Speedy Sprout Chaat
A chaat that's healthy and requires minimal cooking is a monsoon winner. Sprouted moong is a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fibre. For safety during the humid season, it's best to lightly cook the sprouts. Simply blanch one cup of moong sprouts in boiling
water for three minutes, then drain. In a bowl, toss the warm sprouts with half a chopped onion, one chopped tomato, a sprinkle of chaat masala, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with fresh coriander. This chatpata snack is crunchy, fresh, and comes together in less than 10 minutes, offering a nutritious alternative to fried street food.
Quick Tawa Paneer
Paneer is an excellent source of high-quality protein, making it a filling and satisfying snack. This quick tawa-fried version delivers maximum flavour with minimum effort. Cut 200 grams of paneer into cubes. In a bowl, mix the cubes with basic spices from your kitchen: a pinch of turmeric, a teaspoon of red chilli powder, salt, and a dash of garam masala. You can marinate it if you have time, but it's not essential for a quick snack. Heat a teaspoon of ghee or oil in a non-stick pan and pan-fry the paneer cubes for 6 to 8 minutes, turning until they are golden brown on all sides. A final squeeze of lemon juice makes it perfect. Serve hot for a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
2-Minute Masala Chana
For an almost instant snack, roasted chana (chickpeas) is hard to beat. It's incredibly high in protein and provides a satisfying crunch. While you can buy pre-roasted chana, making your own masala version takes just two minutes. Take a cup of plain roasted chana and toss it in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of chaat masala, red chilli powder, and black salt. That’s it. The snack is ready to eat. It’s best to add the spices just before serving to ensure the chana stays perfectly crisp.
Instant Besan Chilla
Besan chilla, a savoury pancake made from gram flour, is a classic Indian breakfast that doubles as a fantastic evening snack. Gram flour is a good source of plant-based protein. To make a quick batter, mix one cup of besan with water until it's a smooth, pourable consistency. Add salt, turmeric, and finely chopped onions and tomatoes. Heat a non-stick tawa, lightly grease it with oil, and pour a ladleful of the batter, spreading it into a thin circle. Cook on medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side until golden and crisp. A single chilla can provide a good dose of protein and is ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
Masala Egg Bhurji
Eggs are a complete protein source and perfect for a quick, warm monsoon snack. Egg bhurji, or scrambled eggs Indian-style, can be prepared in under 10 minutes. In a hot pan with a little oil, sauté finely chopped onion and green chillies for a minute. Add turmeric and salt. Crack in two eggs and scramble them until cooked but still soft. Garnish with fresh coriander. Enjoy it on its own or with a slice of whole wheat toast for a more substantial, balanced, and comforting snack.
Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Makhana, or fox nuts, are low in calories and a good source of protein and calcium. Roasting them is incredibly simple and takes about 10 minutes. Dry roast two cups of makhana in a pan on a low flame, stirring constantly until they are crisp. Once they're crunchy, you can add a teaspoon of ghee and your choice of seasoning, like rock salt, cumin powder, or chaat masala. This creates a light yet satisfying snack that perfectly captures the cosy feeling of the monsoon without any of the guilt.
