5 Delicious and Healthy Indian Appetizer Recipes

If you're looking to tantalize your taste buds while keeping your health in check, Indian cuisine offers a plethora of delicious appetizer options. Here are five healthy and delectable Indian appetizer recipes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

1. Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a popular choice among vegetarians, known for its smoky flavor and tantalizing spices. This dish features marinated paneer cubes grilled to perfection.

Ingredients:

  • 250g paneer, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1 cup onions, diced
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tikka masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, tikka masala, lemon juice, and salt to create a marinade.
  2. Add paneer, bell peppers, and onions to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Thread the marinated ingredients onto skewers.
  4. Grill them on a preheated grill or oven until golden brown.

2. Vegetable Samosas

These crispy, golden pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas are a favorite Indian snack that can be made healthier by baking instead of frying.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 1 cup green peas, boiled
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, oil, and salt. Gradually add water to form a dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, combine mashed potatoes, green peas, cumin seeds, garam masala, and salt.
  3. Divide dough into small balls and roll each into a circle. Cut in half to form a semi-circle.
  4. Shape each half into a cone, fill with the potato mixture, and seal the edges.
  5. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

3. Chickpea Salad

This refreshing and nutritious salad is packed with protein and fiber, making it a perfect savory snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Toss well and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

4. Daal Chaat

Combining lentils and vibrant spices, Daal Chaat is a tangy and spicy street food favorite that can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked mixed lentils (moong, urad, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon chaat masala
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
  • Salt to taste