Baked Indian Vegetarian Snacks Recipes for Healthy Eating

Indian cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse range of snacks that captivate taste buds across the world. When it comes to vegetarian snacks, the options are endless, but baking them offers a healthier twist without compromising on taste.

Baked Indian vegetarian snacks are perfect for those who want to enjoy guilt-free munching, whether it’s for a tea-time treat, a party appetizer, or a wholesome snack throughout the day. With less oil and a crisp texture, these snacks are as delightful as their traditional fried counterparts.

In this post, we’ll explore three delicious and easy-to-make baked Indian vegetarian snack recipes that you’ll love adding to your repertoire.

From spiced chickpea flour fritters to crispy vegetable samosas and savory masala peanuts, these recipes bring together authentic Indian flavors with modern baking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, these recipes are straightforward, using ingredients that are easily available.

Plus, baking ensures a cleaner kitchen and a healthier snack option that doesn’t skimp on the crunch or flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These baked Indian vegetarian snacks are a fantastic way to indulge in classic flavors with a much lighter touch. Instead of deep-frying, baking reduces the oil content drastically, making these snacks healthier without sacrificing the iconic crispness and spices we all adore.

They’re also incredibly versatile and customizable, allowing you to tweak the spice levels and ingredients to suit your preferences.

Additionally, these recipes are perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for gatherings, as they store well and reheat beautifully. They’re also a great way to introduce kids or guests to Indian flavors without the heaviness of fried snacks.

If you love experimenting with international flavors and crave savory treats, these baked snacks will quickly become your new favorites.

Ingredients

Spiced Chickpea Flour Fritters (Baked Pakoras)

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup finely chopped onions
• 1 cup finely chopped spinach
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Water to form batter
• 2 tbsp oil (for brushing)

Vegetable Samosas (Baked Version)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp oil
• ½ tsp salt
• Water to knead dough
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp amchur (dry mango powder)
• 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Oil for brushing

Masala Roasted Peanuts

• 2 cups raw peanuts (with skin)
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp black salt
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Baking sheet/tray
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon for mixing batter
• Rolling pin (for samosas)
• Sharp knife
• Pastry brush (for oil brushing)
• Oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)
• Spatula or tongs

Instructions

Spiced Chickpea Flour Fritters (Baked Pakoras)

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine chickpea flour, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the chopped onions, spinach, and green chilies. Mix well.
4. Gradually add water and whisk to form a thick batter similar to pancake batter. Ensure it’s not too runny.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the lined tray, spacing them apart.
6. Brush the tops lightly with oil to help them crisp up.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, flip each fritter, brush again with oil, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
8. Let them cool slightly before serving with chutney or ketchup.

Vegetable Samosas (Baked Version)

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and oil. Rub the oil into the flour until crumbly.
2. Slowly add water and knead to form a smooth, firm dough. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes.
3. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, and when they splutter, add peas and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add mashed potatoes, garam masala, coriander powder, amchur, green chilies, salt, and fresh coriander. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a thin oval shape.
6. Cut the oval in half to form two semi-circles. Shape each semi-circle into a cone and seal the edge with water.
7. Fill the cone with the vegetable mixture and seal the top edge firmly.
8. Place samosas on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the surface lightly with oil.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy.

Masala Roasted Peanuts

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the peanuts with oil, chaat masala, red chili powder, black salt, cumin powder, and regular salt.
3. Spread the peanuts evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
5. Once roasted and fragrant, remove from the oven and let them cool before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness in baked pakoras, try adding a tablespoon of rice flour to the chickpea flour batter.

If you prefer gluten-free samosas, replace all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture will differ slightly.

Masala peanuts can also be made spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot paprika.

Feel free to customize the vegetable samosas with carrots, corn, or even paneer for added variety. Using fresh herbs like mint or curry leaves can elevate the flavor profile.

For a fusion twist, try dipping the baked snacks in yogurt-based dips or chutneys such as mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These baked Indian vegetarian snacks pair beautifully with a variety of dips and beverages. Serve the pakoras and samosas with traditional mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or a cooling yogurt raita to balance the spices.

Masala peanuts are perfect on their own or alongside a refreshing masala chai or iced tea.

For a more substantial snack platter, combine these with other Indian favorites like Half Runner Beans Recipe or add a sweet touch from Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe. These combinations make for a balanced, flavorful snack time that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion

Baking traditional Indian vegetarian snacks is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich flavors of India with a healthier twist. These recipes offer a perfect blend of spices, textures, and aromas that bring the soul of Indian cooking into your home kitchen.

Whether you’re looking to cut down on oil, impress guests, or simply try something new, these baked snacks won’t disappoint.

By mastering these easy recipes, you’ll have a delicious snack arsenal ready for any occasion. Plus, they’re highly adaptable, so you can experiment with different vegetables, spice blends, and serving styles.

Don’t forget to check out other tasty recipes like the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe for a sweet finish or the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a savory side.

Happy baking and savor every bite of these delightful Indian vegetarian snacks!

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