How often do you catch yourself binging on junk food while working or scrolling through your phone or while watching your favourite web series? Mindless eating is a serious case of concern when you’re at home tucked in your comfort zone. You start with a few crisps and before you know you overdosed on deep-fried food and excessive sugary items. The horror continues as you feel lethargic post this meal, I can say this with personal experience. When indulging in processed junk food, it is best done in moderation. While working, this is a complete no-no as it drains your energy. So that’s when I made the big switch, I tried these simple recipes at home that worked for me very well, I assure you, you will be eating the good stuff that doesn’t compromise on taste at all. Below are a few famous snack options to satisfy your taste buds, I promise they’re simple and super quick to make!
HUMMUS –
Legends have said it, hummus is the food of God, well I just said that. It is rich in dietary fiber and protein. Hummus is a savory dip made out of chickpeas, tahini (roasted sesame seed paste), garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt and freshly squeezed lemon juice. You can make this fresh and store it for a few days in your refrigerator. Ideally, hummus is consumed with pita bread but I use my own fix that is easily available to me. Try it with khakra, steamed veggies, or with toasted wheat bread, which you can get from a bakery that offers fresh bread delivery service.
You can modify the hummus dip according to your taste buds, add roasted beetroot or carrot, or make it with avocado, if you feel exotic you can add jalapeno if it is available near you. You can eat this with roti or use it as a spread in wraps with veggies.
GRANOLA BAR –
Do you have a sweet tooth that always ends up in a guilty sugary indulgence? Don’t worry granola bars are here to save you. You may wonder why not just grab one off the supermarket shelf? But you would be disheartened to know the amount of sugar and preservatives that go into a commercial granola bar. You will need, Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, oats, dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, dates, salt, and honey. Here’s a no bake Granola bar recipe that can be stored for 2 weeks, well 20 minutes of making time doesn’t sound bad now eh?
You can alter the dry fruits to your liking; granola bars with a hint of cinnamon powder boosts the flavour even more. Add desiccated coconut for that added yumminess. Granola and protein bars are a good pre-workout snack, gives you the much-needed energy!
GUACAMOLE –
Here comes the king of dips. Guacamole is easy and so delicious you can eat it with almost everything or may be just by itself? Well, one cannot say no to guac! You need a ripe avocado, finely chopped onion and tomato, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cilantro (coriander), and salt. Avocado tastes amazing on toasted bread, khakra or if you fancy yourself some baking, baked nachos. This is a recipe I followed; their tips are helpful to get the perfect Mexican guacamole.
The most important thing for making guacamole is a ripe avocado. Do no make it with an unripe one as it taste so bitter otherwise. How to know if it is ripe? The avocado should be little mushy and soft when you touch it, if it’s hard it’s still unripe, it shouldn’t be too soft either.
ROASTED MAKHANA –
Makhana, also known as lotus seed is a filling snack to pop. It tastes absolutely crunchy and delicious seasoning it with the flavour you like. It’s available commercially too, but what’s better than making it for yourself in your desired quantity and fitting to your taste buds? You will need Makhana (lotus seed), very little ghee to roast, chilly powder, chat masala, cumin powder and salt. Below is the recipe for masala makhana, which requires 15 minutes of roasting and seasoning but it can be stored for 2 weeks easily.
You can make it with just pepper and salt or if you do not mind the indulgence add cheese onion seasoning or any tangy flavour of your choice.
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