Indian snacks are a vibrant and flavorful world all on their own, and the best part? Many traditional Indian snacks are naturally vegan or can be easily adapted to suit a vegan lifestyle.
Whether you’re craving crispy samosas, spicy pakoras, or tangy chaat, vegan Indian snacks offer a perfect blend of spices, textures, and colors that delight the senses. These snacks are not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying, making them ideal for any occasion—from afternoon tea to festive gatherings.
In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most beloved vegan Indian snacks recipes that are easy to prepare at home. From street-style treats to wholesome bites, these recipes will help you enjoy authentic flavors while keeping things plant-based.
Ready to explore? Let’s jump right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indian snacks are famous for their bold flavors and unique combinations of spices. What makes these vegan Indian snacks even better is how healthy and versatile they are.
Using simple plant-based ingredients, you get crunchy, spicy, tangy, and aromatic treats that everyone in your family will love.
These recipes are perfect for those who want to enjoy traditional Indian flavors without compromising on their dietary choices. Plus, these snacks are great for entertaining guests, quick bites, or even as accompaniments to your main meals.
Vegan or not, these recipes will surely become your favorites!
Ingredients
- Chickpea flour (Besan) – 2 cups
- Rice flour – 1/2 cup
- Potatoes – 3 medium, boiled and mashed
- Onions – 1 large, finely chopped
- Green chilies – 2, finely chopped
- Cilantro (fresh coriander) – 1/4 cup, chopped
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
- Red chili powder – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Amchur (dry mango powder) – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – to taste
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Vegetable oil – for frying
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch
- Fresh ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
- Fresh mint leaves – 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
- Tamarind chutney – for serving (store-bought or homemade)
- Green chutney – for serving (store-bought or homemade)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Deep frying pan or kadhai
- Slotted spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Grater (for ginger)
- Colander or paper towels (for draining oil)
- Serving plates
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and amchur powder. Gradually add water and whisk to form a smooth, medium-thick batter. The batter should coat the back of a spoon but not be too runny.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the boiled and mashed potatoes with onions, green chilies, cilantro, ginger, mustard seeds, asafoetida, and garam masala. Add lemon juice and adjust salt to taste. This filling will add a spicy and tangy flavor to your snacks.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into your frying pan to about 2 inches deep. Heat on medium flame until the oil reaches 350°F (180°C). To test, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise immediately.
- Shape the snacks: For pakoras, dip thin slices of vegetables (like onion rings, potato slices, or spinach leaves) into the batter, allowing excess to drip off before frying. For samosas or stuffed snacks, use the potato filling inside thin rolled dough shells (made from flour and water), then deep fry until golden brown.
- Fry the snacks: Carefully place the prepared snacks into the hot oil. Fry in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Turn occasionally with a slotted spoon until they turn crisp and golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
- Drain excess oil: Using the slotted spoon, remove the fried snacks and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with tamarind chutney and green chutney for a perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
Tips & Variations
“To achieve the perfect crispiness, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the snacks will absorb more oil and become greasy.”
You can customize these snacks by using different vegetables like cauliflower, eggplant, or even mushrooms for pakoras. Try adding some carom seeds (ajwain) to the batter—it adds a wonderful aroma and aids in digestion.
If you prefer baked options, brush the samosas with oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy. For a gluten-free option, use rice flour or chickpea flour dough.
For a refreshing twist, sprinkle chaat masala and finely chopped onions on your snacks just before serving. And if you love experimenting, check out our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for more easy Indian recipes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 100g) |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Protein | 7 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
These vegan Indian snacks are a balanced combination of carbs and protein, with moderate fat content, primarily from the frying oil. Using healthier oils like avocado or sunflower oil can make them even better for heart health.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan Indian snacks hot with a variety of chutneys like mint-cilantro chutney or sweet tamarind chutney. Pair them with a warm cup of masala chai or your favorite herbal tea for a perfect snack-time experience.
For gatherings, arrange the snacks on a platter with small bowls of different dips, including a fresh yogurt-based dip made with plant-based yogurt. You can also accompany these snacks with a light salad of cucumber, tomato, and onion tossed in lemon juice and chaat masala.
If you’re interested in more vegan baking treats to complement your snacks, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try some homemade bread using our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Conclusion
Vegan Indian snacks are a fantastic way to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of India while sticking to a plant-based diet. These recipes combine the best of spices, textures, and wholesome ingredients to create irresistibly delicious bites.
Whether you’re making crispy pakoras, stuffed samosas, or tangy chaat, these snacks are sure to impress your family and friends.
Cooking these snacks at home allows you to control the ingredients, making them healthier and free from preservatives. Plus, the process itself is fun and rewarding!
Don’t forget to explore other vegan recipes on the blog to keep your meals exciting and flavorful. Happy cooking and enjoy your vegan Indian snack adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Indian Snacks
Description: A collection of crispy and flavorful vegan Indian snacks perfect for any occasion. These snacks are easy to prepare and packed with authentic spices.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped coriander leaves
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chickpea flour, rice flour, turmeric, cumin seeds, red chili powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add water gradually to make a smooth, thick batter.
- Stir in chopped coriander leaves and green chili.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until golden and crispy.
- Remove snacks and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 18g
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