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When work gets busy and hectic in the middle of the week, afternoon hunger pangs strike with a vengeance. At such times, the tendency to grab a deep-fried or excessively sweet munchie is all too obvious. However, with crunchy, protein-filled baked goodies stored in ready little mason jars, it becomes easier to turn your afternoon snacking game into a healthier and more fulfilling affair.
Think easy-to-make, protein-rich, crunchy baked recipes that bring nutrition and great flavour onto your palate. Afternoon snacks needn’t induce guilt anymore, these protein-rich options are here to make midday munching so nutritious and satiating that it will keep you energised until dinnertime.
Baked Masala Chickpeas
One of the simplest and most effective protein-rich snacks to make at home, masala chickpeas are packed with flavour and lots of nutrition. Chickpeas turn wonderfully crunchy when baked for just a short duration in the oven and are perfect as lipsmacking afternoon munching. Spread boiled chickpeas on a baking tray and coat them in oil, red chilli powder, cumin powder and a little bit of salt. Now, prop this in the oven and allow the chickpeas to bake for about 25 minutes stirring once at the halfway mark. The resulting snacks will be crispy, slightly hard and quite flavourful. Rich in plant protein and fibre, baked chickpeas can at once be quite nourishing and filling.
Baked Moong Dal Crackers
Light and crunchy alternatives, these crackers can be made easily at home by making a fine paste out of soaked moong dal seasoned with salt, red chilli powder, cumin powder and some turmeric. Add just a bit of rice flour to the moong dal paste for making it crispier. Thin layers of the paste can be spread over parchment paper lining a baking tray. Bake for about 25 minutes until the paste turns into crunchy crackers. The crisps can be piled into a little tiffin carried to work. Crispy and protein-rich, this baked munchie is easily digestible.
Baked Lentil Cutlets
When you find yourself with a little bit of time on hand during the week, make these crispy protein cutlets that are perfect for dealing with those afternoon hunger pangs. Mix cooked lentils, chopped onions, assorted condiments like chilli powder, turmeric, cumin and coriander powders and just a little bit of fresh, chopped coriander leaves. Now, make little roundish tikkis from this mixture and bake them in the oven. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these healthy, nourishing lentil cutlets can be savoured with fresh mint chutney by kids and adults alike at afternoon snack time.
Mixed Seed And Oats Crisps
An audibly nutty and crunchy, protein-rich snack alternative, this mixed seed baked munchie is simple to prepare. Mix assorted seeds including flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds together with about half a cup of oats powder. Add some curd so the mixture will come together. Season with salt and assorted herbs. Place the oats crisps in small chip-like circles on parchment paper and bake for about 25 minutes. Carry them to work and have them in between afternoon meetings as a light, fibre and protein-filled snack.
Baked Paneer Bites
When you are looking for a more savoury and filling protein-rich snacking option, make crunchy paneer bites in the oven. Lather paneer cubes in oil, season them with salt, pepper, turmeric and red chilli powder and prop them in the oven on a baking tray. As the paneer cubes bake, so too they acquire a light crispy exterior. Bring them out of the oven after they turn lightly golden. Let the paneer bites cool slightly before gorging on them fresh and warm. Lightly crispy paneer bites will keep you feeling full for a longer time.
