What Should I Make for Evening Snacks? Delicious & Healthy Ideas

According to a study, many people consume a significant portion of their daily calories during evening snacking. This article answers the popular question, "what should I make for evening snacks?" by providing a range of nutritious and simple options to satisfy your hunger without derailing your health goals.

Quick Summary

Explore a variety of easy and flavorful evening snack recipes, including healthy roasted makhana, protein-packed tikkis, and tasty vegetable parcels. Find inspiration for quick bites and satisfying tea-time treats suitable for different dietary preferences and cravings.

Key Points

• Masala Makhana: Roast foxnuts with spices for a quick, low-calorie, and crunchy snack perfect for tea-time.

• Paneer-Sprouts Tikki: Combine paneer and moong sprouts for a high-protein, flavorful, and healthy evening bite, best air-fried or shallow-fried.

• Papad Bhel: Create a tangy and chatpata snack by topping roasted papad with a zesty mixture of bhel, vegetables, and chutneys.

• Air-Fried Peas: Toss peas with spices and air-fry for a simple, crunchy, and nutritious snack that is low in calories.

• Easy Customization: Adapt recipes using pantry staples like yogurt, fruits, nut butter, and roasted chickpeas to suit your cravings and dietary needs.

• Diverse Options: Explore both quick Indian-style treats and more wholesome, protein-rich snacks to find the perfect balance of convenience and nutrition.

• Baked Handvo: Try baking a savory snack like Baked Purple Yam-Potato Handvo for a crisp and soft, low-calorie, and nutritious option.

Quick and Easy Indian-Inspired Evening Snacks

When a craving for something savory and satisfying hits in the evening, a quick Indian-style snack can be the perfect solution. These recipes require minimal ingredients and time, making them ideal for a busy schedule.

Masala Makhana

This is a classic, healthy snack that takes only a few minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup phool makhana (foxnuts)
• 1 tsp ghee or oil
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and add the makhana.
2. Roast on a low-medium flame until they become crunchy.
3. Add turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well to coat evenly.
4. Serve hot with a cup of tea.

Vegetable Parcels

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these parcels are a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• Dough (made from all-purpose flour, salt, and oil)
• Mixed vegetables (capsicum, carrots, onions, mushrooms)
• Spices (chaat masala, salt, pepper, red chilli powder)

Instructions:

1. Prepare a dough and let it rest.
2. Chop and sauté the vegetables with spices.
3. Roll out the dough, place the filling in the center, and fold into a parcel.
4. Deep-fry, bake, or air-fry until golden brown.

Papad Bhel

A zesty and light snack that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 papads
• 1/2 cup bhel mixture
• Finely chopped onion, tomato, and coriander
• Green chutney, lemon juice, chaat masala

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the papads on a tawa until crisp.
2. Combine the chopped onion, tomato, and bhel mixture in a bowl.
3. Add green chutney, lemon juice, chaat masala, and mix well.
4. Break the roasted papad into pieces and top with the bhel mixture. Serve immediately.

Wholesome and Healthy Evening Snack Options

For those seeking more nutritious and filling snacks, these options provide a great balance of flavor and health benefits.

Protein-Packed Paneer and Sprouts Tikki

This is a fantastic high-protein snack that is both healthy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 200g moong sprouts, crushed
• 200g paneer, grated
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• Spices (chaat masala, pepper powder)

Instructions:

1. Combine crushed sprouts, grated paneer, and spices with breadcrumbs to form a dough.
2. Shape into tikkis (patties).
3. Shallow-fry or air-fry until golden and crisp.

Air-Fried Peas

Crunchy and full of flavor, this is a guilt-free way to snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups peas
• Spices (cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder)

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat the air fryer.
2. Toss the peas with spices and a little oil.
3. Cook in the air fryer, shaking the basket periodically, until crunchy.

Quick vs. Wholesome Evening Snacks: A Comparison

Feature	Quick & Easy Snacks (e.g., Masala Makhana, Papad Bhel)	Wholesome & Healthy Snacks (e.g., Paneer-Sprouts Tikki, Air-Fried Peas)
Preparation Time	Under 15 minutes	20-40 minutes
Nutritional Profile	Generally lower in calories, but can lack complex nutrients.	High in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
Cooking Method	Frying, roasting, or no-cook.	Shallow-frying, baking, or air-frying.
Satiety Level	Lower satiety due to lighter ingredients.	Higher satiety due to protein and fiber content.
Effort	Minimal effort, suitable for last-minute cravings.	Requires more preparation and cooking steps.

Creating Your Own Evening Snack Recipes

You can easily customize your own evening snacks based on what you have on hand. For example:

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola for a quick, sweet treat. For a savory version, mix yogurt with cucumber, dill, and a dash of pepper.
• Nut Butter and Apple Slices: A simple classic. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Roasted Chickpeas: Toss canned chickpeas with olive oil and spices, then bake until crispy.

Conclusion

Answering "what should I make for evening snacks?" depends on your time, cravings, and health goals. From speedy, spicy treats like masala makhana and papad bhel to more substantial and nourishing options like paneer-sprouts tikkis and air-fried peas, there's a delicious and healthy snack for every evening. Experiment with these recipes to find your perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. For more culinary ideas, check out the Times Food recipe section online for inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a healthy evening snack?

Healthy evening snacks include roasted makhana (foxnuts), air-fried peas, paneer-sprouts tikkis, or simple options like Greek yogurt with berries or a handful of roasted nuts.

How can I make a quick evening snack?

For a quick snack, you can make Masala Makhana, Papad Bhel, or simply have some fruit with nut butter. These options require minimal preparation time and are very easy to assemble.

What is a low-calorie evening snack?

Low-calorie snacks include roasted makhana, spiced air-fried peas, or cucumber slices with hummus. These are great options for satisfying hunger without consuming too many calories.

Are Indian snacks healthy for the evening?

Many Indian evening snacks can be healthy, especially if they are baked, air-fried, or roasted instead of deep-fried. Examples include baked khakhra chaat or air-fried tikkis.

What snacks can I eat at night for weight loss?

For weight loss, opt for protein-rich and high-fiber snacks that keep you full, such as paneer and sprouts tikkis or a small bowl of makhana namkeen. Avoid sugary or heavy, fried foods.

Can I have vegetables as an evening snack?

Yes, vegetables make excellent evening snacks. You can have them raw with a low-calorie dip, or prepare simple, seasoned dishes like air-fried peas or roasted chickpea chaat.

What should I drink with my evening snack?

For a healthy option, pair your snack with a cup of herbal tea, green tea, or warm milk. For a more traditional experience, a simple cup of Indian chai or coffee is also popular.

What are some good evening snacks for kids?

For kids, you can try healthier versions of popular snacks like veg cutlets (made with baked or air-fried veggies), or simple fruit and yogurt parfaits.