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Attention, Brides: These Healthy Snacks Are Quick And Easy To Whip-Up

Keep these snacks handy as you flit between tailor appointments and venue recces…

September 12, 2024 | 9:18 PM // By Neha Karra

Whether you’re one month out or you’re just starting on your wedding planning journey, the long list of tasks at hand will hardly give you time to breathe, let alone whip up healthy meals. The stress of wedding planning can make the easy-to-grab packet of chips seem tempting but there We enlisted the help of some of the best chefs from around the country and got them to part with their go-to snacks that you can make even if you can’t tell a ladle from your saucepan.

These are made with ingredients that are power-packed with benefits, as approved by experts, and can be your BFFs as you go around crossing off the many, many tasks from your wedding planning To-Do list.

Easy To Make Healthy Snacks

Herb Spiced Pumpkin Chips by Chef Subhankar Chitrakar, Taj Holiday Village Resort and Spa

Herb Spiced Pumpkin Chips by Chef Subhankar Chitrakar
Image Credit: Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa,

According to Chef Subhankar Chitrakar, even pumpkin haters wouldn’t be able to resist this delicious snack. It helps that it’s packed with health benefits too.

Expert says: “Pumpkin is high in fibre and antioxidants. It helps to improve bowel movement and improve skin health, and at the same time, it retains its crunchy texture. Hence, the recipe here is a healthy and tasty way to consume pumpkin as a snack,” says nutritionist Anupama Menon.

Ingredients

  • 600 gms pumpkin;
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour;
  • ½ teaspoon flat leaf parsley chopped
  •  ½ rosemary or
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes
  •  Salt as per taste

Method

  1. Sprinkle with salt and serve. 
  2. Cut pumpkin into 1 cm X 10 cm wedges.
  3. Place in a bowl of cold water.
  4. Set aside for 1 hour to soak, this is done to remove the starch. 
  5. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel. 
  6. Sprinkle with corn flour and mix it to combine. 
  7. Place a single layer over a baking tray lined with foil. 
  8. Spray with oil and season it with finely chopped parsley rosemary or chilli flakes. Bake at 200c turning occasionally for approximately 15 minutes or until tender. 
  9.   Cook pumpkin chips turning for 2 to 3 minutes or till golden brown.

Nutty Date Energy Balls by Chef Mohammed Shahnawaaz of ITC Grand Central, Mumbai

Nutty Date Energy Balls by Chef Mohammed Shahnawaaz
Image Credit: ITC Grand Central, Mumbai

Are you looking for a bite-sized sweet snack?“These tiny balls provide a quick, healthy boost and can be made in minutes. They keep you full for long and are great for satiating your untimely cravings,” says Chef Mohammed Shahnawaz

Expert says: “Nuts contain important nutrients like good fats, Vit E. Both the ingredients support heart health, reduce inflammation and help keep sweet cravings in check without spiking blood sugar levels and thus are PCOS friendly.” says Dr Akansha Allahbadia.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Pitted dates 
  • ½ cup Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
  •  2 tablespoons Unsweetened shredded coconut

Method

  1. Blend the dates and mixed nuts in a food processor until a sticky dough forms.
  2. Form the mixture into little balls.
  3. To coat, roll each ball in crushed coconut. 

Avocado and oat muffins by Chef Tushar Malkhani, The Yellow House, IHCL

Avocado and oat muffins by Chef Tushar Malkhani
Image Caption: The Yellow House , IHCL

Chef Tushar says, “Avocado’s creamy texture adds mild flavour, richness and moisture to the muffins. Additionally, the presence of oats and their high fibre content makes the recipe fulfilling”. 

Expert says: “Avocados promote heart health as they are rich in monounsaturated fats, while oats are rich in fibre and improve bowel movement. Coconut oil adds medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can support energy and metabolism.  Plus, it contains whole wheat/grain that is relatively lower in GI (Glycemic Index),” says Anupama Menon

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups (300g) wholemeal self-rising flour; 
  • 1 cup (100g) rolled oats; 
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar; 
  • 1/2 cup (95g) dark chocolate chips or any nuts of your choice; 
  • 2  Eggs;
  •  1 cup (250ml) buttermilk;
  •  1/4 cup coconut oil,
  • 1 avocado, peeled, stoned, mashed;
  •  1 banana, mashed;
  •  2 tbsp rolled oats, 
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar, extra

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200c Line muffin pans with paper cases.
  2. Combine the flour, oats, sugar and chocolate chips in a large bowl. 
  3. Combine the eggs, buttermilk, oil, avocado and banana in a separate bowl.
  4. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and gently stir with a wooden spoon until combined. 
  5. Spoon evenly among the paper cases. Combine the extra oats and extra sugar in a small bowl. 
  6. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the muffin mixture in the pans.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. 
  8. Turn out onto the wire rack to cook completely.

Roasted Pumpkin Hummus with Vegetable Fingers by Chef Rollin Lasrado, Smoke House Deli

Roasted Pumpkin Hummus with Vegetable Fingers by Chef Rollin Lasrado
Image Credit:  The Smoke House, Deli

Chef Rollin Lasrado recommends this one for people who are looking for a recipe that’s easy to make and rich in protein. 

Expert says: “Chickpeas in the hummus supply plant-based protein and fibre to improve digestion and stabilise blood sugar. When eaten with fresh vegetables, this snack enhances overall nutrient intake and supports weight management while delivering essential vitamins and antioxidants,” says Anupama Menon

Ingredients 

  • 75 gm boiled chickpeas
  • 100 gm roasted pumpkin 
  • 20 gm Tahina 
  • 5gm cumin powder 
  • ½ juice lime 
  • salt to taste
  • 50 ml extra virgin olive oil 
  • 150 gm Carrot, beetroot, cucumber – peeled and cut in batons

Method

  1. Place the chickpea, pumpkin, tahini, cumin and salt in a blender and pulse until smooth.
  2. Add in half the olive oil and blend until smooth. 
  3. Fold in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning.
  4. Serve with chilled vegetable fingers.

Dark Chocolate Trail Mix by Chef Rollin Lasrado, Smoke House Deli

Dark Chocolate Trail Mix by Chef Rollin Lasrado
Image Credit: Smoke House Deli

Chef Rollin Lasrado’s dark chocolate trail mix is perfect for chocolate lovers who are looking for healthier alternatives for snacks. 

Expert says: “Dark chocolate trail mix provides a mix of antioxidants along with fibre, healthy fats, and protein from nuts and seeds. It’s a nutrient-dense snack that boosts energy, supports brain function, and promotes overall well-being.,” says Anupama Menon

Ingredients

  • 250 gm mixed nuts – pita, cashew, almonds, walnuts, etc
  • 150 gm unsalted toasted super seeds – pumpkin, melon, sunflower, etc
  • 100 gm mixed dried fruit – raisin, cranberries, kiwi, apricots, dates, etc
  • 50 gm good quality dark chocolate, unsweetened
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • pinch of star anise powder

Method

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a big bowl
  2.  portion out into small zip locks and keep refrigerated.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Neha Karra is a junior writer, who loves to discover and try the latest trends in style, food and beauty. When she is not curating articles, you will find her playing with kids, reading books, painting and practising Mandala Art. View Profile