Top 7 Low Calorie Indian Snacks

Snacking is a common indulgence for many of us, but it doesn’t have to derail our health and fitness goals. And maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing taste and flavour when it comes to snacking. Indian cuisine offers plenty of flavorful and nutritious snacks that are low in calories. In this article, we’ve added the top 7 low calorie Indian snacks you can munch on without thinking about gaining extra kilos.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply maintain a healthy lifestyle, these low calorie Indian snacks will satisfy your cravings without compromising your fitness goals.

Let’s dive into these delightful options to keep you energized and guilt-free simultaneously.

Top 7 Low Calorie Indian Snacks

1. Sprout Chaat

Sprout chaat is a refreshing snack that is low in calories and packed with nutrients. One serving of Sprouted Moong Chaat gives 153 calories. Out of which carbohydrates comprise 98 calories, proteins comprise 35 calories and the remaining calories come from fat. 

This sprout chaat is made from a combination of sprouted legumes, such as moong beans, chickpeas, and lentils, it is a rich source of fibre, protein, and vitamins.

Season it with chaat masala, and lemon juice, you can add finely chopped onion, tomato, and a sprinkle of chopped coriander for a tangy and delicious treat.

Sprout Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed sprouts (moong, chana, etc.)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1 small cucumber, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• 1/2 tsp black salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the sprouts until tender.
2. In a bowl, mix the boiled sprouts, onion, tomato, cucumber, and green chili.
3. Add chaat masala, black salt, regular salt, and lemon juice.
4. Garnish with coriander leaves.
5. Mix well and serve.

2. Masala Roasted Makhanas

Makhanas are a light and crunchy snack that can be transformed into a healthy alternative to calorie-laden popcorn. 100 grams of makhana provides up to 347 calories of energy. 

Dry roast the makhanas with a sprinkle of garam masala, turmeric, and a dash of salt for a tasty and regret-free snack.

They are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a perfect option for those looking to satisfy their savoury cravings.

Masala Roasted Makhanas Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups makhanas (fox nuts)
• 1 tsp ghee
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp chaat masala
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan.
2. Add the makhanas and roast on low heat until crispy.
3. Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, chaat masala, and salt.
4. Mix well and roast for another 2 minutes.
5. Let them cool and store in an airtight container.

3. Steamed Dhokla:

A flavorful snack that rules hearts across the world, this delicacy finds its origins in Gujarati cuisine. Dhokla is a popular snack made from fermented rice and chickpea flour.

Dhokla is not only delicious but also a great source of complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.

Steamed to perfection, it is a light and fluffy snack that is low in calories and high in protein. For the burst of flavours, you can pair it with a tangy green chutney made from coriander, along with juicy green chillies.

Steamed Dhokla Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tsp ginger-green chili paste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp fruit salt (Eno)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp oil
• A few curry leaves
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix besan, yogurt, ginger-green chili paste, turmeric, lemon juice, and salt. Add water to make a smooth batter.
2. Add fruit salt to the batter and mix gently.
3. Pour the batter into a greased steaming tray.
4. Steam for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Pour this tempering over the steamed dhokla.
6. Cut into pieces and garnish with coriander leaves.

4. Baked Samosas:

In India, samosas are a beloved snack, but they are often deep-fried, adding needless calories. You can now opt for a healthier version by baking them instead.

One Baked Samosa gives only 32 calories. Out of which carbohydrates count for 17 calories, proteins account for 3 calories and the rest are fat.

These samosas are stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and onions, and brushed with a little oil before baking until golden and crispy.

Baking the samosa does not compromise the authentic taste, however, it significantly reduces the calorie content.

Baked Samosas Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, carom seeds, salt, oil, and water to form a dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. For the filling, heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
3. Add boiled potatoes, green peas, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Add fresh coriander leaves.
4. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each one into a circle. Cut the circle in half, form a cone, and fill it with the potato mixture.
5. Seal the edges and place on a baking tray.
6. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Vegetable Upma:

Upma is a savoury South Indian semolina dish that can be prepared with an assortment of vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, and beans.

It is a quick and easy snack that is low in calories and provides a significant amount of fibre and other essential nutrients. 

Instead of semolina, upma can also be made with oats, which further enhance the nutritional value. If you wish then season it with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of turmeric for added flavour. Enjoy it as a satisfying snack or breakfast option.

Vegetable Upma Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal
• 1 teaspoon chana dal
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1 green chili, slit
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Dry roast semolina in a pan until it turns light golden. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal. Let them splutter.
3. Add onion, carrot, green peas, green chili, and ginger. Sauté for a few minutes.
4. Add water and salt. Bring to a boil.
5. Gradually add roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
6. Cook until the water is absorbed and the upma reaches the desired consistency.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

6. Cucumber Raita:

Raita is a popular side dish in Indian cuisine that we mostly consume in the summer. It is traditionally made with yoghurt, buttermilk, and various vegetables or fruits.

Cucumber raita is a refreshing and low calorie option that can be enjoyed as a snack on its own or it can be paired with other dishes like main course.

To make cucumber raita, simply grate the cucumber, mix it with yoghurt, and season it with roasted cumin powder, salt, and a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves. It is not only cooling but also provides probiotics and essential nutrients.

Cucumber Raita Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth.
2. Add grated cucumber, roasted cumin powder, and salt.
3. Mix well and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
4. Serve chilled.

7. Moong Dal Chilla:

Moong dal chilla is a South Indian healthy snack that is delicious and healthy and contains protein and other essential nutrients. These savoury pancakes are made from split green gram lentils and are a protein-packed Indian snack that is low in calories. 

To make this low calorie Indian snack, you have to blend soaked moong dal with spices like cumin seeds, coriander leaves, and green chillies, salt and cook it on a non-stick pan until golden and crisp. 

Moong Dal Chilla Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup moong dal (split green gram), soaked for 2-3 hours
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Grind the soaked moong dal into a smooth batter, adding water as needed.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the batter, onion, tomato, green chili, fresh coriander leaves, cumin powder, and salt.
3. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with oil.
4. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the pan and spread it in a circular motion to form a thin chilla.
5. Cook until the edges start to lift, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.

Devour Healthy Low Calories Indian Snacks with Milkbasket

Enjoy Healthy Low-Calorie Indian Snacks with Milkbasket

From sprout chaat to baked samosas, these top 7 low calorie Indian snacks offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Delight in the diverse flavors from across Indian cuisines while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Snack smart and savor the goodness in you!

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Also Read:

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3 Healthiest Breakfast Recipes (Indian Style Edition)