Rohit K.P, a popular food blogger (‘Chef Macha’), shares three healthy snack recipes

RAGI APPAM
(3 servings)

Ingredients

• 1 cup ragi flour (250 gm)
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 tbsp flattened rice
• 1 1⁄4 cup water
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt (to taste)
  For rising agent
• 2 tsp dry yeast
• 3 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp lukewarm water

Preparation guide

• Add sugar to lukewarm water. Mix well until it dissolves.
• Add dry yeast and mix. Set aside for 10 minutes.
• Add all other ingredients to a mixer jar and grind well.
• Pour the batter and yeast mixture into a bowl. Mix well.
• Cover with a lid and set aside in a warm place for 20-30 minutes.
• Pour a ladle of batter into a hot appam pan or flat tawa. Swirl the pan to
  ensure the edges of the appam are thin and the centre portion is thick.
• Cover with a lid and cook on medium-low flame for 5-8 minutes.
• Serve hot with egg, chicken, vegetable or any other curry of your choice.

Health benefits

Ragi is rich in calcium, which is good for bone health and fibre aids digestion. Coconut provides healthy fats for energy, while yeast aids gut health.

AVOCADO SANDWICH
(4 servings)

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 loaf of bread (whole wheat, sourdough, or your
  choice)
• 1⁄4 thinly sliced onion
• 3-4 finely chopped green chillies
• 2 tsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• 1-2 tbsp thick yogurt
• 1 tsp spice mix (Italian seasonings + pepper +
  chilli powder + jaggery)
• Salt, as per taste
• 1 finely chopped boiled egg
• 1 sliced onion
• 1 sliced cucumber
• 4 lettuce leaves
• 5 cheese slices

Preparation guide

• Toast one side of the bread until golden.
• Cut avocado in half and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
• Mash it well using a fork or spoon.
• Add chillies, coriander, chopped onion, yogurt, spice mix, and boiled egg. Mix well.
• Spread mashed avocado generously on the toasted side and place lettuce on it.
• Layer the other slice of bread (toasted side) with cheese, onion, and cucumber.
• Close the sandwich and toast both sides for 4-5 minutes.

Health benefits

Avocado is rich in fats, fibre and minerals and boosts heart health. Eggs provide protein for growth, yogurt aids digestion, and vegetables provide essential vitamins.

SUGARLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE
(6 servings)

Ingredients

• 1 cup seedless dates
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1⁄4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped nuts, strawberries or dark
  chocolate chunks (optional)

Preparation guide

• Add dates and milk to a mixer jar and grind to a
• smooth paste. Pour into a mixing bowl.
• Add butter, baking powder, baking soda, and vanilla
  extract.
• Whisk using a balloon whisk or an electric mixer.
• Add wheat flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt
  into a strainer or a flour sifter and sift it into the bowl.
• Mix using the cut-and-fold method to form cake bat-
  ter.
• Add some chopped nuts or dark chocolate chunks.
• Grease a cake tin and line it with butter paper.
• Pour cake batter into the tin and bake it in a preheat-
  ed oven at 180° for 30-35 minutes.
• Top with sliced strawberries.
• Cut the cake into slices.

Health benefits

Dates provide natural sweetness and fibre, good for digestion. Whole wheat enhances energy levels, and cocoa offers antioxidants to boost the immune system.