19 Low Calorie Indian Snacks Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
Indian snacks are a popular and essential part of the country's vibrant and diverse cuisine. They are not only delicious but also reflect the rich culture and heritage of India. However, many traditional snacks are deep-fried and high in calories, making them unsuitable for those trying to maintain a healthy diet. But worry not, as we have compiled a list of low calorie Indian snacks recipes that are both nutritious and tasty. So, let's explore some healthy alternatives to satisfy your cravings for Indian snacks without compromising on your health.
Spice up your beer can chicken with a delicious and hearty side dish of Indian spiced lentils. These lentils are packed with flavor from a blend of traditional Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. They pair perfectly with the juicy and tender chicken, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
For a seafood twist on the classic beer can chicken, try an Indian shrimp curry. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich and flavorful tomato-based curry sauce. The bold flavors of the curry complement the savory flavors of the chicken, making for a mouthwatering combination.
If you're a fan of traditional Indian flavors, you can't go wrong with a classic Indian chicken curry. This dish features tender and juicy chicken cooked in a creamy and spicy curry sauce. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Quick Low-Calorie Spicy Indian Tomato Soup
Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, Tomato Puree, Onion, Sunflower Oil, Cumin
Looking for a lighter option to pair with your beer can chicken? Try a quick and low-calorie spicy Indian tomato soup. This soup is packed with bold and spicy flavors from a combination of Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. It's the perfect way to add a kick of heat to your meal without going overboard on calories.
For a rich and indulgent side dish, try Indian butter chicken with your beer can chicken. This dish features tender chicken cooked in a creamy and buttery tomato sauce. The combination of flavors is sure to please your taste buds and add a touch of decadence to your meal.
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Indian Restaurant Madras Curry
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Madras Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika
If you're a fan of spicy food, try adding some heat to your beer can chicken with an Indian restaurant madras curry. This curry is known for its bold and spicy flavors, thanks to a blend of chili peppers and other traditional Indian spices. It's the perfect way to add some extra kick to your meal.
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Crispy Indian Okra
Main Ingredients: Baby Okra, Fat, Cumin Seeds, Onion, Serrano Pepper
Looking for a unique and flavorful side dish to pair with your beer can chicken? Try crispy Indian okra. This dish features crispy okra coated in a blend of Indian spices and then pan-fried until golden brown. It's a delicious and crunchy addition to your meal.
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Indian Dal Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Cayenne
Add some protein and fiber to your meal with a side of Indian dal soup. This traditional Indian dish is made with lentils and a variety of spices, creating a flavorful and hearty soup. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken and will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
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Indian Lemon Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Green Chilies, Ginger, Peanuts, Turmeric, Salt
Looking for a light and refreshing side dish? Indian lemon rice is the perfect choice. This dish features basmati rice cooked with lemon juice, mustard seeds, and other traditional Indian spices. It adds a burst of flavor to your meal and pairs well with the savory flavors of beer can chicken.
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Quick & Easy Indian Flatbread (Roti)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Plain Flour, Salt, Water
No Indian-inspired meal is complete without some delicious flatbread. Try making your own quick and easy Indian flatbread, also known as roti, to serve alongside your beer can chicken. This flatbread is made with just a few simple ingredients and can be cooked in a pan or on the grill for a delicious and versatile side dish.
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Indian Butter Chicken with Basmati Rice
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Jalapeno, Garam
Add some variety to your beer can chicken by serving it with Indian butter chicken and basmati rice. This dish features tender chicken cooked in a creamy and buttery sauce, served over fragrant and fluffy basmati rice. The combination of flavors is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
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Akoori (Indian Scrambled Eggs)
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Green Chilli, Ground
For a unique and flavorful side dish, try making akoori to serve with your beer can chicken. Akoori is a traditional Indian dish of scrambled eggs cooked with a variety of spices like cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. It's a great way to add some extra protein to your meal and add some bold flavors to your plate.
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Indian Butter Cauliflower (Vegan)
Main Ingredients: Garam Masala, Ground Ginger, Chili Powder, Curry
If you're looking for a vegan option to serve with your beer can chicken, try Indian butter cauliflower. This dish features roasted cauliflower coated in a creamy and flavorful sauce made with Indian spices, coconut milk, and other ingredients. It's a delicious and satisfying way to add some variety to your meal.
No meal is complete without some delicious and flavorful potatoes. Try making Indian-style potatoes to serve with your beer can chicken. These potatoes are cooked with a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, creating a flavorful and aromatic side dish.
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Cabbage Raita Or Dip – Low Calorie, High Fibre
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Curd, Salt, Cumin Powder, Mango Powder, Green
Add some freshness and crunch to your meal with a side of cabbage raita or dip. This low-calorie and high-fiber dish is made with shredded cabbage, yogurt, and a blend of Indian spices. It's a great way to balance out the richness of the beer can chicken and add some extra nutrition to your meal.
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Indian Pumpkin Curry with Coconut Milk
Main Ingredients: Cubed Pumpkin, Medium Onion, Ripe Tomato, Ginger
For a fall-inspired side dish, try making Indian pumpkin curry with coconut milk. This dish features tender pumpkin cooked in a creamy and flavorful sauce made with coconut milk and a blend of Indian spices. It's the perfect way to add some seasonal flavors to your meal.
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Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
For a rich and indulgent side dish, try Indian chicken korma with your beer can chicken. This dish features tender chicken cooked in a creamy and flavorful sauce made with a variety of Indian spices, nuts, and yogurt. It's the perfect way to add some extra decadence to your meal.
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Indian Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Cumin Seed, Jalapeno, Yellow Onion
Add some crunch and flavor to your meal with Indian-style cabbage. This dish features shredded cabbage cooked with a blend of Indian spices, creating a tasty and nutritious side dish. It pairs well with the savory and juicy flavors of beer can chicken.
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North Indian Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Cloves, Cinnamon Stick, Cardamom Pods, Onion, Fresh
For a unique twist on traditional Indian chicken curry, try making a North Indian version to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish features a tomato-based curry sauce with a variety of spices like ginger, garlic, and garam masala. It's the perfect way to add some bold and savory flavors to your meal.
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Indian Goddess Dressing
Main Ingredients: Plain Yogurt, Olive Oil, Cilantro Leaves, Mint Leaves
Looking for a flavorful and creamy dressing to serve with your beer can chicken? Try making Indian goddess dressing. This dressing is made with a blend of Indian spices, yogurt, and herbs, creating a versatile and flavorful addition to your meal.
Healthy Alternatives for Traditional Indian Snacks
1. Baked Samosas
Samosas are a staple in Indian households, but the deep-fried version can be a calorie bomb. Instead, try baking them with a whole wheat crust and filling them with vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes. These low calorie samosas are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence.
2. Vegetable Cutlets
Cutlets are a favorite tea-time snack in India, but they are often made with a generous amount of oil. Switch to baked or air-fried cutlets made with a variety of vegetables like spinach, carrots, and beans. These low calorie vegetable cutlets are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect snack for any time of the day.
3. Quinoa Khichdi
Khichdi is a comfort food for many Indians, but it can be heavy on the stomach and high in calories. Replace the rice with quinoa, a protein and fiber-rich grain, and add a variety of vegetables to make a low calorie quinoa khichdi. This dish not only tastes delicious but also provides the body with essential nutrients.
The Role of Spices in Low-Calorie Indian Snacks
Indian cuisine is known for its use of spices, which not only add flavor but also have numerous health benefits. Several spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in weight loss. Incorporating these spices into low calorie Indian snacks not only adds flavor but also boosts their nutritional value.
4. Masala Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a staple in Indian cuisine and are a great source of protein and fiber. Roast them with a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder to make low calorie masala roasted chickpeas. This snack is perfect for satisfying your cravings for something crunchy and spicy.
5. Spiced Roasted Almonds
Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients and make for a perfect low calorie snack. Roast them with a mix of spices like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper to make spiced roasted almonds. These make for a healthy and delicious snack that you can munch on guilt-free.
In conclusion, traditional Indian snacks can be high in calories, but with a few simple substitutions and the use of flavorful spices, they can be transformed into low calorie and nutritious treats. So, next time you crave for some Indian snacks, try these healthy alternatives and enjoy the flavors of India without compromising on your health.
