With the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket season upon us, many fans might be excited to host viewing parties at home with friends and family. While the matches themselves provide plenty of entertainment, the food and refreshments served also play an important role in creating a fun atmosphere. Rather than spending hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate dishes, opt for quick and easy finger foods that can be made in advance or assembled in minutes.
The key is choosing dishes that can be prepared ahead, require minimal cooking, or just need quick assembly before serving. With a menu of ready-to-eat snacks and sips inspired by Indian street food, hosting an IPL final viewing party at home has never been easier or more delicious.
Masala Maggi
Maggi noodles are loved by people across India for their convenience and versatility. To make Masala Maggi, first boil the noodles for 2 minutes until al dente. Heat oil in a pan and sauté chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies and vegetables like carrots and beans. Add garam masala, Maggi masala powder and salt. Toss the cooked noodles into this masala sauce.
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The garam masala and Maggi powder add a delicious, aromatic Indian flavour. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately. The Mumbai street-style Masala Maggi is ready in minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or snack. You can also add paneer, chicken or shrimp to make it a hearty one-pot meal. The possibilities are endless with Maggi noodles!
Oven Tava Bread Pizza
Instead of ordering fast food while watching cricket, make a quick pizza at home. To make tava bread pizza, first make pizza sauce ahead of time. Then toast bread slices and spread sauce on top. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauce.
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Bake the open-faced pizzas in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your homemade pizza snack will be ready just in time for the next inning. This is a fast and easy pizza recipe that avoids greasy takeout. Making pizza at home allows you to control the ingredients and add your favourite toppings too.
Vada Pav
Vada pav, Mumbai's iconic street food, is a fried potato patty served in a bun. Craving this flavourful snack but wanting it fresh and hygienic? Make it at home for your IPL match viewing party!
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To prepare vada pav, combine mashed potatoes with spices like chilli powder, turmeric, and garlic. Form into patties and deep-fry until golden brown. Slice a bun and spread chutneys inside. Place the hot vada inside the bun and serve immediately. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the vada contrast deliciously with the soft bun. Adjust the spices to your taste. Making vada pav at home lets you control the ingredients and enjoy this flavourful snack hygienically.
Chinese Bhel
Looking for a tasty snack to munch on during the cricket match? Try Chinese bhel, a quick and easy snack that will satisfy your cravings. To make it, simply toss crispy chow mein noodles with shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and chicken. Then drizzle with soy sauce, chilli sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil to give it that signature Chinese flavour.
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The crunchy noodles and vegetables are doused in the sweet, sour, and spicy sauce, making this snack irresistible. The best part is that Chinese Bhel comes together in just 10 minutes, so you don't have to miss a single ball to prepare it. Keep a bowl handy for snacking throughout the entire match.
Paneer Pakora
Paneer Pakora is a delicious Indian snack made from cottage cheese cubes dipped in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. To make it, cut paneer into bite-sized cubes and mix with spices like cumin, coriander, chilli powder, turmeric, salt and pepper. Make a thick batter from gram flour, adding water as needed. Dip paneer cubes in batter to coat well.
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Deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown and crisp. Paneer Pakora is soft and moist inside with a crunchy exterior. It's often served with spicy tomato ketchup, chilli sauce or mint chutney for a burst of tangy flavour. This snack is loved by both kids and adults alike.
Kanda Bhaji
Kanda Bhaji is a super-crisp and flavourful snack that is hard to stop eating. These crispy fritters are made from onion, chickpea flour, spices like cumin, coriander, chili powder, turmeric, and fresh cilantro. First, slice the onions thinly and combine them with chickpea flour and spices to form a thick batter. Scoop spoonfuls of batter and deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown and crunchy.
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The bhaji is served with three tantalising chutneys: sweet date tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and pungent red garlic chutney. Dipping the piping hot bhaji in the chutneys provides an explosion of flavours and textures in your mouth. The crispy bhaji soaks up the chutneys beautifully. With its crunchy texture and robust seasoning, Kanda Bhaji is an addictive treat that is hard to stop eating.
Veg Frankie
Making a quick and tasty veggie frankie for watching a cricket match is easy. Before the match, prepare the potato stuffing with spices, keep the roti half-cooked, and prepare a tangy masala water. When ready to eat, quickly roast the roti. Then assemble the roti with the flavourful potato stuffing, tangy masala water, and crunchy onions to make a delicious veggie frankie in minutes.
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The key is having the ingredients prepped so you can quickly put together this satisfying snack during the match's break. With some advance preparation, this potato-stuffed roti wrap can be a crowd-pleasing game-day treat.