3 Top Delicious and Healthy Indian Snack Ideas

Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavours, aromatic spices, and diverse ingredients. When it comes to snacking, India offers a plethora of options that are not only delicious but also healthy. Here are three top Indian snack ideas perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping your health in check.

1. Chana Chaat: A Tangy and Nutritious Delight

Chana chaat, or chickpea salad, is a popular Indian snack that is delicious and nutritious. This tangy treat is made from boiled chickpeas rich in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup boiled chickpeas
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 1 finely chopped tomato
- 1 finely chopped cucumber
- 1 finely chopped green chilli (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. combine the boiled chickpeas, onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chilli in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the lemon juice, chaat masala, and salt.
3. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
5. Serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful snack.



2. Roasted Makhana: The Perfect Crunch

Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a popular Indian snack that is both crunchy and nutritious. Roasted makhana is an excellent alternative to unhealthy chips and crackers.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups makhana (lotus seeds)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the ghee or olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the makhana and roast them for 8-10 minutes, stirring continuously, until they become crispy.
3. Sprinkle the turmeric powder, black pepper, chaat masala, and salt over the roasted makhana.
4. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Let the makhana cool before serving.


3. Dhokla: A Steamed Delight

Dhokla is a savoury steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter. It is a staple snack in the Indian state of Gujarat and is loved for its light, fluffy texture and tangy flavour.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup semolina (rava)
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ginger-green chilli paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Water as needed

Instructions:

1. combine gram flour, semolina, yoghurt, ginger-green chilli paste, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt in a mixing bowl.
2. Gradually add water to form a smooth batter.
3. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to ferment slightly.
4. Add baking soda to the batter and mix gently.
5. Pour the batter into a greased steaming tray.
6. Steam for 15-20 minutes until the dhokla is cooked and spongy.
7. Allow it to cool before cutting it into squares.

Conclusion

These three Indian snacks—Chana Chaat, Roasted Makhana, and Dhokla—are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They offer a perfect blend of flavours and health benefits, making them ideal choices for anyone looking to enjoy healthy snacking. So, the next time you're craving a snack, try one of these delightful recipes and indulge in India's rich culinary heritage.