Delicious and Easy Chaat Recipes
One of the most popular Indian evening snacks is chaat. Chaat is a savory snack that typically consists of a mixture of fried dough, potatoes, onions, chutneys, and other mouth-watering ingredients. In this section, we will explore some homemade chaat recipes that you can easily prepare for your family and friends. These recipes include Aloo Tikki Chaat, Papdi Chaat, Bhel Puri, and Dahi Puri. All of these recipes are packed with flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.
To make Aloo Tikki Chaat, all you need are boiled potatoes, spices, and a little bit of oil for shallow frying. Mash the potatoes, add the spices, and form small patties. Fry them until they are crispy and golden brown. Top them with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, sweetened yogurt, chopped onions, and sev for an irresistible treat.
Crunchy and Healthy Roasted Snacks
Roasted snacks are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks. They are perfect for satisfying your evening hunger pangs without compromising on taste. Some popular healthy roasted snacks include Roasted Makhana (fox nuts), Roasted Chickpeas, and Roasted Puffed Rice (Murmura). These snacks can be flavored with a variety of spices like chaat masala, black pepper, or even tangy tomato seasoning.
Preparing these roasted snacks is quite simple. For Roasted Makhana, heat a pan with a little bit of ghee or oil, add the makhana and roast them until they turn crispy. Add the spices of your choice and mix well. Similarly, for Roasted Chickpeas, soak the chickpeas overnight, drain the water, and roast them in an oven or a pan until they are crunchy. Season them with your favorite spices and enjoy.
Mouth-Watering Paneer Dishes
Paneer, also known as Indian cottage cheese, is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious evening snacks. Some popular paneer dishes that you can easily make at home include Paneer Pakoras, Paneer Tikka, and Chili Paneer. These dishes are not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them a perfect snack option for vegetarians.
To make Paneer Pakoras, cut paneer into bite-sized pieces, dip them in a gram flour (besan) batter seasoned with spices, and deep-fry until golden brown. For Paneer Tikka, marinate paneer cubes in a mixture of yogurt and spices, skewer them with onions and bell peppers, and grill or bake them until they are cooked. Chili Paneer is another popular snack that can be prepared by stir-frying paneer with bell peppers, onions, and a spicy sauce made from soy sauce, chili sauce, and tomato ketchup.
Satisfying Stuffed Parathas
Stuffed parathas are a popular Indian snack that can be enjoyed during evenings with a side of yogurt or your favorite pickle. There are countless options for stuffing, including Aloo Paratha (potato-stuffed paratha), Gobi Paratha (cauliflower-stuffed paratha), and Mooli Paratha (radish-stuffed paratha). These parathas are not only filling but also packed with flavors that are sure to delight your taste buds.
To make stuffed parathas, prepare a dough using whole wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Roll out a small portion of the dough, add your desired stuffing, and seal the edges. Roll it out again and cook the paratha on a hot griddle with a little bit of ghee or oil until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Serve the parathas hot with a side of yogurt, pickle, or even some tangy chutney.
Sweet and Savory Poha Recipes
Poha, or flattened rice, is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used to make both sweet and savory snacks. In this section, we will explore two popular poha recipes – Kanda Poha (onion poha) and Sweet Poha. Kanda Poha is a savory snack made by sautéing poha with onions, peanuts, and a variety of spices. Sweet Poha, on the other hand, is a delicious sweet treat made by cooking poha with jaggery, ghee, and dry fruits.
To make Kanda Poha, wash the poha and drain the water. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. Once the peanuts are roasted, add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent. Add the poha, turmeric powder, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. For Sweet Poha, heat ghee in a pan, add the washed and drained poha, and cook for a few minutes. Add grated jaggery, cardamom powder, and dry fruits, and cook until the jaggery melts and coats the poha evenly.