Share
Teatime is an important cultural tradition in India. It's a chance to take a break from the day's activities to enjoy a warm cup of chai with a small snack or two. Teatime usually happens in the late afternoon or early evening, and it brings family and friends together for pleasant conversation and community. The snacks served during teatime are just as essential as the tea itself. They provide a little nourishment to tide you over until the next meal.
Here are 10 quick and easy Indian teatime snack recipes. These snacks are healthy and delicious, while still being fast to make. You'll find both sweet and savoury options, from crunchy Mathri to spicy Samosa and more. Most of the recipes have few ingredients and take 30 minutes or less to prepare. With these easy teatime snack ideas, you can continue India's rich tradition of afternoon tea breaks right in your own home. Keep reading for 10 recipes that will upgrade your teatime!
Masala Puffs
Originating from the vibrant culinary landscape of India, specifically from the regions of Gujarat and Maharashtra, Masala Puffs boast a rich history as a beloved tea-time indulgence. These snacks feature a spicy potato filling encased in a crispy pastry shell. To make them at home, combine flour with carom seeds and salt, knead into a dough, and let it rest. Prepare the filling with mashed potatoes, onion, green chili, spices, and coriander. Roll out the dough, fill with the mixture, seal, and fry until golden brown. Serve hot with tomato ketchup or coriander chutney for a delightful snack anytime.
Mathri
Mathri, a classic Indian tea-time delight originating from regions like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, boasts a crispy exterior and a flaky interior, making it the perfect accompaniment to a steaming cup of chai. Made from flour, ghee or oil, and a blend of savoury spices or powdered sugar for a sweet variation, Mathri offers versatility in flavour. To prepare, combine flour with ghee/oil, ajwain, salt, and spices, knead into a semi-soft dough, and shape into lime-sized balls. Roll out each ball into a thick disc, prick with a fork, and fry until golden brown. Serve these savoury or sweet treats hot and enjoy their irresistible crunchiness and aromatic flavours with every bite.
Image Credit: Freepik
Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is believed to have originated in Northern India, particularly in the region of Punjab, where it is a popular dish in both homes and restaurants. Paneer Tikka, a delectable and protein-packed Indian snack, is prepared in just 30 minutes, offering a burst of flavours and textures. This dish entails marinating bite-sized paneer (cottage cheese) cubes in a seasoned yogurt marinade before grilling them to perfection. To make, combine paneer cubes with a flavourful mix of hung curd (or plain yogurt), lemon juice, garlic and ginger paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance the marinade's infusion. Then, thread the marinated paneer onto skewers, grill until lightly charred, and baste with the remaining marinade-oil mixture. Serve hot, garnished with mint and coriander leaves, accompanied by refreshing mint chutney or tangy tamarind sauce, for a delightful culinary experience.
Also Read:
Veg Cutlets
Veg cutlets, a delightful and satisfying Indian tea-time snack, trace their origin to the diverse culinary heritage of India. Particularly popular in regions like Bengal and Kerala, these crispy vegetable cutlets feature a flavourful filling of mashed potatoes, grated carrots, green peas, onions, and green chilies, seasoned with garam masala and chili powder. Coated with breadcrumbs and fried to a golden hue, these cutlets offer a crunchy exterior and a soft, savoury interior. Serve them hot with tomato ketchup or green chutney for a delicious tea-time treat that is sure to be enjoyed by all!
Image Credit: Freepik
Healthy Oats Chivda
Oats Chivda, a crispy and savoury snack bursting with flavour, finds its roots in the diverse culinary landscape of India. Originating from regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat, this delightful tea-time treat is made with rolled oats, nuts, and a blend of aromatic Indian spices. To prepare, dry roast oats, peanuts, almonds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and cumin seeds until lightly browned and fragrant. Mix in a spice blend of turmeric, chili powder, asafoetida, garam masala, and salt. Sauté the spice mix in oil until fragrant, then add the oats mixture and cook until crispy. Allow the chivda to cool completely before storing in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Enjoy this crunchy and flavourful snack anytime, anywhere, as a delicious representation of India's rich culinary heritage.
Image Credit: Freepik
