Don't count the calories but concentrate on enjoying your tea
There is nothing like ‘sham ki chai’ or say the evening tea accompanied by bakery biscuit, cake, namkeen, or some other mouthwatering homemade delicacy. So while you might have a light or a heavy dinner planned ahead, for us Indians something to relish with the tea in the evening is like a religion. It is rare that you will find a tray of evening tea ripped off a plate of snacks in an Indian household. So here are a few evening snacks that are easy to make and delicious to binge on.
Pakoda or bhajiya A delicacy running famous from North to South. All you need is gram flour, spices like salt, chilies, turmeric, garam masala, coriander leaves, and water. Add water to this and make a slight watery like paste. To this gram flour paste add think sliced potatoes and onions. For some extra taste you can also add cauliflower and paneer. Dip these vegetables well into the batter and slide into the pan with hot oil. Fry for about three minutes till it turns brown and takes them out. You can do this with bread as well and for some winter fun add methi or spinach to the batter.
Bread roll Take whichever bread, white or brown, you prefer and flatten it by running a rolling pin over it. Don’t roll it over too thin but keep it slightly thick. And if you have leftover paneer ki sabji or any leftover vegetable at home place it on the bread and roll. Towards the end of the fold leave a gap and apply water or milk and fix it. Now, either deep fry or pan-fry it and enjoy.
Bhelpuri To the puffed rice or murmura as it is called locally in India, add chopped onions, tomato, and potato. Give it a toss and then add some sauce of your choice and if craving dry don’t add any sauce. On top add some spicy namkeen, salt, chat masala, and give another toss. Ready to be served!
Garlic bread The quickest and simplest evening snack ever. For this either, grab a garlic bread loaf or any basic bread at home can do. Over your desired bread spread vegetables of your choice, over that mozzarella cheese or any cheese readily available to you and sprinkle some oregano. Place in the oven for five to seven minutes and enjoy.
Now all you have to do is, brew some hot masala tea on the side and serve it piping hot with the snacks and Bon Appetit. But mind you, there are healthier options as well like roasted nuts mixed with roasted poha, a grilled sandwich which again can be made with any leftover sabzi at home.
