Category: Snacks

Indian Snacks: Flavorful and Irresistible Bites
Indian snacks are known for their diverse flavors, textures, and ingredients. These Indian snacks are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a healthy option, or simply craving something delicious. Let’s explore some popular Indian snacks recipes that you can easily prepare at home.
Popular Indian Snacks
Samosas
Samosas are classic Indian snacks made with a crispy pastry filled with a spiced potato and pea mixture. These snacks are perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a flavorful bite that everyone loves. Samosas are a staple in Indian snacks for party menus and are known for their satisfying crunch. It’s a famous north indian food recipes
Pakoras
Pakoras are delicious fritters made by dipping vegetables like potatoes, or spinach in a seasoned gram flour batter and deep-frying them until golden brown. These snacks Indian style are perfect for rainy days or festive occasions. Pakoras are a favorite in easy indian recipes and are loved for their crispy texture.
Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri is a popular street food recipes made with puffed rice, sev, vegetables, and tangy tamarind chutney. This healthy Indian snack is light and refreshing, making it a great option for a quick and tasty bite. Bhel Puri is one of the best indian dishes which is a staple in Indian vegetarian snacks for party menus and is known for its delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki is a savory potato patty made with mashed potatoes, spices, and herbs, shallow-fried to perfection. This Indian snack is often served with chutneys and yogurt, making it a hit at any gathering. Aloo Tikki is an excellent addition to your collection of Indian snacks recipes. It’s one of the most popular Indian street food recipes
Dhokla
Dhokla is a steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter, known for its light and fluffy texture. This healthy Indian snack is typically garnished with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut. Dhokla is perfect for breakfast or as a snack and is a popular choice in easy recipes for snacks.
Enhancing Your Snack Experience
To enhance your snack experience, consider exploring related categories that complement these Indian snacks. Adding Indian desserts like gulab jamun and jalebi can provide a sweet ending to your snack time. Incorporating healthy Indian recipes like roasted nuts and fruit chaat can offer lighter options for your guests. Hosting a large gathering? 

The popular party recipe category is filled with dishes that are sure to impress your guests and make your celebration memorable. Including easy Indian recipes like dal makhani or biryani can add a touch of authenticity to your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are some popular Indian snacks recipes? 
A: Some popular Indian snacks recipes include Samosas, Pakoras, Bhel Puri, Aloo Tikki, and Dhokla.
Q: How can I make easy recipes for snacks at home? 
A: To make easy recipes for snacks at home, try dishes like Pakoras and Dhokla. These recipes are simple to prepare and require minimal ingredients.
Q: What are some healthy Indian snacks? 
A: Some healthy Indian snacks include Dhokla and Bhel Puri. These dishes are nutritious and offer a great way to enjoy snacks without excess calories.
Q: Can I prepare Indian snacks for the party in advance? 
A: Yes, many Indian snacks for a party can be prepared in advance. Prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the snacks just before serving to ensure freshness.
Q: What are some traditional Indian recipes to serve with snacks?
A: Some traditional Indian recipes to serve with snacks include Samosas, Pakoras, and Chutneys. These dishes pair perfectly with snacks, adding balance and flavor to the meal.
Conclusion
Indian snacks are a delightful way to enjoy flavorful and versatile bites. Whether you’re looking for easy recipes for snacks or healthy options, these dishes will bring joy and satisfaction to your table. So, gather your ingredients, try out these Indian snacks recipes, and create unforgettable snacks with your loved ones. Don’t forget to find vegetarian recipes related categories for more delightful recipes from Manjula’s Kitchen!

By incorporating these snack dishes into your culinary repertoire, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide variety of delicious and nutritious foods. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a party favorite, or a healthy option, there’s an Indian snack recipe to suit every taste. Happy cooking!

  • Meethi Matri (Indian Sweet Cracker)

    Meethi Matri (Indian Sweet Cracker)

    Meethi Matri

    Meethi Matri (Indian Sweet Cracker)

    Meethi matries are delightful crispy and sweet snack made during festivals like Holi and Diwali. You can also serve them as biscuit or cookie. Fennel and cardamom gives very nice and sweet flavor to them.
    No ratings yet
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 14 Meethi Matri

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup all purpose flour (maida, plain flour)
    • 1 tablespoon sooji (rava, semolina)
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds crushed
    • 2 tablespoon oil
    • Approx. 1/3 cup of lukewarm water
    • Oil to fry

    Syrup

    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 1/4 cup water

    Garnish

    • 1/2 teaspoon crushed cardamom
    • 2 teaspoons pistachios crushed

    Instructions
     

    • Mix flour, sooji, salt, fennel seeds and oil in a bowl. Add water as needed to make soft dough. Don’t knead the dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth. Let it rest at least 15 minutes.
    • Divide the dough into 14 equal parts. Rolling the dough between your palms form into balls.
    • Roll the dough balls into three inch circles. Prick each matri with a fork 8-10 places on both sides. This will prevent matri not to puff when frying.
    • Heat at least one inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. To check if oil is ready put a little piece of dough in the oil. It should make oil lightly sizzle, if dough float instantly oil is too hot.
    • Fry a few matri at a time. Fry the matries until both sides are a light golden-brown. It should take six to eight minutes. If the matries are fried on high heat, they will not be cooked inside.
    • Take them out over paper towel so it can absorb the extra oil.
    • For syrup, in a sauce pan add water, and sugar over medium heat, bring it to a boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes until syrup is sticky, on candy thermometer it should be 230 degree.
    • Dip the matri one at a time into the syrup making sure it is coated with syrup all around.
    • Place the matries on a wire rack to allow the extra syrup drain or over greased plate.
    • Garnish the matries with cardamom and sliced pistachios while the matries are still moist with syrup.
    • Matries will be dry in an hour.
    • Matries can be stored in airtight container up to a month.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Batata Vada – Aloo Bonda (Fried Potato Dumpling)

    Batata Vada – Aloo Bonda (Fried Potato Dumpling)

    Batata Vada - Bhonda

    Batata Vada – Aloo Bonda (Fried Potato Dumpling)

    Batata Vada also known as aloo bonda, deep fried savory appetizer made with spicy potato mix. When they are serve hot they are crispy outside and soft inside. This is a very popular street food in Mumbai.
    No ratings yet
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 3 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 medium potatoes boiled peeled and roughly chopped (this will make 2 cups of chopped potatoes)
    • 1 tablespoon oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds (rai)
    • 7-10 curry leaves chopped, optional
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
    • 1 green chili finely chopped adjust to taste
    • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (hara dhania)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste

    For Batter

    • 1/2 cup besan, gram flour (available in Indian grocery stores)
    • 1 tablespoon rice flour
    • 1/8 teaspoon asafetida (hing)
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
    • About 1/4 cup of water
    • Oil to fry

    Instructions
     

    Batter

    • In a bowl mix besan, rice flour, salt, asafetida, pepper, and baking powder. Add water slowly to make a thick and smooth batter. Set aside.

    Vada

    • Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat moderately.
    • Add mustard seeds as the seeds crack add curry leaves, (curry leaves splatters) potatoes, ginger, green chili, turmeric, and salt.
    • Stir fry for about 3 minutes over medium heat. Add cilantro mix it well. Turn of the heat.
    • Let the potato mix cool off, divide them into about 12 pieces and make them into smooth round ball, they will be little smaller then golf ball.
    • Heat about 1”of oil in a frying pan on medium high heat. To check if the oil is ready, put one drop of batter in oil. The batter should come up but not change color right away.
    • Dip the potato balls into the batter one at a time, making sure the potato balls are completely covered with batter. Then, slowly drop them into the frying pan.
    • Turn them occasionally. Fry the batata vadas until all sides are golden-brown.
    • Batata vadas will take about four minutes to cook.
    • Serve them hot with cilantro chutney.

    Notes

    Serve them with sandwich buns using cilantro chutney as spread. Now this is known as Vada pav, another famous street food in Mumbai.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Batata Vada Recipe – An Authentic Indian Delight

    Aloo bonda, a popular Indian street food, is a delectable appetizer consisting of spiced mashed potato balls coated in chickpea flour batter and fried to crispy perfection.

    Introduction to Batata Vada and Aloo Bonda

    Batata Vada, also known as Aloo Bonda, is a popular Indian street food that originated in the state of Maharashtra. This delightful snack consists of spiced mashed potatoes coated in a gram flour batter and deep-fried until golden brown. Loved for its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, batata vada is a beloved snack enjoyed across the country. In this batata vada recipe, we will guide you through the process of making this delicious treat at home.

    How to Make Batata Vada – Step by Step Guide

    • Preparation of Potato Filling: To begin making batata vada, start by boiling potatoes until they are tender. Once boiled, peel and mash them in a bowl. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté until fragrant, then add mashed potatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Let the filling cool down.
    •  
    • Making the Gram Flour Batter: In a separate bowl, prepare the gram flour batter by mixing gram flour, rice flour, baking soda, salt, and water. Ensure a smooth consistency without any lumps. Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.
    • Assembly of Batata Vada: Take a portion of the potato filling and shape it into small balls. Dip each ball into the prepared gram flour batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
    •  
    • Deep Frying the Vadas: Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the coated potato balls into the oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove from oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
    •  
    • Serve Hot: Your crispy and delicious batata vada or aloo bonda is ready to be served. Enjoy them hot with green chutney or tamarind chutney.
    •  

    Tips for Perfect Batata Vada

    • Ensure that the potato filling is well-spiced to enhance the flavor of the batata vada.
    • Make sure the gram flour batter is of the right consistency; it should coat the potato filling evenly.
    • Fry the vadas in hot oil to achieve a crispy exterior.
    • Serve the vadas hot for the best taste and texture.

    Variations of Batata Vada

    • You can add crushed peanuts or cashews to the potato filling for added crunch.
    • For a spicy kick, add finely chopped green chilies to the potato mixture.
    • Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor according to your preference.

    Benefits of Batata Vada

    • Batata vada is a filling and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
    • Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, making batata vada an excellent energy booster.
    • This snack is vegetarian and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Can I make batata vada ahead of time?

    A: While batata vada is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the potato filling and gram flour batter in advance and fry the vadas just before serving for optimal crispiness.

    Q: Can I bake batata vada instead of deep-frying?

    A: While traditionally batata vada is deep-fried for that crispy texture, you can try baking them in the oven for a healthier alternative. However, the texture may vary slightly.

    Other Recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen

    If you’re looking to explore more Indian recipes, appetizers, beverages, and desserts, be sure to check out the following links on Manjula’s Kitchen. Here are some links to recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen official website:

    Paneer Tikka Masala Recipe

    Chana Chaat (Spicy Chickpea Salad) Recipe

    Pav Bhaji (Spicy Vegetable Hash with Buns) Recipe

    Raj Kachori (Crunchy Chaat) Recipe

    Vegetable Biryani Recipe

    These recipes should offer you a flavorful experience straight from Manjula’s Kitchen.

     

  • Til Ka Ladoo – Sesame Candy

    Til Ka Ladoo – Sesame Candy

    Til Ka Ladoo

    Til Ka Ladoo – Sesame Candy

    Til ka ladoo is a traditional winter sweet. This is a simple recipe made with til and jaggery. Til is sesame seed and jaggery is unrefined cane sugar.
    You can also enjoy them as sesame candy. Til ka ladoos are also made on various festivals especially for Makar Sankranti and also like a regular sweet snack munchies.
    No ratings yet
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 20 ladoos

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup sesame seeds, til
    • 1 cup jaggery or gur broken in small pieces, available at Indian grocery store
    • 3 tablespoons clarified butter, ghee
    • 1/2 teaspoon crushed cardamom
    • 1/2 cup water

    Instructions
     

    • Grease a plate and set aside.
    • In a frying pan roast the sesame seeds on medium heat stirring continuously. Sesame seeds will become light golden brown. This should take 4-5 minutes. Take the seeds out in a bowl. Set aside.
    • In the same frying pan heat the water and add the jaggery.
    • Simmer over medium heat till it starts caramelizing and forms a ball when you add a drop of syrup in cold water. This should take 4-5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
    • Add ghee, cardamom, and roasted sesame seeds mix it thoroughly with melted jaggery.
    • Transfer it in greased plate; take one tablespoon of mixture in your palm and make them into round ball, this should be half the size of golf balls.
    • Make all the ladoos while mix is still warm.
    • Sesame seed ladoo can be stored for months.

    Notes

    Variation:
    Til Ka Ladoo can be also made as burfi.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

  • Masala Mathri – Spicy Crackers

    Masala Mathri – Spicy Crackers

    Masala Mathri (Spicy Crackers)

    Masala Mathri – Spicy Crackers

    Mathris are all time favorite crispy Indian snacks. This recipe goes back to two generation to my grand mother. This recipe is a delicious twist or a fusion of sort to traditional mathri filled with spicy besan.
    No ratings yet
    Course snacks
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 0 Masala Mathri

    Ingredients
      

    Crust

    • 1 cup all purpose flour/plain flour/maida
    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • About 1/4 cup lukewarm water use as needed

    Filling

    • 1 cup besan/gram flour available in Indian grocery stores
    • 2 tablespoons sooji/semolina available in Indian grocery stores
    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ajwain/carom seeds
    • 1 teaspoon chili flakes, adjust to taste
    • 1/4 teaspoon kalonji/nigella seeds
    • 1/8 teaspoon asafetida/hing
    • About 3 tablespoons lukewarm water

    Instructions
     

    Crust

    • In a bowl mix flour oil and salt together.
    • Add water as needed to make firm dough and set aside. Do not knead the dough.

    Filling

    • Mix all the dry ingredients together, besan, sooji, salt, ajwain, chili flakes, kalonji, and asafetida. Add oil and mix it well.
    • Add water as needed to make dough. Consistency of crust and filling dough should be the same. Set aside.

    Making Mathri

    • Divide the crust and filling into about 24 equal size pieces.
    • Roll the crust one at a time into 1-1/2” diameter and put 1 piece of filling in the center. Pull the edges of the dough to wrap the filling. Repeat with the rest. And set aside.
    • Set one filled ball on a dry clean surface with the seams facing up. Roll them into 3 inch circle. Repeat with the rest.
    • Prick each mathri with a fork in 5 to 6 places both sides, otherwise mathris will puff while frying.
    • Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Frying pan should have at least 1 inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put a small piece of dough in the oil. The dough should make the oil sizzle and come up slowly.
    • Fry a few mathris at a time. Make sure to place just enough mathris to cover the frying oil.
    • Fry the mathris until both sides are a light golden-brown. This will take about 5 minutes of frying time.

    Notes

    Tips
    1. Mathris can be stored for a month in airtight containers.
    2. If the mathris are cooked on high heat, they will become soft.
     
    Masala mathris makes great out door snack, especially for travelling.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

  • Vermicelli Upma-Spicy Noodles – Seviyan Upma

    Vermicelli Upma-Spicy Noodles – Seviyan Upma

    Vermicelli Upma (Spicy Noodles)

    Vermicelli Upma-Spicy Noodles – Seviyan Upma

    Vermicelli Upma is a healthy, tasty and colorful dish. It is equally great for breakfast or snack. Vermicelli is also known as seviyaan. This is a quick and easy recipe to make.
    No ratings yet
    Course snacks
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 0 people

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients:

    • 1-1/2 cup vermicelli roasted, available in Indian grocery stores
    • 1/2 cup carrots cut into small pieces
    • 1/2 cup green beans cut into small pieces
    • 1/2 cup corn kernels I am using frozen corn
    • 3 tablespoons oil
    • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds/rai
    • 8-10 curry leaves
    • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric/haldi
    • 1 green chili finely chopped
    • 1-1/4 teaspoons of salt, adjust to taste
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    • 3 cups water
    • 1/4 cup cashews broken from garnishing

    Instructions
     

    • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a saucepan over low- medium heat, roast the cashews stirring continuously until they are light golden brown. It will take about 2 minutes.
    • Turn off the heat and take out the cashews over a paper towel.
    • Use the same saucepan and add the remaining oil, heat the oil over medium heat until it is moderately hot. Add the mustard seeds as seeds crack add curry leaves and green chili, stir-fry for few seconds. Be careful curry leaves splatter.
    • Add carrots, green beans, corn, turmeric, and salt stir-fry for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add vermicelli and gently mix them with vegetables, add water. Bring it to boil over high-medium heat.
    • As vegetables come to boil reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook till all the water has evaporated. Stir in between once, it will take about 10 minutes. Vermicelli should be moist.
    • Gently stir in the lemon juice, garnish with roasted cashews.
    • Serve hot.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!