A Taste of the South: Healthy Snacks with Cold-Pressed Oils

The biggest confusion people have each and every day – what to offer to the family so that the evening tea or coffee tastes better, and feels complete! Undoubtedly, our Indian cuisine is diverse and rich in its flavours and at the same time it is quite healthy for people of all ages. 

South Indian states are a goldmine of spices and other ingredients; no wonder why their snacks are so delicious and flavourful. So let’s take a look at some of the most traditional south Indian snacks, which are made even better with the benefits of cold-pressed oils.

South Indian snacks: a flavourful journey

South Indian snacks are examples of how unique sense of taste, textures and tradition come together to create this beautiful blend, which takes our taste buds on a joy ride. 

• Full of unique flavours that dance in your mouth, these are not just good to eat but also full of good things to eat – the perfect example of tasty as well as healthy snacks. 
• Starting from the spiciness of chillies to the satisfying crunch of peanuts or mild sweetness of coconuts, everything simply feels festive when it comes to South Indian snacks. 
• These snacks are typically a combination of grain, lentils, and vegetables which makes for a perfect healthy food. 

So, shall we embark on a flavourful journey through the world of yummy South Indian snacks? Let’s go!!

Why cold-pressed oils are a game-changer

Before we dive into the recipes, let's talk about why cold-pressed oils are the unsung heroes of our kitchens. 

But, why cold-pressed oils? 

You must be wondering what makes these flavoursome oils such hidden heroes in our kitchens. What makes these oils stand out so different from the refined oils is that they are packed with nutrients, without compromising on the nutrition.

At Gramiyaa, these oils are processed by a cold pressing technique using wood, which helps retain the nutrients and the wholesome nature of the nuts used to extract the oil.

Each oil has its unique flavour; be it our cold pressed sesame oil which has a nutty taste, or our cold pressed coconut oil which is naturally sweet. 

Each of these oils enhance the taste of your snacks as well as boost the overall health of your body.

Snack Time: South Indian style snacks recipes with cold pressed oils - 

Ah… it’s time to get to business!! Here is the list of some of the most delicious, healthy and famous south Indian snacks, that go perfectly well with a tumbler of filter coffee.. Ready ah?

• Masala pori or puffed rice: A crunchy and addictive snack, this one is a healthier take on the traditional recipe. All you need to do is to combine some puffed rice, roasted peanuts, grated coconut, and a handful of raisins. Temper mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies in cold pressed coconut oil and pour it over the mixture. Add salt to taste and a pinch of sugar and mix well. For an extra boost of flavour, you can add some crushed garlic while tempering. 
• Spicy masala murukku: This crunchy delight is a South Indian staple. From Diwali sweets to a regular coffee companion, murukku is almost there in each house. To make a healthier version, use a combination of whole wheat flour, rice flour, and chickpea flour. Season with chili powder, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida. Deep-fry in a generous amount of cold-pressed groundnut oil for a crispy texture.
• Rava idli: A lighter and fluffier alternative to regular idli, rava idli is perfect for a quick snack. Made with semolina, yogurt, and a touch of baking soda, these fluffy cakes are steamed to perfection. Take one cup of rava, add 1 cup of curd to it – mix mix mix and let it sit. After a few minutes, add a cup of water to get idli batter like consistency. Temper mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves in coconut oil for a flavourful topping. You can also add some grated carrots, ginger and beans for a healthier version.
• Medu vada: A South Indian classic, medu vada is best enjoyed hot and crispy. Soak urad dal for a few hours, grind it into a smooth batter. Add chopped ginger, onions and green chillies, salt to taste and beat the batter nicely for a couple of minutes. Add some rice flour for added crispiness, and deep-fry in cold pressed groundnut oil. Serve with coconut chutney and sambar for a complete snack experience.
• Vegetable samosas: These crispy pockets of goodness are filled with a spiced potato and pea mixture. South Indian snacks version has a dash of curry leaves and some whole spices. Use whole wheat flour for the outer layer and deep-fry in groundnut oil for a healthier twist. Serve with mint chutney or tamarind chutney, and enjoy with your tea or coffee.
• Banana chips: A slightly sweet and crunchy treat, banana chips one of the most famous South Indian snacks from Kerala. Slice Nendran bananas into thin pieces and deep-fry in cold pressed coconut oil until golden. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt for added flavour. Bananas can also be replaced with jackfruits, and trust us, the result is equally delicious! 
• Sundal: A protein-packed snack, sundal is a flavourful snack made with a variety of pulses – from chickpeas, to groundnuts, corn, green moong and a lot more. Soak and cook the pulses with some salt. Temper mustard seeds, urad daal, chana daal, grated ginger, green chillies and asafoetida in cold pressed coconut oil. Add freshly grated coconut and serve hot. This is one of the healthy south Indian snacks, which is a tiffin box recipe as well.

Remember, the key to enjoying these snacks is to use good quality cold-pressed oils, for which you can visit the online store - Gramiyaa. They not only enhance the flavour but also provide essential nutrients. So, indulge guilt-free and savour the authentic taste of South India!

Do you have a favourite South Indian snack? How do you use cold pressed oil to make your dishes? Share your recipe in the comments below!