DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links to products and services. If you click through these links and make a purchase, I may make a small commission.
Nutritious Indian Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding is a special journey that requires adequate nutrition to support both mom and baby’s health. . Snacking on nutritious options can help satisfy hunger and provide essential nutrients for breastfeeding moms. If you’re a breastfeeding mom looking for tasty Indian snacks, you’re in the right place. We will go through a lot of breastfeeding mother snacks in this blog. In this article, we have curated a list of 31 delicious and healthy Indian snacks . These snacks are packed with essential nutrients and are specifically chosen to support lactation and keep you energized.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Breastfeeding Moms
Breastfeeding moms have increased nutritional needs to support milk production and maintain their own well-being. Here are some key considerations:
Essential Nutrients for Breastfeeding Moms
- Calories: Breastfeeding moms require additional calories to meet the energy demands of lactation. Aim for a daily intake of around 2,000 to 2,500 calories, but individual needs may vary based on factors like age, weight, height, activity level, and breastfeeding status.
- Protein: Protein is crucial for tissue repair and milk production. Include protein-rich foods in your diet such as lentils, chickpeas, nuts, and seeds.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Focus on consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables to obtain essential vitamins and minerals. Include sources of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, calcium, and zinc in your diet.
31 Delicious and Healthy Indian Snacks for Breastfeeding Moms with few Quick Recipes:
- Roasted Makhanas (Fox Nuts) – :
These crunchy and nutritious fox nuts are a great source of protein and fiber.
- Puffed Rice (Murmura) –
Enjoy this light and crispy snack that can be seasoned with spices for added flavor.
- Masala Idli:
Leftover idlis can be transformed into a flavorful snack by sautéing them with spices and vegetables.
Quick recipe of Masala idli:
Ingredients:
- 8-10 idlis (leftover or freshly steamed)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Cut the premade idlis into bite-sized pieces and set aside for some time.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat for some time.
- Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter for some time.
- Add the asafoetida, chopped onion, and green chili. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent or light brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute or two.
- Now add the idli pieces to the pan and gently mix them with the masala which we prepared. Ensure all the idli pieces are coated with the masala.
- Cook for a few minutes until the idlis are heated through enough.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves beutifully.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Masala Idli!
- Roasted Chana (Bengal Gram) –
These roasted chickpeas seasoned with chaat masala are a perfect protein-packed snack.
- Chickpea Chaat:
This tangy and spicy snack combines boiled chickpeas with chopped onions, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Quick Recipe of Chickpea Chaat:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or soaked and boiled)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1 small cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
- 1 tablespoon mint-coriander chutney (optional)
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Sev (crispy gram flour noodles) for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, we will combine the cooked chickpeas, chopped onion, tomato, cucumber, green chili, and coriander.
- Add tamarind chutney and mint-coriander chutney (if using) to the bowl. Mix well to coat the chickpeas and vegetables.
- Sprinkle chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and salt over the mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
- Transfer the chickpea chaat to serving plates or bowls.
- Garnish with sev (if desired) and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Chickpea Chaat!
- Masala Papad –
Indulge in this crispy and tangy papad seasoned with a blend of spices.
- Moong Dal Chilla:
These protein-rich lentil crepes can be made with moong dal and flavored with spices and herbs.
- Trail Mix –
A combination of seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, flax, and chia, this trail mix provides essential nutrients and healthy fats
- Dry Fruit Energy Balls:
A blend of dates, nuts, and seeds rolled into bite-sized balls provide a quick energy boost.
- Roasted Almonds –
Almonds are packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E, making them an excellent choice for breastfeeding moms.
- Multigrain Crackers –
These crispy and tangy multigrain crackers are a wholesome snack option
- Besan Chilla (Gram Flour Pancake):
This popular Indian snack is made with gram flour and can be customized with various fillings like paneer, vegetables, or cheese.
- Flaxseed Laddu –
Flaxseed laddus are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, and they provide a delicious and nutritious treat.
- Spicy Roasted Cashews –
These crunchy cashews are seasoned with spices, offering a delightful and protein-rich snacking experience
- Spinach and Paneer Stuffed Paratha:
These whole wheat flatbreads filled with spinach and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) make for a wholesome and nutritious snack.
- Ragi (Finger Millet) Cookies
: Made with nutrient-rich ragi flour, these cookies are a wholesome and guilt-free snack option.
- Chana Masala Sundal:
This South Indian snack combines boiled chickpeas with a tempering of spices, coconut, and curry leaves.
- Dry Fruit Chikki –
This traditional Indian snack made with dry fruits and jaggery provides natural sweetness and essential nutrients.
- Sprouted Moong Bhel:
Sprouted moong beans mixed with chopped vegetables, tangy tamarind chutney, and chaat masala create a refreshing and healthy snack.
- Khakhra –
: These thin, crispy, and whole wheat crackers are a popular snack in India and are available in various flavors.
- Nariyal Laddoos:
These coconut-based laddoos are quick to make and offer a delightful taste of traditional Indian sweets.
- Millet Mixture –
A blend of millets, lentils, and spices, this mixture is a nutritious and flavorful snack option
- Sabudana (Tapioca) Khichdi:
This light and nutritious dish made with soaked sabudana, peanuts, and spices is perfect for a quick and satiating snack.
- Date and Nut Energy Balls –
: Packed with dates, nuts, and seeds, these energy balls are a convenient and nutrient-dense snack.
- Besan Toast:
This crispy and flavorful toast is made with a batter of gram flour, spices, and bread slices.
Quick Recipe of Besan Toast:
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of bread
- 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil or butter for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix besan, water, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to make a smooth batter.
- Heat a tawa or a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little oil or butter to grease it.
- Dip one slice of bread into the besan batter, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Place the coated bread slice on the heated pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on one side.
- Flip the bread slice and cook the other side until it turns golden brown and crispy. Repeat the process with the second slice of bread.
- Once both slices are cooked, remove them from the pan and cut them into halves or quarters.
- Serve the besan toast hot with ketchup, chutney, or any dipping sauce of your choice.
Enjoy your delicious Besan Toast!
Note: You can also add chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, or grated cheese to the besan batter for extra flavor and variety.
- Roasted Poha (Flattened Rice) –
This light and crispy roasted poha can be enjoyed plain or seasoned with spices for added flavor.
- Carrot and Beetroot Cutlets:
Grated carrots and beetroots mixed with spices and shallow-fried create delicious and colorful cutlets.
- Ragi (Finger Millet) Murukku –
: These crunchy spirals made with ragi flour are a nutritious and gluten-free snacking option.
- Jowar (Sorghum) Crackers –
These wholesome jowar crackers are made with sorghum flour and flavored with spices.
- Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Mathri
Enjoy the delightful flavors of ajwain in these crispy and savory mathris
- Roasted Gram (Bhuna Chana) –
: These roasted chanas are a protein-packed and crunchy snack that can be enjoyed anytime.
Indulge in these 31 delicious and healthy Indian snacks available on Amazon.in that are specifically chosen to support lactation and keep you energized during your breastfeeding journey. These snacks are packed with essential nutrients and flavors that will satisfy your cravings while providing nourishment for both you and your baby. Enjoy these snacks and cherish this beautiful phase of motherhood!