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With Diwali nearing the corner and snack preparation commencing in full swing in most homes, there is some virtue in considering opting for alternative cooking methods that cut out a majority of the grease. Although deep-fried food can be admittedly delicious, it also makes the joy of festive bingeing feel guilt-laden. Between rich and decadent sweets to addictive savoury delicacies, eating during the festive season can be a challenge to navigate between indulgent and excessive. Using methods like baking or grilling using Usha’s OTG is a handy, inexpensive and convenient way to ensure that toiling in the kitchen does not seem overwhelming, while also getting plenty done simultaneously without the hassle of having to consistently keep an eye on the stove. That said, having a delicious mix of party snacks as well as some meant for one’s close circle is always a great idea - whether they’re meant to be stored and consumed over a period of time, or best enjoyed fresh with an assortment of condiments.
Baked Murukku
Image Credits: PixaHive
It might seem that nothing about the process of making the murukku sounds less labourious; however, baking instead of frying them not only saves up the time spent trying to control the temperature of the oil on the stove but also cuts out the need for deep-frying altogether. Make one large batch of the plain dough which can be divided into sections and transformed into various flavours - ranging from garlic to sesame and even masala. Serve them as part of your snack platter to share with loved ones on the occasion or enjoy them with a protein-rich dip and an assortment of chutneys at an Indian-inspired grazing table.
Samosa Pie
Quirky, flaky and unusual - but encased with familiar flavours - the samosa pie is an innovative way to present a festive snack classic. Think flaky pastry dough flavoured with ajwain with a samosa stuffing of spiced potatoes and peas and topped with buttery phyllo pastry. Since the filling of the pie is pre-cooked, it is worth noting that all the cooking time this would take in the oven would be to ensure that the pastry shell is crisp, brown and perfectly layered. One can either bake a large pie to serve at brunch or dinner, or make bite-sized ones - depending on preference.
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Baked Mathri
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Whether you prefer your mathri savoury and spicy or salty with a hint of sweetness, this Rajasthani specialty is one that is loved across the board. Enjoy it during tea time with a cup of kesar chai or use it as abase to make a variety of chaat delicacies - the possibilities are endless. When baking in an OTG, be sure to brush each one with some ghee when laid out on the baking tray and top it with sesame seeds or chopped nuts. For an elevated touch, make mathri canapes using burrata cheese, pesto and cherry tomatoes to serve alongside wine.
Coconut Churros
What makes this savoury treat truly special is that it utilises the functions of an oven to the best of its ability. Dehydrate coconut flakes to make desiccated coconut in which you can roll the churros once ready, bake the coconut filling to pipe into the churros to caramelise it slightly before combining with cream cheese and lastly, pipe the churro batter onto parchment paper before baking them until perfectly golden-brown. Not only does the flavour evoke a sense of festive warmth, it also echoes the taste of an indulgent treat that one would otherwise refrain from eating on a regular day. Serve with a sprinkling of chives or spring onions.
Assorted Chaap
Image Credits: PixaHive
Malai, tandoori, hariyali and even afghani - the chaap variations are endless and so are the ways in which they can be served. While a domestic setting might not offer the luxury of accommodating a tandoor, it sure does facilitate similar outcomes in the grill setting of an oven. Use a variety of marinades to flavour chunks of soya chaap and skewer them with seasonal vegetables before grilling until charred lightly. Whether they’re served with toothpicks to be relished as a starter or with pita bread, salad and chutney to make a full meal - the flavours of the chaap is surely a low effort, high return experience.
