When it comes to pregnancy, taking care of one’s health is of utmost importance. Snacking at midnight may be a common habit for some, but for pregnant women, it is essential to choose snacks that are healthy and provide essential nutrients.
Fortunately, Indian cuisine offers a plethora of midnight Indian snacks during pregnancy to satisfy midnight cravings. In this article, let us discuss the top healthy midnight Indian snacks that pregnant women can indulge in without worrying about their health.
Top 13 Healthy Midnight Indian Snacks During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, midnight cravings are not unusual. However, indulging in unhealthy snacks can lead to complications in pregnancy. To tackle those untimely hunger pangs, here are the top 13 healthy midnight Indian snacks during pregnancy.
1. Sprouted Moong Chaat
Made with sprouted moong, onions, tomatoes, and tangy lemon juice, this chaat is a low-fat and high-fiber snack that is a healthy midnight tummy filler. Moong sprouts are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are beneficial for the growing fetus.
To make these kinds of quick and easy Indian pregnancy snacks, rinse and soak moong for 4-5 hours. Drain and wrap in a muslin cloth for 24-36 hours, until the sprouts appear. Add chopped onions, tomatoes, lemon juice, and roasted cumin powder to the sprouts. Mix well and garnish with coriander leaves.
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2. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and have a lower glycemic index, making them a healthier option than regular potatoes.
Baking sweet potato fries with olive oil instead of deep-frying makes it a healthier snack option for nutritious late-night midnight Indian snacks during pregnancy.
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To make sweet potato fries, peel and slice sweet potatoes into thin strips. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasoning. Place the fries on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Multigrain Crackers With Hummus
This healthy and tasty snack is perfect for those midnight cravings during pregnancy. The multigrain crackers are a great source of complex carbohydrates, while the hummus is rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It is a wise option for low-calorie Indian snacks for pregnancy.
To make this snack, spread a generous amount of hummus on top of the multigrain crackers. You can also add some sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olives for some extra flavor and nutrition.
4. Oats And Almond Ladoo
Packed with the goodness of oats and almonds, this delicious Ladoo is a perfect guilt-free midnight snack for pregnant women and is a low-calorie Indian snacks for pregnancy. Oats are an excellent source of fiber, while almonds are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, making this snack highly nutritious.
To make this ladoo, roast oats and almonds separately until golden brown. Allow them to cool and then grind them to a fine powder. Add some jaggery and ghee to the mixture and mix well. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round balls. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.
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5. Cucumber and Mint Raita
This refreshing and healthy raita is an excellent midnight snack option for pregnant women. Made with cooling cucumbers and fresh mint leaves, it is perfect for satisfying late-night hunger cravings without the added calories.
To make this raita, peel and grate cucumbers and squeeze out the excess water. Add fresh mint leaves, finely chopped green chilies, and whisked yogurt to the grated cucumbers. Mix well and add a pinch of salt and roasted cumin powder to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
6. Palak Paneer Bites
These crispy and healthy bites are perfect for midnight spicy midnight Indian snacks during pregnancy. Made with spinach and paneer, they are rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins.
To make this Indian street food snacks for pregnancy, blanch spinach leaves and puree them in a mixer. Mix the spinach puree with crumbled paneer, gram flour, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls and shallow fry until golden brown. Serve hot with mint chutney.
7. Sweet Potato Tikkis
These tikkis are a healthier version of the classic aloo tikki, made with sweet potatoes, oats, and spices. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making them an ideal midnight snack during pregnancy.
To make this vegetarian Indian pregnancy midnight snack, boil and mash sweet potatoes and mix them with roasted oats, chopped onions, green chilies, and ginger. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt to taste. Shape the mixture into small patties and shallow fry until crispy. Serve hot with tomato ketchup or yogurt dip.
8. Spinach and Paneer Tikki
A combination of nutrient-rich spinach and protein-packed paneer, this tikki is a perfect choice for pregnant women who crave a healthy and tasty midnight snack. It is easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for quick munching.
To make these healthy Indian snacks for nighttime pregnancy, boil spinach and paneer separately and blend them in a mixer. Add boiled potatoes, green chillies, salt, cumin powder, and chopped coriander to the mixture and mix well. Make small tikkis out of the mixture and shallow fry them until golden brown. Serve with mint chutney.
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9. Makhana Namkeen
Also known as fox nuts, Makhana is an excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is a low-fat snack that is ideal for midnight munching during pregnancy. The Namkeen is easy to make and can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
To make these easy-to-digest Indian snacks for pregnancy, heat a little oil in a pan and roast makhana until it turns crispy. Add roasted peanuts, curry leaves, salt, and red chilli powder and mix well. Serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
10. Sweet Potato Cutlets
These cutlets are not only healthy, but they’re also a perfect comfort snack for expecting mothers during those midnight cravings. Sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which aid in boosting immunity and fetal development.
This wholesome Indian snack ideas for pregnancy, can be made by boiling the sweet potatoes and mash them in a bowl. Add in some finely chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, roasted cumin powder, and coriander leaves. Form small cutlets and shallow fry them in a pan with little oil until they turn golden brown. Serve with green chutney for an added burst of flavor.
11. Paneer Tikka
If you’re looking for a high protein snack, paneer tikka is the way to go. Paneer or cottage cheese is rich in calcium, which is essential for the baby’s bone development. The spices used in this recipe also aid in digestion and metabolism.
To make this snack, cut paneer into small cubes and marinate them with hung curd, ginger-garlic paste, and a blend of tikka masala. Let it sit for a while, and then skewer them along with some veggies like capsicum and onion. Grill or bake them until the paneer turns slightly golden and serve hot with mint chutney.
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12. Besan Chilla
If you’re in the mood for a savory and satisfying snack, then besan chilla is the perfect option. Made with besan or chickpea flour, this dish is a rich source of protein, iron, and other essential vitamins that promote the health of both the mother and the baby.
To make besan chilla, mix besan with water, chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander leaves. Add salt and turmeric powder to taste. Heat a pan and add a few drops of oil. Pour the besan mixture and cook for a few minutes on both sides until it turns golden brown. Serve with green chutney for a delicious and healthy midnight snack.
13. Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad is a great option for midnight hunger-busters for pregnant women. Fruits like berries, kiwis, oranges, and bananas are packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that support fetal growth and development.
To make this snack, chop your favorite fruits and mix them together in a bowl. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle some honey for added flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors of the fruits.
Midnight cravings are a common occurrence during pregnancy, but choosing the right snacks is crucial. Indian snacks can be a tasty and nutritious option. However, moderation is key, and consulting with a healthcare provider is always recommended. Nourish both body and soul with the perfect midnight indian snacks during pregnancy.