Indian food is famous for its rich tapestry of flavours and fragrant spices, but it's not just about rich stews and delicious sweets. There is a treasure trove of nutritional morsels that give both gastronomic enjoyment and a healthful boost in the wide world of Indian snacks. These snacks satisfy the appetites of individuals who are always on the go, and they capture the essence of India's culinary history, providing a blend of taste and nutrition.
Indian snacks differ in texture and flavour from the lively and sprouting Moong Chaat to the crispness of Roasted Chana. Poha, with its precise spice balance, and Khakhra, a crunchy Gujarati delicacy, demonstrate the adaptability of ingredients in Indian cooking. With a simple modification, even the popular deep-fried Samosa may be made into a guilt-free pleasure. Fruit Chaat and Dhokla provide a pleasant and healthy twist to the snack menu. Take a look at seven healthful Indian snacks that not only satisfy the taste senses but also feed the body. These snacks are more than simply food; they are a representation of India's unique culture and a tribute to the harmonious combination of flavour and nutrition.
1. Sprouted Moong Chaat
Sprouted moong (green gramme) is a nutritional powerhouse. It has a lot of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. You'll need sprouted moong, finely sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumber to prepare a fast and healthful moong chaat. Toss them together with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and chaat masala. Not only is this snack minimal in calories, but it is also refreshing and satisfying.
2. Sundal
Sundal is a popular South Indian snack made from boiled legumes, typically chickpeas or lentils. These legumes are seasoned with a mix of spices, including mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut. Sundal is a healthy and flavorful dish often enjoyed during festivals or as a street food snack in India.
3. Patra
Patra is a savory Indian snack made from colocasia leaves smeared with a spiced gram flour paste. These leaves are rolled up, steamed, and then sliced into rounds. Afterward, the rounds are shallow-fried until crispy. Patra is known for its unique taste, combining the earthiness of colocasia leaves with the tangy and spicy flavors of the gram flour mixture. It's a popular snack in regions like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
4. Khakhra
Khakhra is a savoury Gujarati snack prepared from whole wheat flour that is thin and crunchy. It's frequently seasoned with cumin and carom seeds before being roasted till crispy. Khakhra is an excellent source of dietary fibre and a low-calorie snack. You may serve it with yoghurt or pickles to add flavour.
5. Baked Samosa
Samosas are a popular Indian food, but they are frequently deep-fried, making them heavy in calories and harmful. However, baking them instead makes a healthy variant. For the outer layer, use whole wheat pastry sheets or filo dough and pack them with a variety of spiced potatoes, peas, and other veggies. Baking samosas cuts down on the quantity of oil needed, making them a guilt-free snack.
6. Ragi Murukku
Ragi Murukku is a crispy and savory South Indian snack made from ragi flour (finger millet flour) and rice flour. The flours are mixed with spices like cumin and sesame seeds, along with water to form a dough. This dough is then shaped into spiral or coil patterns and deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Ragi Murukku is a nutritious and gluten-free alternative to traditional murukku snacks.
7. Dhokla
Dhokla is a steamed and fermented rice and chickpea flour snack. It's light, spongy, and flavorful. Fermentation boosts the nutritional value of dhokla by making it simpler to digest and increasing nutrient bioavailability. The addition of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies to the tempering offers a blast of flavour. Dhokla is a full and nutritious snack since it is high in carbs and protein.
Incorporating these nutritious Indian snacks into your diet might help you maintain a healthy eating habit. Whether you need a fast snack on the run or a nutritional alternative for your evening snack, these selections have you covered. They are not only delicious, but they also contain important nutrients that will keep you energised throughout the day. So, the next time you're craving a snack, give one of these healthy Indian choices a try. Both your taste senses and your body will be grateful!