Some cricket matches are simply watched, whereas some of them are felt. And when it’s India vs Pakistan, which will be held on February 15, you know it's not going to be simply the game that you will watch, but an event. Messages start flowing out on WhatsApp, friends come over in Indian cricket jerseys, and suddenly, your home turns into a mini stadium. No match-watch party can feel complete without enjoying fun snacks that keep everyone cheerfully munching through every over. But hosting should not mean you spend the whole day in the kitchen.
The best game-night snacks are the ones that are quick to make, easy to share, and delectable enough to compete with the on-screen action. They have to be fuss-free bites that you can cook between innings, serve without any formalities, and enjoy without missing any catch. These easy snacks are created exactly for this purpose, so that you can focus on cheering, enjoying, celebrating wickets, and making match day feel like a lively get-together at home.
Masala Potato Wedges With Chaat Twist
These are not the regular fries. Cut the potatoes into thick wedges, toss them in a little oil, salt, red chilli, roasted cumin, and a little cornflour to get that authentic crispiness. Bake or air-fry until it turns crisp and golden. Now comes the twist: sprinkle the chaat masala, pepper powder and a squeeze of lime. The outside is crunchy, whereas the inside is soft and fluffy. Serve with a quick dip that you can make by mixing mayo, ketchup, and a little hint of garlic paste. The contrast in texture and taste is something nobody can think of. It will disappear faster than the powerplay overs and will feel far more compelling than the regular plain chips.
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Paneer Tikka Skewers Without Tandoor
Cut the paneer pieces into cube shapes and coat them in a mixture prepared from hung curd, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, ginger-garlic paste, and salt as per taste. Marinate for about 20 minutes while you prep for other things. Line up these cubes on skewers with onion and capsicum, then place them in a hot pan until they get slightly charred on the edges. They will turn edges from smoky, the inside will remain juicy, and every bite feels like a proper match-night indulgence. Finish it off with lemon juice and serve with a side of mint chutney. It is filling, not heavy, and easy to have between matches.
Cheesy Corn Toasts
Mix some boiled sweet corn with some grated cheese, black pepper, chopped onions, and a spoon of butter. Spread it generously over bread slices and toast on a pan until the base turns crisp and the cheese begins to melt. The outcome is crunchy, cheesy, and slightly sweet, a combination that everyone will absolutely adore. Cut these toasts into small squares so that guests can grab and eat them without missing a bite. It will feel comforting, need almost no advance prep, and the smell will make the guest think something amazing is being cooked.
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Crispy Chickpea Chaat Cups
Roast the boiled chickpeas in a pan with little oil, paprika, salt, and cumin until it turns slightly crisp. Let it cool down, then toss it with chopped tomatoes, onions, coriander, tamarind chutney, and a little yoghurt. Serve it in small bowls or paper cups, as it will be easy to handle. It is tangy, crunchy, and refreshing, creating a perfect balance in contrast to heavier snacks. It is the kind of thing that people keep munching on between overs without knowing how much they have eaten. Plus, it will add a chatpata street-style flavour to your watch party.
Mini Veg Quesadillas
Spread the mixture of sautéed vegetables such as capsicum, onion, beans, and mashed potato. Season it with pav bhaji masala and fill it inside small tortillas. Add cheese, fold it, and cook in a pan until it turns crisp on both sides. Cut into triangles, making it easy to share. It is warm, slightly spicy, and can be held easily, which is ideal for match-time excitement. The outside will turn golden and crunchy, whereas the inside will remain soft and flavourful. Serve it with a side of salsa or even regular green chutney for a fun desi twist.
(Image credit: Freepik)