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A road trip offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure, allowing travellers to explore new destinations at their own pace. However, long hours on the road can lead to hunger and fatigue, making it crucial to have a selection of tasty and nutritious snacks on hand. While convenience stores offer a range of quick bites, nothing beats the satisfaction and health benefits of homemade snacks, especially those with a touch of Indian flavour.
Indian cuisine is rich in a variety of snacks that are perfect for road trips. These snacks are not only flavourful but also often packed with nutrients, ensuring that you stay energised and satisfied throughout your journey. From crunchy namkeen to refreshing fruit chaat, Indian snacks cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
This article explores a curated list of Indian-inspired road trip snacks that are easy to prepare, store, and enjoy on the go. Whether you prefer something savoury or sweet, spicy or mild, you'll find a snack idea here that suits your needs and enhances your road trip experience.
1. Masala Peanuts
Masala peanuts are a spicy and crunchy snack, perfect for munching on during long drives. These flavourful peanuts are coated with a mix of spices and chickpea flour and then deep-fried or roasted until crispy.
Preparation:
To make masala peanuts, start by mixing raw peanuts with a blend of spices like red chilli powder, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Add a bit of chickpea flour and a small amount of water to coat the peanuts. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown, or for a healthier version, roast them in the oven.
2. Thepla
Thepla is a popular Gujarati flatbread made with whole wheat flour and spices, often with the addition of fenugreek leaves (methi). It's soft, slightly spicy, and can be enjoyed on its own or with pickles and yoghurt.
Preparation:
To prepare thepla, combine whole wheat flour with spices such as turmeric, red chilli powder, and ajwain seeds. Mix in finely chopped fenugreek leaves and knead into a soft dough with water and a bit of oil. Roll the dough into thin discs and cook on a hot griddle until both sides are golden brown.
3. Chakli
Chakli, also known as murukku, is a deep-fried spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour and chickpea flour seasoned with spices. It is crunchy and savoury, making it a perfect snack for road trips.
Preparation:
Mix rice flour and chickpea flour with spices like cumin, sesame seeds, and asafoetida. Add a bit of water to form a dough, then shape it into spirals using a chakli maker. Fry the chaklis in hot oil until crisp and golden.
4. Khakra
Khakra is a thin, crispy flatbread from Gujarat, made from whole wheat flour and flavoured with spices. It’s light, crunchy, and keeps well for days, making it an ideal travel snack.
Preparation:
To make khakra, mix whole wheat flour with salt, cumin seeds, and a bit of oil. Knead into a dough and roll into very thin discs. Cook each disc on a hot griddle, pressing down with a cloth until it becomes crisp and golden brown.
5. Tilgul Ladoo
Tilgul ladoo is a traditional sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, typically prepared during the festival of Makar Sankranti. These ladoos are small, round, and packed with the rich, nutty flavour of sesame and the caramel-like sweetness of jaggery.
Preparation:
Toast sesame seeds until they are golden and aromatic. Melt jaggery in a pan with a bit of water to form a thick syrup. Mix the toasted sesame seeds with the jaggery syrup and form the mixture into small balls.
6. Besan Ladoo
Besan ladoo is a popular Indian sweet made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar. These round, soft sweets are flavoured with cardamom and often garnished with nuts.
Preparation:
Roast gram flour in ghee until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing in powdered sugar and cardamom. Shape the mixture into small balls and garnish with chopped nuts.
7. Dry Fruit Chikki
Chikki is a traditional Indian brittle made from nuts and jaggery. Dry fruit chikki combines a variety of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios with the rich sweetness of jaggery.
Preparation:
Toast a mixture of nuts until they are fragrant. Melt jaggery in a pan to form a syrup and mix in the toasted nuts. Pour the mixture onto a greased surface and spread it out. Once it cools slightly, cut it into squares or bars.
8. Vegetable Sticks With Hummus
Vegetable sticks with hummus make for a crunchy and nutritious snack. Hummus, a creamy dip made from chickpeas, pairs well with fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
Preparation:
Cut vegetables into sticks and arrange them in a container. For the hummus, blend cooked chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Pack the hummus in a separate container for easy dipping.
9. Yoghurt And Granola Parfait
A yoghurt and granola parfait is a layered snack that combines creamy yoghurt, crunchy granola, and fresh fruits. It’s both satisfying and nutritious, perfect for a healthy snack on the road.
Preparation:
Layer plain or flavoured yoghurt with granola and fresh fruits like berries or chopped mangoes in a jar. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture and sweetness.
10. Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and savoury snack, perfect for a protein-packed bite on the go. They can be flavoured with a variety of spices to suit your taste.
Preparation:
Drain and dry canned chickpeas, then toss them with olive oil and your choice of spices like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder. Roast in the oven until they are crispy and golden.
So, the next time you embark on a road trip, consider these snack ideas. They are not only delicious and convenient but also a wonderful way to celebrate the rich and diverse flavours of Indian cuisine on the go. Happy snacking and safe travels!
