Delicious and Healthy Indian Snacks

Instead of eating the bread pakora at 5pm, try these low-calorie snacks that are high in energy! Instead, try these healthy Indian snacks.

#1 Ragi Masala Idli

The finger millet or ragi has the most calcium (344 mg%) and potassium (408 mg%) of all cereals. Why not add millet into your diet? Instead, try this ragi recipe that is packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup rice
• 3/4 cup urad dal
• 1 cup ragi flour
• Salt is a taste.
• Water when needed
• 1/2 tsp baking soda/cooking soda
• Greasing the idli molds with oil

For Tadka

• 2 tbsp of oil
• 1 tsp. rai (mustard seeds)
• Red chilli 2 oz
• Curry leaves 1 sprig
• Finely chop 1 large onion
• Finely chop 1 medium green pepper
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• Half a cup of chopped cabbage
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1 1/2 tsp dhania (coriander) powder
• Two handfuls of chopped coriander leaves
• Salt is a taste.

Method

1. Separately, wash and soak the rice and dal in water for four to six hours.
2. Add a little water to each one and grind until a smooth paste is formed. Then transfer them into a large container.
3. Add ragi and salt. Mix well. Cover and leave it to ferment over night.
4. The batter will be ready the next morning. Fold the batter well and then add baking soda. Mix well.
5. Pour a ladleful batter into each mould, and then place them in the steamer. Steam for 8-10 minutes until it’s done. Check with a skewer.
6. Let the idlis cool, and then slice them into four pieces. Set aside.
7. Heat oil in a pan. Add rai and let it splutter. Then add the dry red chilies. Sauté for a minute.
8. Add the curry leaves and onions. Add all the vegetables and spices. Add the idlis after letting the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes. Do not stir too much or the idlis will break. Put them in a lunchbox with tomato or mint chutney.

Nutritional Value

Total calorie count 114 kcal

Protein 3.6 g,

Fat 0.4g

#2 Sweet Potato Chaat / Shakarkandi ki Chaat

Sweet potatoes contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They will keep you fuller for longer. Sweet potatoes are a great way to get a sweet and tangy boost. They go well with chaat, chillies, and lime juice.

Ingredients

• Shakarkandi 1/2 kg, boiled and peeled, cubed
• 1 tbsp chaat masala
• 1 tbsp chilli powder
• 1 tbsp roasted cumin seeds (jeera) powdered
• 1 tbsp rock salt (sendha namak)
• Lemon juice to taste
• Finely chop 2-3 green chillies
• Cucumber and apples cubed
• Chop coriander leaves to garnish

Method

• Add all ingredients to a bowl, and adjust spices to your taste.

Nutritional Value

Total calorie count 55 kcal

Protein- 0.8 g, Fat 0.5 g

#3 Soya tikki

soya tikki

Soy contains a lot of protein, vitamins, minerals, and insoluble fibre, which is especially good for vegetarians. Soya is a healthier alternative to potato for the base of tikki.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of kabuli (white chickpeas) chana, boiled and drained
• 1/2 cup soya granules
• Mint leaves (pudina) finely chopped, 1 tbsp
• Finely chop 1 tsp of green chillies
• Finely chop 1 tsp of ginger (adrak).
• 1 tsp of oil
• Salt is a taste.

Method

1. The soya granules should be soaked in hot water between 10 and 15 minutes. Drain the soya granules and squeeze all of the water out.
2. Blend the kabuli-chana, mint and soya nuggets in a blender until a smooth paste is formed.
3. Add the green chilies and ginger to the mixture.
4. Divide the mixture in 4 portions, and form into flat, round tikkis. On a nonstick pan, cook them with a bit of oil until both sides are golden. Serve with your favorite chutney.

Nutritional Value

Total calorie count 222 kcal

Protein 17 g

Fat 9.4 g

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