Indian cuisine offers a treasure trove of flavors and textures, especially when it comes to vegetarian snacks. If you’re looking for healthy, satisfying, and easy-to-make evening snacks, you’re in for a treat!
Evening snacks are important to keep your energy levels up without feeling heavy or guilty. This post explores some delightful Indian vegetarian recipes that are not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty.
From crunchy roasted chickpeas to spiced vegetable bhel, these recipes combine wholesome ingredients and classic Indian spices to create snacks that are perfect for winding down after a busy day or for sharing with friends and family.
Whether you want something quick to prepare or a snack that can be made in advance, these recipes cover a variety of tastes and textures. With a focus on fresh vegetables, legumes, and traditional spices, these snacks are packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
Get ready to enjoy evening snacks that are both good for your body and your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Indian vegetarian evening snacks are perfect because they blend health and flavor seamlessly. They:
- Use natural, wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, vegetables, and spices.
- Are easy to prepare and suitable for quick snacks or small gatherings.
- Provide a good balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins to keep you energized.
- Are versatile and can be adapted to suit different spice levels and preferences.
- Celebrate the rich culinary heritage of India with every bite.
Ingredients
Recipe | Key Ingredients |
---|---|
Roasted Spiced Chickpeas |
|
Vegetable Bhel |
|
Moong Dal Chilla (Savory Lentil Pancakes) |
|
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Non-stick frying pan or skillet
- Baking tray (for roasted chickpeas)
- Spatula
- Blender or food processor (for moong dal chilla batter)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Roasted Spiced Chickpeas
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Pat dry the rinsed chickpeas with a clean kitchen towel to remove moisture.
- In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and black salt if using.
- Spread chickpeas evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through to ensure even roasting. Chickpeas should be crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Vegetable Bhel
- In a large bowl, combine puffed rice, chopped onion, tomato, boiled potatoes, and coriander leaves.
- Add tamarind chutney and green chutney, mixing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle chaat masala, salt, and green chili (if desired).
- Add lemon juice and toss again just before serving to keep the puffed rice crunchy.
- Enjoy immediately as a refreshing, tangy snack.
Moong Dal Chilla
- Drain the soaked moong dal and blend it with green chili, ginger, and salt until you get a smooth batter.
- Transfer the batter to a bowl and stir in chopped onion and coriander leaves.
- Heat a non-stick pan and brush lightly with oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan, spreading it thin like a pancake.
- Cook on medium heat until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
- Serve hot with green chutney or yogurt dip.
Tips & Variations
“For extra crunch, try tossing the roasted chickpeas with a pinch of amchur (dry mango powder) or chat masala after baking.”
For the Vegetable Bhel, you can add sev (crunchy chickpea noodles) for texture or swap puffed rice with flattened rice (poha) for a different mouthfeel.
If you prefer a gluten-free option, all these snacks are naturally gluten-free, making them great for different dietary needs.
Moong Dal Chilla batter can be enhanced with finely grated carrots or spinach to boost nutrition and color.
Adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of chili powder or fresh chilies according to your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Snack | Calories (approx.) | Protein | Fiber | Fat |
---|---|---|---|---|
Roasted Spiced Chickpeas (1 cup) | 210 | 10g | 6g | 4g |
Vegetable Bhel (1 cup) | 150 | 3g | 4g | 1.5g |
Moong Dal Chilla (1 medium) | 120 | 7g | 2g | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
These snacks are perfect on their own or paired with a variety of dips and drinks. Try serving the Moong Dal Chilla with fresh coriander-mint chutney or a cooling yogurt raita.
Vegetable Bhel pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of masala chai or a refreshing glass of buttermilk (chaas).
Roasted spiced chickpeas make an excellent party snack or a crunchy topping for salads and soups.
For more creative vegetarian recipes, check out our comprehensive guide on A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.
Conclusion
Evening snacks don’t have to be unhealthy or boring. With these Indian vegetarian recipes, you can enjoy flavorful, nutritious bites that satisfy cravings and energize your body.
These recipes use simple, readily available ingredients and traditional spices that add a wonderful depth of flavor without excess calories or fats.
Whether you prefer the crunchy texture of roasted chickpeas, the tangy freshness of vegetable bhel, or the wholesome goodness of moong dal chilla, these snacks are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
For more inspiration on wholesome vegetarian meals, explore our other recipes like Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals and spice blends in Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.
Enjoy snacking the healthy Indian way!
📖 Recipe Card: Evening Healthy Snacks – Indian Vegetarian
Description: A delicious and nutritious Indian vegetarian snack perfect for evenings. Packed with fiber and protein to keep you energized.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Mix chickpea flour, turmeric, chili powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add chopped onions, tomatoes, green chili, and coriander leaves.
- Gradually add water and whisk to make a smooth batter.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan and add cumin seeds.
- Pour batter to form small pancakes and cook on medium heat.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Sprinkle chaat masala before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 22 g
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