Snacking is an integral part of Indian culinary culture, with an array of options that cater to all taste preferences. However, finding snacks that are both delicious and healthy can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, Indian cuisine offers numerous nutritious alternatives that don’t compromise on taste. Here are the top 10 healthy Indian snack recipes that are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for satisfying those between-meal cravings
Top 10 Healthy Indian Snack Recipes
1. Sprout Salad: Protein-Packed Refreshment
Sprout Salad is a light and refreshing snack made with sprouted legumes like mung beans, black chana, or mixed beans. It’s a powerhouse of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
- Ingredients: Sprouted beans, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, green chilies, lemon juice, chaat masala, and fresh coriander leaves.
- Highlights: This salad is a low-calorie, high-protein snack that’s perfect for any time of the day. It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies and dressings.
2. Bhel Puri: A Light and Crunchy Street Snack
Bhel Puri is a popular Indian street food made from puffed rice, veggies, and tangy tamarind sauce. It’s a light, crunchy, and tangy snack that can be made healthier with a few modifications.
- Ingredients: Puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, green chilies, sev, tamarind chutney, coriander, and chaat masala.
- Highlights: By reducing the sev (fried chickpea noodles) and using less tamarind chutney, Bhel Puri can be transformed into a nutritious and satisfying snack.
3. Roasted Makhana: The Superfood Snack
Roasted Makhana (fox nuts or lotus seeds) is a crunchy, low-calorie snack that’s perfect for guilt-free munching. Rich in protein and fiber, makhana is also a good source of antioxidants.
- Ingredients: Makhana, olive oil or ghee, salt, black pepper, and optional spices like turmeric, cumin, or chaat masala.
- Highlights: This snack is light, crunchy, and can be seasoned to your liking. It’s great for weight management and overall health.
4. Oats Chivda: A Fiber-Rich Crunch
Oats Chivda is a healthier version of the traditional Indian snack made with rolled oats, nuts, and a blend of spices. It’s a great alternative to fried snacks and offers a good mix of fiber and protein.
- Ingredients: Rolled oats, peanuts, almonds, curry leaves, mustard seeds, turmeric, green chilies, and salt.
- Highlights: This snack is baked or lightly pan-roasted, making it a healthier choice with all the familiar flavors of traditional chivda.
5. Vegetable Upma: Savory Semolina Delight
Vegetable Upma is a savory dish made from semolina (rava) and mixed vegetables, lightly spiced with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. It’s a wholesome and quick snack that’s high in fiber.
- Ingredients: Semolina, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), onions, green chilies, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and lemon juice.
- Highlights: Packed with veggies and easily digestible, upma is a versatile snack that can also double as a light meal.
6. Khandvi: Steamed and Spiced Rolls
Khandvi is a popular Gujarati snack made from gram flour (besan) and yogurt, steamed into thin rolls and tempered with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves. It’s light, tangy, and packed with protein.
- Ingredients: Gram flour, yogurt, ginger, green chilies, turmeric, mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and fresh coriander.
- Highlights: Low in calories and high in protein, Khandvi is a great option for a healthy and filling snack.
7. Palak Pakora: Crispy Spinach Fritters
Palak Pakora is a crispy snack made with fresh spinach leaves dipped in a lightly spiced gram flour batter and air-fried or baked. It’s a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried pakoras.
- Ingredients: Spinach leaves, gram flour, rice flour, turmeric, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and salt.
- Highlights: Air-frying or baking the pakoras reduces the fat content, making them a guilt-free, nutrient-rich snack.
8. Moong Dal Cheela: Savory Lentil Pancakes
Moong Dal Cheela are savory pancakes made from ground moong dal (yellow lentils), spiced with green chilies, cumin, and coriander. They’re protein-rich and make for a light, nutritious snack.
- Ingredients: Moong dal, green chilies, cumin seeds, ginger, coriander leaves, and salt.
- Highlights: These cheelas are high in protein and fiber, making them ideal for a healthy breakfast or snack.
9. Ragi Dosa: Nutritious Finger Millet Crepes
Ragi Dosa is a healthy version of the popular South Indian dosa, made using ragi (finger millet) flour. It’s a nutritious, gluten-free snack rich in calcium, iron, and dietary fiber.
- Ingredients: Ragi flour, rice flour, semolina, yogurt, green chilies, and cumin seeds.
- Highlights: This dosa is easy to make, light on the stomach, and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a wholesome snack or breakfast.
10. Cucumber Raita: Cool and Refreshing Yogurt Dip
Cucumber Raita is a cooling side dish made with fresh cucumbers and yogurt, lightly spiced with roasted cumin powder, black salt, and fresh coriander. It’s hydrating, probiotic-rich, and a great accompaniment to spicy snacks.
- Ingredients: Cucumber, yogurt, roasted cumin powder, black salt, green chilies, and coriander leaves.
- Highlights: Raita is not just a side dish but also a light, refreshing snack that’s great for digestion and hydration.
Healthy Snacking the Indian Way
These top 10 healthy Indian snack recipes showcase the diversity and nutritional richness of Indian cuisine. From protein-packed salads and savory pancakes to crunchy roasted seeds and steamed rolls, there’s a healthy snack to suit every taste. Incorporating these snacks into your routine not only satisfies cravings but also provides essential nutrients, making healthy eating both enjoyable and sustainable.
Also read: Top 10 Vegan Indian Dishes to Try