Healthy Indian Fast Food Recipes You Can Make at Home

Fast food often gets a bad reputation due to its association with unhealthy ingredients and high calories. However, you can enjoy delicious and healthy Indian fast food right in your own kitchen. Here are some healthy Indian fast food recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Baked Vegetable Samosas

Instead of deep-frying, try baking your samosas for a healthier twist. Use whole wheat flour for the dough and fill them with a mixture of boiled potatoes, peas, spices, and green chili.

Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed), 1 cup green peas, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp garam masala, salt to taste, water.
Instructions: Mix flour with water and knead into a smooth dough. Sauté cumin seeds, add peas and potatoes with spices. Roll out dough, cut into circles, fill with mixture, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Quinoa Upma

Upma is a popular South Indian dish traditionally made with semolina. Quinoa is a nutritious substitute, providing protein and fiber while keeping the taste intact.

Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups water, 1 onion (chopped), 1 carrot (diced), 1 cup mixed vegetables, mustard seeds, green chili, ginger, and salt.
Instructions: Rinse quinoa, and cook with water. In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, then onions, ginger, and vegetables. Mix in cooked quinoa and season with salt and optional lemon juice.

Chickpea Salad

A refreshing and healthy option is a chickpea salad, which is full of protein and fiber. This salad can be served as a light meal or a side dish.

Ingredients: 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed), 1 cucumber (chopped), 1 tomato (diced), 1 onion (finely chopped), coriander leaves, lemon juice, and spices.
Instructions: In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, onion, and coriander. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt, pepper, and optional chaat masala for extra flavor.

Whole Wheat Naan

Skip the store-bought naan and make your own healthier version using whole wheat flour. It’s perfect for serving with your favorite curries or dips.

Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour, 1 cup yogurt, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Instructions: Mix flour, baking powder, yogurt, and salt to form a dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes. Roll into flat circles and cook on a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.

Vegetable Dhokla

Dhokla is a steamed savory snack that’s light, fluffy, and very healthy. It’s made from fermented batter, usually from gram flour, and can be packed with vegetables.

Ingredients: 1 cup gram flour (besan), 1 cup water, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp Eno fruit salt, and chopped vegetables.
Instructions: Mix gram flour, water, turmeric, ginger, and vegetables. Pour the batter into a greased steaming tray. Add Eno just before steaming. Steam for 15-20 minutes, then cut into pieces and serve.

Masala Oats

Oats can be transformed into a savory dish with Indian spices for a wholesome breakfast or snack option. This dish is both quick and satisfying.

Ingredients: 1 cup oats, 1 onion (chopped), 1 tomato (chopped), green peas, mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and salt.
Instructions: In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds and curry leaves. Then add onions, tomatoes, green peas, and spices. Stir in oats and water, cook until oats are cooked and fluffy.