toast?
Yes, you can use any nut butter of your choice for Banana and Nut Butter Toast. Some of the popular nut butter options are peanut butter, almond butter, and cashew butter. Nut butters are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. However, make sure that you choose a nut butter that does not contain added sugars or unhealthy additives.
Delicious and Healthy Snacks for a Better You
Thank you for taking the time to read about these mouth-watering and nutritious healthy snacks recipes from India. As you’ve seen, it’s possible to have delicious snacks that are low in calories and high in nutrients. Eating healthy food doesn’t have to be boring, especially when there are so many creative and delicious ways to cook. So, next time you’re craving something tasty, try one of these recipes and see for yourself how satisfying and guilt-free it can be! Make sure to come back again for more healthy food inspiration, tips, and ideas.