Discover how 8 irresistible snack recipes can transform your tea time into a culinary adventure! Explore now
Chai time in India is more than just a beverage break; it's a cherished ritual, a moment to unwind,
connect with loved ones, and savour the simple joys of life. And what better way to enhance this experience than with a selection of delectable snacks?
Forget the same old biscuits, we're diving into a world of flavours with these 8 irresistible vegetarian recipes that will transform your regular tea time into a delightful culinary adventure. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with these easy-to-make treats.
Masala Mathri: A Crunchy Classic
Mathri is a quintessential Indian snack, and the masala version takes it up a notch with a burst of aromatic spices. This flaky, deep-fried treat is perfect for dipping in your chai, providing a satisfying crunch and a spicy kick.
The beauty of mathri lies in its simplicity and adaptability; you can adjust the spice levels to your liking, adding a pinch of chilli powder for extra heat or a dash of ajwain (carom seeds) for a unique flavour profile. These are easy to make and an evergreen snack.
To Prepare this delicious snack , Firstly, in a bowl, combine maida (all-purpose flour), sooji (semolina), ajwain, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), salt, and oil. Mix well until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add water and knead into a firm dough.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin disc. Prick the discs with a fork to prevent them from puffing up. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
Gently slide the mathris into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove the mathris from the oil and drain on paper towels. Store in an airtight container and enjoy with your tea! Preparing spice mathris using different spices makes the tea time more cherishing.
Suji Toast: A Semolina Sensation
Suji toast, also known as rava toast, is a quick and easy snack that's perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something satisfying but don't have much time. Made with semolina (suji or rava), spices, and vegetables, this toast is both flavourful and nutritious.
It's a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet, and the semolina provides a good dose of fibre. This healthy snack is a good option for tea time.
Take bowl and add the suji/rava along with curd. Mix well. Then add grated carrot, chopped onions,capsicum.
Mix everything and add all the spices and salt. Mix everything and let it rest for 10 minutes. After that take bread slices and spread the mixture on top. Cook this bread slice on pan with butter. Toast them crispy and serve hot with chai.
This easy snack recipe is a favourite for most of the households. Experimenting with different bread types can add a unique twist to this dish. Use brown bread or multi-grain bread for a healthier option.
Aloo Tikki: Potato Perfection
Aloo tikki is a classic Indian street food that's loved by people of all ages. These spiced potato patties are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an irresistible treat. Serve them with a dollop of chutney and a sprinkle of chaat masala for an explosion of flavours.
Aloo tikkis can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient option for tea-time gatherings.
Firstly, boil the potatoes, peel and mash them well. Mix all the spices,salt and coriander leaves. Make the aloo tikki in round shape.
For a crispy Aloo Tikki, heat a flat pan and shallow fry them with oil until golden brown on both sides. Serve with tamarind chutney and mint chutney. This is an all-time favourite snack recipe. Different types of chutney can be served with aloo tikki for a varied taste experience.
Experiment with different chutney options like green chutney, tamarind chutney, or even a spicy mango chutney.
Moong Dal Cheela: A Protein Powerhouse
Moong dal cheela is a savoury pancake made from ground moong dal (yellow lentils). It's a healthy and protein-rich snack that's perfect for those looking for a guilt-free indulgence. Add some chopped vegetables to the batter for extra flavour and nutrients.
Moong dal cheela is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of accompaniments. This can be an healthy option to start the teatime.
Soak moong dal about 2 hours. Grind this in a mixer. Then add chopped onions,chilies and salt with coriander leaves.
Mix well and pour this batter on a heated pan. Spread well in round shape. Cook both sides well and serve hot with chutney. A variation of moong dal cheela is to add paneer or cheese to the batter. This makes it even more rich and protein-packed.
Sabudana Vada: A Tapioca Temptation
Sabudana vada is a popular snack made from sago pearls (sabudana), potatoes, and peanuts. These crispy, deep-fried vadas are a delight to the taste buds and are often consumed during fasting periods.
The combination of textures – the chewy sabudana, the soft potatoes, and the crunchy peanuts – makes for a truly satisfying snack. People enjoy this due to its texture.
Soak sabudana for 2 hours. After then mix this with mashed boiled potatoes, peanuts powder, salt and chilies.
Prepare the vada batter and shape the vadas. Heat the oil and deep fry these vadas to be golden brown. Serve hot with chutney or curd. A unique twist to sabudana vada is adding a bit of lemon juice and sugar to the mix.
This adds a contrasting sweet and sour flavour, enhancing the tea time experience.
Onion Pakoda: A Fritter Fiesta
Onion pakora, also known as onion bhaji, is a classic Indian snack that needs no introduction. These crispy, deep-fried onion fritters are a favourite during monsoons, but they're equally delicious any time of the year. Serve them with green chutney or tomato ketchup for a complete experience.
Pakoras are best enjoyed hot and fresh, so make sure to serve them immediately after frying. Enjoy it.
Take a bowl and add sliced onions along with besan and rice flour. Add all the spices including salt and red chilly powder. Mix well and add water so that onion slices are well coated.
After that deeply fry it in the hot oil . Pakora taste best with green chutney. For extra crispy pakoras, add a pinch of baking soda or baking powder to the batter. This will make them lighter and more airy.
These are just a few of the many delicious snack recipes that can elevate your tea time experience. So, get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavours and ingredients to create your own signature tea-time treats.
Chai time is a special time, and these snacks will make it even more memorable. Enjoy!
