DIY Travel Snacks: Easy and Portable Nutrition

Embarking on a journey is a sensory delight, and what elevates the experience? Delicious snacks! Picture yourself on a winding road, savoring the perfect crunch or munch. Yet, the snack struggle is universal—locating that impeccable treat feels like a quest without a map. The quest for travel snacks is as real as the adventure itself. Here’s the scoop: we’re diving into the realm of DIY Travel Snacks, where simplicity meets scrumptiousness. Say farewell to snack-induced dilemmas and join us on a flavorful expedition, crafting easy and portable nutrition that fuels your travels without sacrificing taste. Let’s snack smartly, and travel brilliantly!

DIY Travel Snacks: Easy and Portable Nutrition

Air-Fried Pumpkin Shakarpara

Air-Fried Pumpkin Shakarpara is a modern twist on the traditional Indian sweet snack. It combines the rich flavor of pumpkin with the crispy goodness of shakarpara, prepared in an air fryer for a healthier touch.

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin Puree
• Whole Wheat Flour
• Jaggery/Sugar, Ghee
• Cardamom
• Nutmeg, Salt.

Procedure:

1. Prepare Dough: Mix ingredients into a smooth dough.
2. Shape and Cut: Roll out, and cut into bite-sized shapes.
3. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer. Air-fry until golden brown and crispy.
4. Cool and Enjoy: Cool completely before serving—a delightful, healthier treat for any occasion.

Nut Butter Cups

Nut Butter Cups are divine treats featuring a luscious nut butter center embraced by a smooth chocolate shell. This delightful snack provides a satisfying blend of creamy and crunchy textures.

Ingredients:

• Chocolate (dark or milk)
• Nut Butter (peanut, almond, cashew)
• Sweetener (optional)
• Sea Salt (optional)

Procedure:

1. Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate until smooth.
2. Prepare Cups: Line muffin tin with liners.
3. Layering: Place melted chocolate in cups. Add nut butter. Cover with more chocolate.
4. Chill: Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
5. Serve: Peel off liners and enjoy these irresistible Nut Butter Cups.

Cinnamon-Cranberry Oat Bars

Cinnamon-Cranberry Oat Bars are a delightful blend of wholesome oats, tart cranberries, and warm cinnamon. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making them a satisfying and nutritious snack.

Ingredients:

• Oats
• Cranberries
• Cinnamon
• Sweetener (optional)
• Butter or Coconut Oil

Procedure:

1. Mix Ingredients: Combine oats, cranberries, cinnamon, sweetener, and melted butter or coconut oil in a bowl.
2. Press into Bars: Press the mixture into a baking dish to form bars.
3. Bake: Bake until golden brown and set.
4. Cool and Cut: Allow to cool, then cut into bars.
5. Serve: Enjoy these flavorful Cinnamon-Cranberry Oat Bars as a quick and wholesome snack.

Sweet & Spicy Peanuts

Sweet & Spicy Peanuts are a tantalizing snack featuring a perfect blend of sweetness and heat. These peanuts are coated with a delicious mix of sugar, spices, and a hint of chili, creating a crave-worthy combination.

Ingredients:

• Peanuts
• Sugar
• Spices
• Chili Powder

Procedure:

1. Coat Peanuts: Toss peanuts with a mixture of sugar, spices, and chili powder.
2. Roast or Pan Fry: Roast or pan-fry the coated peanuts until golden and crunchy.
3. Cool: Allow to cool to enhance the flavors.
4. Serve: Enjoy these Sweet and spicy Peanuts as a zesty snack with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.

Chocolate Date Energy Balls

Chocolate Date Energy Balls are nutritious and indulgent bites, seamlessly merging chocolate’s rich taste with dates’ natural sweetness. These no-bake treats are a wholesome energy boost, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings guilt-free.

Ingredients:

• Dates
• Cocoa Powder
• Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
• Nut Butter (optional)
• Vanilla Extract (optional)
• Shredded Coconut (optional)

Procedure:

1. Blend Ingredients: Combine dates, cocoa powder, nuts, nut butter, and vanilla extract in a food processor.
2. Form Balls: Roll the mixture into compact balls, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
3. Optional Coating: Roll the energy balls in shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Chill: Refrigerate the energy balls for at least 30 minutes to set.
5. Serve: Enjoy these Chocolate Date Energy Balls as a quick, nutritious snack or a delightful dessert alternative.

Spicy Masala Roasted Chickpeas

Spicy Masala Roasted Chickpeas are a zesty and protein-packed snack, blending the nuttiness of chickpeas with a medley of aromatic Indian spices. These roasted chickpeas offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• Chickpeas (canned or cooked)
• Olive Oil
• Garam Masala
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Chili Powder
• Salt

Procedure:

1. Preheat and Dry Chickpeas: Preheat the oven and ensure the chickpeas are thoroughly dried.
2. Toss with Spices: In a bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt.
3. Roast: Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast until golden and crispy.
4. Cool: Allow the roasted chickpeas to cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve: Enjoy these Spicy Masala Roasted Chickpeas as a flavorful and protein-packed snack.

Tangy Tamarind Popcorn Mix

Tangy Tamarind Popcorn Mix is a bold and flavorful twist on traditional popcorn, infusing the snack with the tanginess of tamarind. This mix combines the familiar crunch of popcorn with a zesty and unique taste that tantalizes the taste buds.

Ingredients:

• Popcorn
• Tamarind Paste
• Chili Powder
• Salt
• Butter or Oil (optional)

Procedure:

1. Pop the Popcorn: Pop the popcorn kernels using your preferred method.
2. Tamarind Coating: In a bowl, mix tamarind paste with chili powder and salt to create a tangy coating.
3. Toss Popcorn: Toss the popped popcorn in the tamarind mixture, ensuring an even coating.
4. Optional Butter Drizzle: For added richness, drizzle melted butter or oil over the coated popcorn and toss.
5. Cool: Allow the Tangy Tamarind Popcorn Mix to cool before serving.
6. Serve: Enjoy this unique popcorn mix as a bold and flavorful snack.

Paneer Tikka Skewers

Paneer Tikka Skewers are a mouthwatering Indian appetizer that showcases marinated and grilled paneer cubes, resulting in a perfect blend of smoky and savory flavors. These skewers are a delightful and vegetarian take on the popular tikka dish.

Ingredients:

• Paneer (Indian cottage cheese)
• Yogurt
• Ginger-Garlic Paste
• Tandoori Masala
• Red Chili Powder
• Lemon Juice
• Bell Peppers and Onions (for skewering)

Procedure:

1. Marinate Paneer: Combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, and lemon juice to create a flavorful marinade. Coat paneer cubes with the marinade and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
2. Skewer with Vegetables: Thread marinated paneer cubes onto skewers, alternating with bell peppers and onions.
3. Grill or Bake: Grill the skewers until the paneer is golden and has a smoky flavor, or bake in the oven.
4. Baste with Marinade: Periodically baste the skewers with any remaining marinade during cooking for added flavor.
5. Serve: Serve the Paneer Tikka Skewers hot with a side of mint chutney or yogurt sauce.

Chaat-Inspired Fruit Salad

Chaat-Inspired Fruit Salad is a vibrant and refreshing twist on the classic fruit salad, drawing inspiration from the bold and tangy flavors of Indian street food chaat. This salad combines a medley of fruits with a burst of chaat masala, creating a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and spicy elements.

Ingredients:

• Mixed Fruits (e.g., apples, bananas, pomegranate seeds, kiwi)
• Chaat Masala
• Black Salt
• Lime Juice
• Fresh Mint Leaves (optional)

Procedure:

1. Prepare Fruits: Clean and chop the mixed fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine with Chaat Masala: In a large bowl, toss the fruits with chaat masala, black salt, and a generous squeeze of lime juice.
3. Chill: Allow the Chaat-Inspired Fruit Salad to chill in the refrigerator for a short time to enhance the flavors.
4. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of freshness.
5. Serve: Serve this vibrant fruit salad as a delightful and chaat-inspired treat.

Savory Dhokla Muffins

Savory Dhokla Muffins are a creative take on the traditional Indian dhokla, transformed into a convenient muffin form. These bite-sized treats showcase the flavors of a classic dhokla, with a savory and spongy texture, making them perfect for snacks or appetizers.

Ingredients:

• Dhokla Batter (prepared with fermented rice and chickpea flour)
• Mustard Seeds
• Curry Leaves
• Green Chilies (finely chopped)
• Eno Fruit Salt or Baking Soda
• Salt
• Freshly Grated Coconut (optional)

Procedure:

1. Prepare Dhokla Batter: Mix fermented rice and chickpea flour batter. Ensure it has a thick, pouring consistency.
2. Tempering: In a tadka pan, heat mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies. Add this tempering to the dhokla batter.
3. Add Eno Fruit Salt: Just before pouring into muffin molds, add Eno fruit salt or baking soda to the batter for a spongy texture.
4. Pour into Muffin Molds: Pour the prepared batter into muffin molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
5. Steam: Steam the muffins until they are cooked through and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Cool and Garnish: Allow the muffins to cool. Garnish with freshly grated coconut if desired.
7. Serve: Serve these Savory Dhokla Muffins with mint chutney or tamarind sauce for a delightful and convenient snack.

A fusion of bold spices, diverse textures, and cultural inspiration, this snack brings together the best of flavors. Each bite is a journey through culinary creativity, blending traditional elements with modern convenience. A delightful surprise that satisfies the palate and introduces a harmonious medley of tastes in every bite. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section