Question

What Indian snacks are budget-friendly and easy to make at home? Discover recipes for tasty snacks that won't break the bank.

Answer 1

Some budget-friendly and easy-to-make Indian snacks include Poha (flattened rice), Upma (semolina-based savory dish), and Aloo Tikki (potato patties). These snacks use readily available ingredients and simple cooking methods.

Detailed Explanation:

Let's break down why these snacks are budget-friendly and easy to make:

1. Poha: Poha, or flattened rice, is inexpensive and readily available in most Indian grocery stores. The recipe typically involves soaking the poha, then tempering it with mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, and spices like turmeric and chili powder. It's a quick and satisfying snack that can be customized with vegetables like peas or potatoes.

2. Upma: Upma is a savory dish made from semolina (rava or sooji). Semolina is relatively cheap and has a long shelf life. To make Upma, roast the semolina, then temper it with mustard seeds, urad dal (split black lentils), curry leaves, and onions. Add water and cook until the semolina absorbs the water and becomes fluffy. You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans to make it more nutritious.

3. Aloo Tikki: Aloo Tikki are potato patties that are simple to prepare. Boil potatoes, mash them, and mix with spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Form the mixture into patties and shallow fry or bake them until golden brown. You can serve them with chutney or yogurt. Potatoes are generally inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly option.

Pro Tip:

To save even more money, buy spices in bulk from Indian grocery stores. They are often much cheaper than pre-packaged spices in regular supermarkets and will last you a long time.