Packing a healthy, oil-free snack for your office tiffin can make you feel energetic, especially if you're trying to maintain a healthy diet amidst a busy work schedule. Indian cuisine offers a variety of snacks that are delicious and can be made without any oil. Here are the top 10 zero-oil Indian snacks that are perfect for packing in your office tiffin:
1. Sprouted Moong Salad
According to Self journal, for starters, they are abundant in fibre, with an amazing 15.4 grammes per cooked cup.
Sprouted moong beans are rich in protein and fibre. Mix them with chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing and filling snack.
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2. Khaman Dhokla
This steamed Gujarati snack made from gram flour is soft, spongy, and seasoned with green chillies and mustard seeds. It’s light and can be made without any oil if you skip the traditional tempering.
In one observational study of almost 16,000 women, kids delivered to mothers who ingested flour supplemented with more folate and other vitamins had 68% fewer spinal cord abnormalities than those born to participants who used plain flour.
3. Steamed Idlis
South Indian idlis are another excellent steamed snack. Made from fermented rice and lentil batter, they are incredibly soft and fluffy, perfect for a light office snack.
4. Rajma Salad
Boiled rajma or kidney beans mixed with chopped bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon juice makes a hearty and nutritious snack.
5. Fruit Chaat
Mix a variety of chopped fruits like apples, pears, oranges, and pomegranate. Sprinkle some chaat masala and a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavours.
6. Cucumber Sandwiches
Use whole wheat or multigrain bread and layer it with slices of cucumber, tomatoes, and a spread of hummus or mashed avocado for a quick, easy, and oil-free snack.
7. Roasted Chana
Dry roast some chana or chickpeas in a pan until they are crunchy. Season with salt, pepper, and your favourite spices for a protein-rich snack.
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8. Vegetable Poha
Poha or flattened rice prepared with a mix of diced potatoes, onions, peas, and spices can be made without oil. Just use water to sauté the vegetables and toss with soaked poha.
9. Carrot and Beetroot Kebabs
Grate carrots and beetroots, mix with finely chopped onions, herbs, and bind with a little gram flour or oats. Shape into patties and bake or steam these kebabs.
10. Sweet Potato Chaat
Boil or steam sweet potatoes, and cube them. Toss with cucumber, pomegranate seeds, and spices like chaat masala and roasted cumin powder for a delightful snack.
These snacks not only cater to the taste buds but also offer nutritional benefits, making them ideal for busy office days. By choosing to pack such snacks, you’re not just feeding hunger but also fueling your body right. Enjoy the variety and the flavours, and feel good about skipping the oil!