Every individual needs to fulfill their nutrient content in the body by consuming protein. It is one of the most essential nutrients that make up the body’s well-being. Often, you may skip including protein in your diet at any time of the meal, but you must catch up with the required protein intake by incorporating it during other time periods.
Protein is the most vital nutrient that keeps you sated, helps in building muscle strength, aids in weight loss, and keeps you energised throughout the day. It is usually advisable to consume protein in the morning. However, most people due to their busy schedules fail to provide time as well as effort into making protein-rich foods, especially during breakfast. If you’re among one of those, prepare protein-rich dishes as evening snacks and thereby incorporate protein into your diet.
Here are some protein-rich evening snacks that you can easily prepare for yourself and your family. Take a look:
- Chana Chaat
This is a refreshing and tangy snack that is made from boiled chickpeas, which are rich in both protein and fibre. To prepare this combine chickpeas with chopped onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green chillies. Drizzle some lemon juice, chaat masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. This snack is not only rich in protein but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect to satisfy evening cravings.
- Moong Dal Chilla
This is a savoury pancake made with split green gram (moong dal) batter. To prepare this, soak the dal for a few hours and then grind it into a smooth batter with ginger, garlic, and green chillies. Now, cook the batter on a non-stick pan like a pancake and add finely chopped vegetables like onion, tomatoes, and spinach. Moong dal is a good source of plant-based protein, making the dish fulfilling as well as healthy.
- Paneer Tikka
This is a popular Indian snack that is common in every vegetarian household. Here the paneer cubes are marinated in yoghurt mixed with spices such as turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Now the paneer cubes are skewered along with bell peppers and onions and grilled until golden brown. Paneer is rich in protein as well as calcium, providing a satisfying and nutritious snack.
- Sprout Salad
Reach out for this crunchy and refreshing dish made from sprouted mung beans. All you need to do this mix the sprouts with chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and grated carrots. Season with salt, lemon juice, chaat masala, and fresh coriander leaves. Sprouts salad is highly nutritious offering a high amount of protein, vitamins, and enzymes. This is a light yet protein-packed snack.
- Masoor Dal Cutlets
Try this protein-rich masoor dal cutlet for your evening snack. You need to begin by cooking the lentils until soft, then mash and mix with boiled potatoes, chopped onions, green chilles, and spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Shape the mixture into patties and shallow fry them until crispy. Apart from protein, masoor dal is a good source of iron.
- Egg Bhurji
This is a quick and protein-rich snack that is made by scrambling eggs with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Start by sauteing chopped onions, green chillies, and tomatoes in a pan and then add beaten effs and cook until it is done. Str continuously and season with salt, turmeric, and garam masala. You can enjoy this dish alone or pair it with pav. Egg bhurji is a perfect energy-boosting evening snack.
- Rajma Sundal
Rajma Sundal is a South Indian snack made from boiled kidney beans. To make this, temper mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves in a little oil. Now add the boiled kidney beans, grated coconut, and salt and saute for a few minutes. Garnish the dish with chopped coriander leaves. Kidney beans are a good source of protein, fibre, and essential nutrients.
- Soybean Tikki
A nutritious and protein-packed snack, soybean tikki is made from soy granules. Soak and cook the soy granules and then mix them with boiled potatoes, chopped onions, and green chillies along with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Shape them into patties and shallow fry them till golden brown. Soybeans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs.