The Indian snacks are usually delicious and mouth watering preparations. Savouries like "Samosa", "Aloo Tikki" and "Vada Pav" are easily prepared and are commonly served Indian snacks. The popularity of Indian snacks grew because of its easy process of preparation and that they can be prepared at any time. The crispness and tempting tastes of Indian snacks is liked by young and old alike. Snacks are generally eaten between meals. It is thought to be ideal to serve the appetizing Indian snacks while having coffee or tea.
A snack is a portion of food, often smaller than a regular meal, generally eaten between meals. Traditionally, snacks are prepared from ingredients commonly available in the home. Snack foods are typically designed to be portable, quick and satisfying. A snack eaten shortly before going to bed or during the night may be called a midnight snack.
Varieties of India Snacks
"Bhajias" or "Pakoras" can be prepared in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian forms. Sometimes only fried forms of besan with onions can make lovely "Bhajias", at times chicken or vegetable puree is added to make it fulfilling. "Chaat" is a popular type of Indian snacks and vendors literally crowd the streets selling all kinds of delicious variations of chaats. "Bhelpuri" is a type of low fat, nutritious and delicious snacks found in India. It is just a mixture of puffed rice, sauces, dried chats and other spices. "Chiwda" is a Marathi snacks and is popular for its properties to be crispy and crunchy that can be easily stored for a long time in airtight container. Similarly "Vada Pav" can be said to be a principle dish of Maharashtra that is presently a popular Indian snacks across the nation. Breadcrumbs along with some delicious mixture of curry make the sumptuous "Vada Pav".
"Steamed Momos" is an important input in the list of Indian snacks that has evolved from northern India. Sikkim is the land of momos, however momo has now become a loved Indian snacks among all ages. The low amount of oil and spices used in this preparation has made it loved among all age group. "Dhokla" or the steamed gram flour snack has come straight from the heart of Gujarat and is served with tamarind and Mint-Coriander Chutneys.
Indian Snacks of Different Regions
Snacks vary from region to region in India. Some of the popular Indian snacks are "Achappam", different types of "Papad", "Murukku", "Banana Chips", "Bhelpuri", "Bhujia", "Bonda", "Bread Pakora", "Dahi Vada", "Dadpe Pohe", "Fafda", "Ghewar", "Gathiya", different types of "Halwa", "Jalebi", "Kachori", "Kuzhalappam", different types of "Vada", "Mysore Pak", "Namkeen", "Pakkavad", "Panipuri", "Pav Bhaji", "Potato Chips" and many more to be mentioned.
Nutritional Concerns of Indian Snacks
Snack foods are often subjectively classified as junk food because they typically have little or no nutritional value, and are not seen as contributing towards general health and nutrition. With growing concerns for diet, weight control and general health, people make a conscious effort to eat healthier, natural snacks such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and cereal grains - while avoiding high-calorie, low-nutrient junk food.
