Quick and Healthy Indian Snacks: Simple and Nutritious Options for Busy Days

Quick and Healthy Indian Snacks: Simple and Nutritious Options for Busy Days


If I dig into my memory to know about breakfast in my childhood, it was mostly meetha kaddu - aloo tamatar - poori, parantha, bread pakoda, bread butter, and bread jam. In those days, anything cooked at home was healthy. And thank god for those carefree days. Anyway, the definition of healthy food has changed. 


I am listing a dozen of healthy Indian breakfast options in the changed parameters and scenario.

1. Sprouts Salad: This is a protein-packed snack that is easy to prepare. Soak 1 cup of mixed beans, lentils, or chickpeas overnight. Rinse them well and tie them in a cloth for 1-2 days until sprouts appear. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and a dash of lemon juice to the sprouts for a refreshing salad.

2. Oats Idli: This is a healthy and low-calorie version of the traditional idli. Mix 1 cup of powdered oats with 1/2 cup of semolina, 1/2 cup of curd, and salt to taste. Add water to make a batter and let it rest for 10 minutes. Grease idli plates and steam for 15 minutes. Serve with chutney.

3. Moong Dal Chilla: This is a protein-rich snack made from moong dal. Soak 1 cup of moong dal for 3-4 hours and grind it into a smooth paste. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chillies to the paste. Heat a non-stick pan and spread the batter to make a chilla. Cook on both sides until golden brown.

4. Roasted Makhana: This is a healthy snack made from fox nuts that are high in protein and low in calories. Roast 1 cup of makhana in a pan until crispy. Add a pinch of salt and chilli powder to taste.

5. Vegetable Upma: This is a savoury breakfast dish that can also be eaten as a snack. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Add chopped onions, green chillies, and vegetables of your choice (carrots, peas, beans, etc.) and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add semolina and roast for 2-3 minutes. Add water and cook until the upma is soft and fluffy.

6. Baked Sweet Potato Fries: This is a healthy alternative to regular fries. Cut sweet potatoes into thin strips and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once in between.

7. Masala Omelette: This is a protein-rich snack that can be made in a jiffy. Beat 2 eggs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of turmeric. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander leaves. Pour the beaten eggs over the vegetables and cook on both sides until golden brown.

8. Vegetable Poha: Poha is a popular breakfast dish that can also be eaten as a snack. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chopped onions. Add vegetables of your choice (carrots, peas, beans, etc.) and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add poha and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add lemon juice and coriander leaves before serving.

9. Masala Khakhra: Khakhra is a crispy Gujarati snack that is made from wheat flour. Add salt, chilli powder, turmeric powder, and sesame seeds to wheat flour. Knead the dough and roll it into thin circles. Cook the circles on a tawa until crispy.

10. Fruit Chaat: Fruit chaat is a healthy and refreshing snack that can be made with a variety of fruits. Chop fruits of your choice (apples, bananas, pomegranates, etc.) and add chaat masala, lemon juice, and black salt to taste. Mix well and serve chilled.

11. Tofu Tikka: Tofu Tikka is a protein-rich snack that is perfect for vegetarians. Cut tofu into cubes and marinate in a mixture of curd, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chilli powder, and garam masala. Thread the tofu onto skewers and grill until golden brown.

12. Spinach and Corn Sandwich: This is a healthy sandwich that is packed with nutrients. Toast bread slices and spread green chutney on them. Add spinach leaves, boiled corn, and sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle chaat masala on top and cover with another slice of bread.

These snacks are not only quick and healthy but also delicious and easy to make. You can try these recipes at home and enjoy a nutritious snack anytime. These snacks are not only nutritious but also easy to make and can be prepared in a short amount of time. They are perfect for busy days when you don't have much time to cook.

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