Indian food is known for its rich and complex flavours, but it's also notorious for being high in calories and fat. Many people who are health-conscious often assume that they have to avoid Indian food altogether, but that's not entirely true. The Indian subcontinent has a vast array of low-calorie snacks that are packed with flavour and nutrients. In this article, I'm going to introduce you to seven of my favourite low-calorie Indian snacks that are perfect for anyone who wants to indulge in some guilt-free snacking.
Masala Corn
Masala corn is a popular street food in India that's made by boiling corn kernels and then seasoning them with a blend of spices. This low-calorie snack is perfect for anyone who loves spicy, tangy flavours. To make Masala corn, start by boiling a cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels for five to six minutes. Once the corn is cooked, drain the water and let it cool for a few minutes. In a bowl, mix together a teaspoon of chaat masala, a pinch of red chilli powder, a pinch of salt, and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Add the corn to the bowl and toss it well to coat it with the spices. Serve Masala corn in small bowls or cups and enjoy it as a light snack.
Baked Samosas
Samosas are a classic Indian snack that's often deep-fried, making it high in calories. However, you can make a healthier version of this snack by baking them instead. To make baked samosas, start by making the filling by cooking a cup of boiled and mashed potatoes with a teaspoon of cumin seeds, a teaspoon of coriander powder, a teaspoon of garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Let the filling cool down and then make the dough by mixing a cup of whole wheat flour, a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until it's smooth and then roll it out into thin circles. Cut the circles in half and then form cones with them by bringing the two straight edges together. Fill the cones with the potato filling and then seal the edges by applying some water. Place the samosas on a baking tray and bake them at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes or until they're golden brown. Serve the baked samosas hot with some mint chutney.
Dhokla
Dhokla is a steamed snack that's popular in Gujarat, a western state in India. It's made with a batter of chickpea flour, yoghurt, and spices, and it's low in calories and high in protein. To make dhokla, start by mixing a cup of chickpea flour, a cup of yoghourt, a teaspoon of ginger paste, a teaspoon of green chilli paste, a pinch of turmeric powder, a pinch of baking soda, and a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a bowl. Add some water to the batter to make it smooth and pour it into a greased steaming dish. Steam the batter for 10-12 minutes or until it's cooked through. Once the dhokla is cooked, cut it into small pieces and garnish it with some chopped cilantro and grated coconut.
Sprouts Salad
Sprouts salad is a healthy and refreshing snack that's easy to make and packed with nutrients. To make sprouts salad, start by soaking a cup of mixed beans or lentils overnight. Drain the water and tie the beans or lentils in a muslin cloth. Leave the cloth in a warm place for a day or two until the beans or lentils sprout. Once the sprouts are ready, mix them with some chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and green chillies. Add a dash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to taste. Garnish the salad with some chopped cilantro and enjoy it as a healthy and low-calorie snack.
Vegetable Kebabs
Vegetable kebabs are a delicious and healthy snack that's perfect for anyone who loves grilled food. To make vegetable kebabs, start by chopping some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and eggplant into bite-sized pieces. Thread the vegetables onto skewers and brush them with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika. Grill the kebabs on a medium-high flame for 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and charred. Serve the kebabs hot with some mint chutney or yoghurt dip.
Baked Namak Pare
Namak pare is a crispy and savoury snack that's often deep-fried, making it high in calories. However, you can make a healthier version of this snack by baking them instead. To make baked namak pare, start by mixing a cup of whole wheat flour, a tablespoon of vegetable oil, a teaspoon of cumin seeds, a teaspoon of carom seeds, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add some water to the flour mixture to make a firm dough. Roll out the dough into thin circles and then cut them into small diamond shapes using a knife or a cookie cutter. Place the namak pare on a baking tray and bake them at 180 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes or until they're golden brown and crispy. Serve the baked namak pare as a light snack with some green chutney or salsa.
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and flavorful snack that's low in calories and high in protein. To make roasted chickpeas, start by draining and rinsing a can of chickpeas. Pat them dry with a paper towel and then toss them with a tablespoon of olive oil and some spices like cumin, coriander, and chilli powder. Spread the chickpeas on a baking tray and bake them at 200 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes or until they're crispy and golden brown. Let the chickpeas cool down for a few minutes and then serve them as a healthy and tasty snack.