Fun and Healthy Snacks from India

1. Fun and Healthy Snacks from India As diverse as the people of India, are the snacks of this culturally rich region. Just like every region in the country has varied languages, cultures, and unique traditions, so do its food and snacks vary. No other country boasts of such a wide range of foods and snacks the way India does. While a majority of the snacks are made from chickpea flour and potatoes, there are some nutrient-dense snacks like water lily seeds popped, that are regularly consumed here as well. These nutritious snacks can be a great addition to children’s diets as they can help fill in their nutritional gaps. Almost every family in India will have its own recipe for snacks and they form an intrinsic part of many cultures in this country. They can range from healthy to unhealthy and today, we’re going to take a look at some yummy treats and a few healthy ones as well. Here are a few Indian snacks that will end up becoming regulars in your snack cupboard - Water lily seed pops - These popcorn alternatives are made by sun-drying and roasting water lily seeds over a high flame until they pop open like popcorn. Native to the North Indian state of Bihar, this fluffy and crisp snack is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Popped water lily seeds benefits exceed most of the other snacks mentioned here. You can grab this healthy snack in yummy flavors to curb your afternoon hunger pangs. They can also be added to stews, salads, and curries. Spiced peanuts - Unlike popped lily seeds, these are a bit unhealthy as spiced peanuts are usually fried before they are spiced so that the spices stick to the peanuts. Widely eaten across the country, these little fiery treats are usually had along with alcohol. They come in a variety of flavors like - pepper, salted, and masala. Khakra - Native to the Gujarati community of India, this crisp flatbread-esque snack is made from whole wheat flour, besan, and spices. They are a perfect afternoon snack and are usually eaten with some chutney, yogurt, or pickle. You could just eat it straight up as well. These round wonders are pretty versatile and can be consumed in a slew of ways - it can be had with curries or veggies, you can crush them and dunk them into a salad, kids love having it with jam as well. Banana chips - Before you go around frying your Cavendish bananas, know that Banana chips are made by slicing, drying, and frying Nendran bananas (native to South India). These golden treats come in three basic flavors - salted, pepper, and tomato. For those of you who want a healthy treat - stick to the non-fried or dehydrated variety, these make a pretty yummy potato and corn chip alternative. You could always buy simple healthy banana chips and add your own homemade spices for that extra zing. Dry samosa and kachori - The snackable version of a regular samosa and kachori, these mini versions are usually had as a teatime snack. These savory pastries are stuffed with dried coconut, dry fruits, spices, and crushed ghatiyas or moong dal. They are pretty substantial and can also be crushed up and drizzled with yogurt or chutney for a fun snack. https://www.taalifoods.com/