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Indian street food is a vibrant and tantalising experience that entices food lovers with its flavours, aromas, and bustling atmosphere. However, while these street snacks are undeniably delicious, they often come with a downside - their unhealthy nature. Loaded with refined flour, deep-fried in oil, and packed with excessive spices, street food can take a toll on our health. But worry not! We present you with six Indian street food favourites reinvented into healthier versions, allowing you to savour the taste without compromising your well-being.
Samosa:
The traditional samosa is a deep-fried, triangular pastry filled with a spiced potato and pea mixture. Although it's crispy texture and savoury filling make it irresistible, the deep-frying process adds unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats to this popular snack.
Healthier Version: To create a healthier samosa, let's start with the outer pastry. Replace refined flour with whole wheat flour, which retains more nutrients and fibre. For the filling, mix boiled and mashed sweet potatoes with peas, carrots, and a medley of spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Instead of deep-frying, brush the samosas with a small amount of oil and bake them until golden brown. This alternative cooking method significantly reduces the fat content, while still delivering a satisfying crunch.
Pav Bhaji:
Pav Bhaji is a street food delight that consists of buttery buns served alongside a spicy and butter-laden vegetable curry. The excessive use of butter and oil in the curry, combined with refined flour buns, makes this dish high in unhealthy fats and empty calories.
Healthier Version: Opt for a healthier Pav Bhaji experience by making a few ingredient swaps. Prepare the vegetable curry using a mix of nutrient-rich vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes. Replace butter with a modest amount of olive oil or ghee for a healthier fat option. As for the buns, choose whole wheat or multigrain buns instead of refined flour ones. These changes will reduce the unhealthy fats and increase the fibre content, making your Pav Bhaji both delicious and nutritious.
Dahi Puri:
Dahi Puri, a popular street food from Maharashtra, consists of crispy puris filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, chutneys, sev (fried gram flour noodles), and topped with a generous amount of yoghurt. While it offers a burst of flavours and textures, the deep-fried puris and excessive use of yoghurt can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.
Healthier Version: Let's transform Dahi Puri into a healthier indulgence. Begin by using baked or air-fried puris instead of deep-fried ones. For the filling, replace mashed potatoes with boiled chickpeas or sprouts for a protein-packed alternative. Choose low-fat yoghurt or Greek yoghurt instead of regular yoghurt to reduce the calorie content. Lastly, top it off with a blend of fresh mint and coriander chutney, along with a sprinkle of sev made from roasted chickpea flour. These modifications will make your Dahi Puri lighter on the stomach and more nourishing.
Chole Bhature:
Chole Bhature is a popular Punjabi street food comprising spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). The bhature, made from refined flour and deep-fried in oil, contributes to the unhealthiness of this dish.
Healthier Version: Create a healthier version of Chole Bhature by swapping the refined flour with a combination of whole wheat flour and chickpea flour (besan). This change adds protein and fiber to the bread. Instead of deep-frying, cook the bhature on a non-stick pan using minimal oil or bake them in the oven. For the chole curry, use minimal oil and load it with healthy spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Pair this revamped Chole Bhature with a side of fresh salad to increase the nutritional value of your meal.
Pani Puri:
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a popular street food across India. It involves crispy hollow puris filled with a mixture of spiced mashed potatoes and a tangy tamarind-based water. The fried puris and excessive consumption of tamarind water loaded with sugar are the main concerns when it comes to the unhealthiness of this dish.
Healthier Version: Give Pani Puri a healthy twist by making a few changes. Firstly, choose baked or air-fried puris instead of deep-fried ones. For the filling, use boiled chickpeas or sprouts along with a mixture of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander. For the tangy water, prepare a homemade version using tamarind pulp, mint leaves, coriander, green chili, and rock salt, avoiding the addition of sugar. This modified Pani Puri will still deliver the burst of flavours you crave, but with reduced oil and sugar content.
Jhal Muri:
Jhal Muri is a popular street snack from West Bengal made with puffed rice, roasted peanuts, chopped vegetables, and an assortment of spices. While this snack is relatively healthier than others on this list, the excessive use of oil during the roasting process can add unnecessary calories.
Healthier Version: To make a healthier version of Jhal Muri, start by dry roasting the puffed rice and peanuts instead of frying them. This method eliminates the need for oil while still imparting a toasty flavour. Add a mix of finely chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and carrots to boost the nutrient profile. Season with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of chaat masala, and a touch of black salt for a tangy and zesty taste. This revamped Jhal Muri is a guilt-free option for those craving a light and flavorful street snack.
Indian street food holds an irreplaceable place in our culinary heritage, but it doesn't have to be synonymous with unhealthy indulgence. By reinventing classic favourites with healthier ingredients and cooking methods, we can relish the flavours without compromising our well-being. So, go ahead and try these healthier versions of samosas, pav bhaji, dahi puri, chole bhature, pani puri, and jhal muri, and embark on a journey of taste and nourishment. Remember, you can enjoy the vibrancy of Indian street food while making choices that support your health and vitality.
