Whether it's a plateful of piping hot pakoras on a rainy evening or steamed momos served with a fiery red chutney at every street corner; bhel puri spruced with a tangy tamarind sauce or the Gujaratifarsaan - let's face it - Indians have a penchant for snacking. Spicy, tangy and crunchy all in one bite, we bring you show-stopping snacks bursting with punchy flavours of curry leaves, chillies, ginger, garlic and all the ingredients that make a happy Indian dish. So the next time you have last minute visitors, don't fret. You can skip the store-bought samosas and dhoklas and instead check out our easy and impressive ideas which will turn an average gathering into something really special.
Step this way please, if you wish to bask in the glory at your next fancy cocktail party or casual game night, here are our 15 best Indian snack recipes to prepare at home:
1. Chicken 65
This deep-fried dish has a fiery kick to make your heart beat faster and relegate the usual bread-coated fried chicken to the curb. We've got you the recipe straight from the kitchens of Dakshin, New Delhi. (You can thank us later).
2. Paneer Haryali
Marinated with coriander, chilli, cardamom and cinnamon, garnish the paneer with coconut and serve piping hot.
3. Fried Fish (Karimeen)
Tempered with garlic, ginger, pepper and a sprig of curry leaves, this Karimeen fish fried in coconut oil is like an explosion of flavours in your mouth. Get ready to have your mind blown!
4. Kakori Kebabs
Make way for the ultimate Lucknowi Kebabs - juicy, succulent and just right. Indeed, a celebration of meat. Spruce them up with some chaat masala, fresh mint chutney and serve with lemon wedges.
5. Dilli ki Fried Aloo Chaat
Tossed in tamarind and spicy mint chutney, you will love this deep fried potato chat from the streets of New Delhi. Top it off with a handful of fresh coriander leaves and a pinch of chaat masala before serving.
6. Dahi Kebab
Made with hung curd, cheese and the crunchiness of onion - these quick and easy vegetarian kebabs are a hit at every party. Flavour with ginger, pepper and go straight to foodie heaven.
7. Keema Samosa with Yogurt Dip
Nothing trumps samosas when it comes to tea time, don't you agree? Make this ultimate Punjabi snack stuffed with keema masala and serve with a refreshing hung curd dip.
8. Besan Khandvi
Skip the store-bought variety, and learn how to make besan khandvi with this easy-to-follow recipe. Temper with sesame seeds, mustard seeds, chopped green chillies and garnish with coriander leaves plus some red chilli powder.
9. Rajma Ke Kebab
Fried golden, these vegetarian rajma ke kebabs make for a great way to start your dinner party and are sure to draw recipe requests.
10. Cheese Chicken Kebabs
Want to impress your guests at your next dinner party? Switch things up and try this inventive recipe - succulent chicken kebabs marinated with cheese, coriander, spices and grilled to perfection.
11. Bread Pakoda
The undisputed king of snacks, is an easy to make home recipe. Crispy from outside and soft from inside, Bread pakora has a spicy and tangy taste that is sure to give a mouth-watering experience.
12. Goli Bajji
Made with flours, spiced with chillies, curry leaves and ginger, goli bajji is a light, crispy yet fluffy, and soft from inside snack from Mangalore. Enjoy these fritters the best with coconut chutney and a cup of filter coffee.
13. Achari Paneer Tikka
This recipe of achaari paneer tikka is an ideal appetizer for a dinner party or a get-together with friends and family.
14. Suji Medu Vada
Suji Medu Vada is very easy to make, it is made by mixing semolina and some spices. You can enjoy it by making it in the morning or for tea time also.
15. Keema Roll
It is a very fun snack that you can make and enjoy it anytime. Here we have brought a wonderful recipe of Keema Roll for you. With which you will be able to make your weekend special too!
So, what are you waiting for? Try out these delicious recipes and let us know how you liked them in the comments section below.