Delicious And Nutritious: 5 Chana Snacks Packed With Protein And Flavour

Chickpeas, also known as chana or garbanzo beans, are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, chickpeas make for an excellent snack option that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients. In this article, we'll explore five protein-rich and tasty chana snacks that are perfect for satisfying cravings and fueling your body.

1. Roasted Chickpeas :

Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy and flavorful snack that's simple to make and incredibly addictive. Start by draining and rinsing canned chickpeas, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, cumin, or chili powder. Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy. Enjoy these roasted chickpeas as a protein-packed snack on their own or sprinkle them over salads for added crunch.

2. Chana Chaat :

Chana chaat is a popular Indian street food snack that's bursting with flavor and nutrition. To make chana chaat, start by boiling dried chickpeas until tender or using canned chickpeas for convenience. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas with chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of chaat masala, and a drizzle of tamarind chutney for tanginess. Toss everything together until well combined, then garnish with sev (crunchy chickpea flour noodles) for an extra crunch. Chana chaat is a refreshing and protein-rich snack that's perfect for hot summer days.

3. Chana Masala :

Chana masala is a flavorful and satisfying dish made with chickpeas cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce. To make chana masala, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan until fragrant, then add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir in cooked chickpeas and simmer the mixture until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens. Serve the chana masala hot with rice or naan bread for a hearty and protein-packed meal or enjoy it as a flavorful snack on its own.

4. Chana Sundal :

Chana sundal is a South Indian snack made with boiled chickpeas tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices. To make chana sundal, boil dried chickpeas until tender, then drain and set aside. In a separate pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal (split black gram), and curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add the boiled chickpeas along with grated coconut, chopped green chilies, and salt to taste. Sauté everything together until the flavors are well combined, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Chana sundal is a protein-rich and flavorful snack that's perfect for enjoying any time of day.

5. Chana Pops :

Chana pops are a crunchy and nutritious snack made by air-frying or baking seasoned chickpea flour dough until crispy. To make chana pops, combine chickpea flour with water, salt, spices, and herbs to form a thick dough. Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly to form discs. Place the discs on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Chana pops are a guilt-free snack that's high in protein and low in calories, making them perfect for satisfying cravings without derailing your diet.

Chickpeas are a versatile and nutrient-rich ingredient that can be used to create a variety of protein-rich and tasty snacks. Whether you prefer roasted chickpeas, chana chaat, chana masala, chana sundal, or chana pops, incorporating these delicious chana snacks into your diet is a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds.