Classic Shakarkandi Chaat
A timeless classic, shakarkandi (sweet potato) chaat is both healthy and incredibly easy to prepare. Sweet potatoes are a superfood, packed with vitamins and fibre. To make this delightful snack, simply boil a few sweet potatoes until tender, then peel
and chop them into bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, toss the warm cubes with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of chaat masala, and a pinch of black salt. For those who like a little heat, a dash of red chilli powder works wonders. This snack offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours, making it an ideal evening treat.
Spiced Makhana Delight
Phool Makhana, or fox nuts, are a nutritional powerhouse, rich in protein, calcium, and antioxidants. They are light, crunchy, and incredibly versatile. For a quick savoury snack, simply dry roast a cup of makhana in a pan on low heat until they are crisp. In a separate bowl, mix your favourite spices like turmeric, chilli powder, and chaat masala. Add a teaspoon of ghee or oil to the hot pan, toss in the spices for a few seconds, and then add the roasted makhana. Mix well until every piece is coated. This creates a guilt-free munching option that's ready in minutes.
Quick Moong Dal Cheela
Moong dal cheela, a savoury pancake made from split green gram, is a fantastic option for a nutritious and filling snack. To prepare the batter, soak moong dal for a couple of hours and then grind it into a smooth paste with a little ginger and green chilli. Add salt, finely chopped onions, and coriander to the batter. Heat a non-stick tawa or pan, pour a ladleful of the batter, and spread it into a thin circle. Cook on both sides with a little oil until golden brown and crisp. Serve these delicious, protein-packed cheelas hot with mint chutney or your favourite pickle.
Easy Paneer Tikki
Paneer is a beloved ingredient in Indian households and makes for a wonderful, protein-rich snack. To make simple paneer tikkis, crumble a block of fresh paneer into a bowl. Add a boiled and mashed potato for binding, along with finely chopped onions, green chillies, and coriander leaves. Season with salt, garam masala, and some amchur (dry mango powder) for tanginess. Mix everything together, shape the mixture into small, flat patties, and shallow fry them on a tawa with a bit of ghee or oil until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. These tikkis are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and incredibly satisfying.
Crispy Poha Chivda
Poha, or flattened rice, can be transformed into a crunchy and savoury snack mixture known as chivda. This is a light snack that can be made in a large batch and stored in an airtight container for days. To make it, heat a little oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts, roasting them until they are crunchy. Then, add thin poha and roast on a low flame until it becomes crisp. Turn off the heat and add turmeric, salt, and a little powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. You can also add roasted cashews or slivers of dry coconut for extra texture and flavour.
