Discover 8 Delicious & Healthy Indian Snacks made in under 30 minutes! Perfect for tea time or unexpected guests!
Chai time in India is incomplete without snacks! But often, the snacks we reach for are
oily and unhealthy. What if you could have tasty and nutritious snacks ready in a jiffy? We've got you covered! Here are 8 simple, yet delicious Indian snacks you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
These recipes are packed with flavour and good-for-you ingredients, perfect for satisfying those mid-day cravings or serving unexpected guests. Get ready to ditch the store-bought snacks and embrace these healthy homemade options! Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
Sprout Salad Chaat: A Protein Powerhouse
Forget the greasy pakoras! This sprout salad chaat is a protein-packed, fibre-rich alternative that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Using pre-sprouted moong or mixed sprouts, you can have this ready in minutes.
Simply combine the sprouts with finely chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and coriander leaves. A squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of chaat masala and a dash of black salt will elevate the flavours. You can also add boiled and cubed potatoes for extra bulk.
For an interesting twist, try adding pomegranate seeds for a sweet and tangy burst. Adjust the spices to your liking and you have a guilt-free snack that's bursting with nutrients. This is a great way to sneak in extra protein and fibre into your or your children’s diet.
Perfect for a quick lunch too which keeps you going during important tasks.
Poha: Flattened Rice Delight
Poha, or flattened rice, is a staple in many Indian households, and for good reason. It's quick, easy and endlessly customisable. Rinse the poha well and set aside. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
Once they splutter, toss in chopped onions, green chilies and turmeric powder. Sauté until the onions turn translucent, then add the soaked poha. Mix well, cover and cook for a few minutes until heated through. Garnish with coriander leaves, peanuts and a squeeze of lemon juice.
For a sweeter version, add a pinch of sugar. You can also add vegetables like peas, carrots or potatoes for a more wholesome meal. This is a great option for breakfast, snack or even a light dinner. The versatility of poha is what makes the best snack in India.
Rava Upma: Semolina Goodness
Upma is a South Indian classic made with rava (semolina). It's a hearty and filling snack that can be ready in under 20 minutes. Dry roast the rava until it turns slightly golden, this prevents it turning sticky. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal and chana dal.
Once they splutter, add chopped onions, green chilies, ginger and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. Add water and bring to a boil. Slowly add the roasted rava, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cover and cook until the water is absorbed and the upma is cooked through.
Garnish with coriander leaves and a drizzle of ghee. Adding vegetables like peas, carrots and beans will give it extra flavor. A nutritional boost to your snack time.
Masala Oats: A Healthy Twist
Oats are known for their health benefits and are a great way to incorporate fiber into your diet. Masala oats are a savoury and flavorful take on traditional oats, perfect for a quick and healthy snack. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves.
Add chopped onions, green chilies and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent. Add chopped vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, peas and capsicum. Sauté for a few minutes. Add water and bring to a boil. Add oats, salt and turmeric powder.
Cook until the oats are tender and the water is absorbed. Garnish with coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also add a pinch of garam masala for extra flavor. This is a healthy snack as it provides fiber.
Moong Dal Chilla: Lentil Pancakes
Moong dal chilla is a nutritious and protein-rich pancake made from moong dal (yellow lentils). Soak moong dal for at least 2 hours. Grind it into a smooth batter with ginger, green chilies and salt. Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of batter. Spread it into a thin circle.
Cook on both sides until golden brown. Serve hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup. You can add chopped onions, tomatoes and coriander leaves to the batter for extra flavour. Adding a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the batter aids digestion.
This is a perfect snacking option for people who are health conscious. Serve hot to relish its authentic taste.
Fruit Chaat: Nature's Candy
Sometimes, the simplest snacks are the most satisfying. Fruit chaat is a refreshing and healthy way to satisfy your sweet cravings. Combine chopped fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, oranges and pomegranate seeds.
A sprinkle of chaat masala, black salt and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the flavors and make it extra delicious. You can add a pinch of red chili powder for a spicy kick making it the most preferred snack for all age groups.
This is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. Feel free to add fruits of your choice. The snack helps to keep the body hydrated.
Besan Cheela: is a very healthy snack
Besan cheela is one of the best snacks to eat. It's very easy to make. You need besan and water and salt. Mix it all together and make a paste. Then you pour it in a hot pan. Once its cooked from both sides, you eat with chai.
Makhana: is a great and light snack
Makhana is good for you. It does not have a lot of calories. Just mix some salt and turmeric. Then put in a hot pan. Now you keep stiring it. It gets cooked in just some time.
These 8 snacks that cover traditional and also non traditional snacks are easy and healthy snacks that are good for you.
They only require few things. You also do not need to spend a lot of time making it. The snack is very tasty and a perfect combination with chai.
