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Halloween gatherings in Indian homes have become a time for playful decorations, themed food, and shared indulgence. Yet, there is a growing interest in preparing festive snacks that remain mindful of nutrition. The convenience of an OTG, such as the ones from Usha, allows a home cook to bake, grill, and roast snacks that retain flavour while reducing excess oil or sugar. Baking and roasting help retain nutrients and enhance natural sweetness or savouriness in ingredients. By using whole ingredients, seasonal produce, and clever substitutions, the festive spread can remain both satisfying and balanced. These recipes make use of everyday Indian pantry items, yet they bring a touch of celebration to the table in a way that feels wholesome and fun.
1. Baked Pumpkin Patties With Spices
Pumpkin is one of the most fitting ingredients for the Halloween season, and when roasted in an OTG, its natural sweetness deepens while its texture becomes pleasantly soft. To prepare these patties, grated pumpkin can be combined with mashed potatoes, crushed oats, and a touch of gram flour for binding. A mixture of ground cumin, black pepper, and coriander gives the patties warmth and depth. After shaping them into rounds and brushing lightly with oil, they can be baked in the OTG until golden. These patties taste rich without feeling heavy and can be served with a mint yoghurt dip or a light chutney. The combination of roasted pumpkin and gentle spice creates a comforting yet festive bite that appeals to both adults and children.
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2. Roasted Chickpea And Sweetcorn Chaat Cups
Using the OTG for roasting chickpeas brings out a crunch that makes them perfect for light festive snacking. Boiled chickpeas can be tossed with a little olive oil, salt, and paprika before being spread on a tray and baked until crisp. Once cooled, they can be combined with lightly roasted sweetcorn, diced onion, tomato, and coriander leaves. A drizzle of lime juice and chaat masala completes the preparation. The roasted texture from the OTG gives the chickpeas a nutty depth, while the corn adds sweetness. When arranged in small cups or lettuce wraps, this snack looks cheerful and feels complete in flavour. It is one of those dishes that blends traditional chaat elements with a baked twist that feels satisfying without being oily.
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3. Whole Wheat Mini Pizzas With Hidden Vegetables
Mini pizzas are a popular choice for gatherings, and using the OTG ensures an even bake with a crisp base. Whole wheat dough can be used to make small pizza rounds, which can then be topped with a sauce made from puréed tomatoes and hidden vegetables such as carrots or capsicum. Finely chopped spinach or grated beetroot can also be added beneath the cheese layer. The vegetables blend into the sauce, giving both nutrition and colour without overpowering taste. A light scattering of mozzarella helps bind everything together. Once baked in the OTG, the pizzas turn golden around the edges while remaining soft in the centre. They can be served warm and make a delightful addition to a Halloween spread where taste and health coexist naturally.
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4. Baked Apple And Oat Slices
For a mildly sweet snack that fits into the festive theme, baked apple slices with oats and honey work beautifully. Thin slices of apple can be arranged on a baking tray, brushed lightly with honey, and sprinkled with rolled oats and crushed nuts. A pinch of cinnamon enhances the fragrance and gives a gentle spice note that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit. The OTG helps the oats crisp slightly while keeping the apples tender. These slices can be served warm or cooled to room temperature, and they provide a wholesome alternative to processed sweets. They also make a good after-meal snack that children enjoy without realising how healthy it is. The combination of fruit and grains makes it feel substantial without being heavy.
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5. Savoury Carrot And Lentil Muffins
Muffins do not always need to be sweet, and a savoury version using lentils and carrots works well as a protein-rich snack for Halloween evenings. Cooked red lentils can be blended with grated carrot, curd, and a little whole wheat flour to create a batter. To this, herbs like thyme or parsley can be added, along with a pinch of turmeric for colour. The mixture can be poured into muffin moulds and baked in the OTG until firm and slightly browned at the top. These muffins pair well with herbed yoghurt or even a tangy tomato relish. The texture remains soft inside and slightly crisp outside, offering a balanced snack that keeps hunger away while maintaining a festive appeal.
