High Protein, High Fun: 5 Chickpea Snacks That'll Have Your Kids Asking for More

Full of protein and a staple in Indian cuisine, chickpeas, also known as "chana" or "chole", are a nutritional powerhouse perfect for growing kids. Chickpeas are extremely versatile and tasty, which is why they offer a wide range of dishes. Whether cooked into gravies, blended into creamy hummus, or roasted for a crunchy snack, chickpeas are a delicious and nutritious addition to any household. Because it's a nutritional powerhouse, it makes for an excellent ingredient to include in your kids' lifestyle. Making them eat chickpeas can be tricky but fret not. We have compiled a list of 5 chickpea snacks that your kids will love.

Also Read: Chickpea Nutrition: Health Benefits Of The Protein-Rich Desi Favourite Chana

Roasted chana is perfect for post play-time munching!
Photo Credit: iStock

Here Are 5 Chickpea Snacks That Your Kids Will Love

1. Crispy Roasted Chana

Delightfully delicious, crispy roasted chana is a great way to incorporate more protein into your kids' diet. All you have to do is drain the soaked chana and pat it dry completely. Toss it in a mixture of chaat masala, amchur masala (dry mango powder), a bit of red chilli powder, and cumin powder. Put this mixture in an air fryer basket and bake at 200C for 20 minutes. The result would be crispy roasted chana that is perfect for your kids to munch on after their playtime!

2. Chana Chaat

Make your kids a bowl full of chickpea goodness, an irresistible tangy snack that is full of flavours. Mix boiled chickpeas with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, coriander leaves, and sweet corn. Add a dash of lemon juice and sprinkle some chaat masala on top of it. Mix all the ingredients well and garnish with sev.

3. Chana Wrap

A quick tiffin box idea, chana wrap is packed with nutrients and flavour that will make your kids ask for more. To make chana wrap, mash boiled chickpeas with a dash of cheese spread along with diced vegetables and lemon juice. Spread the mixture on a cooked paratha and add chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and dry herbs on top of it. Wrap it up for a quick and flavorful snack or lunch option.

Chana wrap is packed with protein and flavours.
Photo Credit: iStock

4. Chana Cutlet

In Indian households, we end up making cutlets of everything. So why not try it with Chana too? Mash boiled chickpeas and add the spices and vegetables of your choice. Once done, add a binding agent like breadcrumbs and shape them into cutlets. Shallow fry and serve with mayonnaise or ketchup!

5. Masala Chana Popcorn

A protein-rich popcorn recipe, masala chana popcorn can be prepared easily at home, and we guarantee that your kids will love it. Coat cooked chickpeas in a mixture of melted butter and spices - chaat masala, red chilli powder, and salt. Spread them on an air fryer basket and roast at 180 degrees C for 20 minutes. Let them cool down and serve during your movie nights together!

Also Read: Chole Bhature To Ghugni: 5 Chickpea (Chana) Curries Of India You Shouldn't Miss!

What other Chickpea recipes can you recommend for kids? Let us know in the comments below!