5 Easy Nasta Recipes for Quick Meals

Nasta, a term commonly used in Gujarati and Hindi for snacks or small meals, has become an essential part of daily meal plans, especially in Indian households. The idea of quick and easy nasta recipes resonates with those looking for nutritious, yet simple meals amidst their busy schedules. This blog post delves into five delicious and simple nasta recipes that are perfect for when you need a quick meal solution. Let's explore these dishes that not only cater to your taste buds but also help in maintaining a balanced diet.

Masala Poha

Masala Poha is one of the most popular nasta choices in India. It is made from flattened rice, known as poha, and can be prepared in a matter of minutes:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups Poha
  • 1 chopped Onion
  • 2 Green Chillies
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • Curry Leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • Peanuts
  • Coriander Leaves
  • Lemon Juice
  • Salt to taste
• Steps:
  1. Wash the poha and drain water immediately to make it soft yet flaky.
  2. In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, let them crackle, then add curry leaves and peanuts.
  3. Add onions and green chillies, sauté until the onions turn translucent.
  4. Sprinkle turmeric powder, mix well, and then add the poha.
  5. Cook for a few minutes, garnish with coriander leaves, and add lemon juice before serving.

🍲 Note: For a healthier version, use less oil and add vegetables like peas or carrots.

Vada Pav

Vada Pav, often referred to as the Indian burger, is not just a quick meal but a street food delight:

• Ingredients:
  • Potatoes for the Vada filling
  • Gram Flour for batter
  • Pav (square-shaped bun)
  • Green Chutney and Tamarind Chutney
  • Garlic Chutney
  • Mustard Seeds and Curry Leaves
• Steps:
  1. Mash boiled potatoes, mix with spices, shape into small balls, and dip in gram flour batter.
  2. Deep fry the vada balls until they turn golden brown.
  3. Slit the pav from one side, apply green and garlic chutney on both inner sides.
  4. Place a vada between the pav and serve with some chutney and a side of fried green chillies.

Instant Dhokla

Dhokla, a fluffy, spongy snack from the state of Gujarat, can be made instantly with this recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Gram Flour (Besan)
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Citric Acid or Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1 tsp Fruit Salt
  • Salt to taste
  • For Tempering: Mustard Seeds, Green Chillies, Curry Leaves
  • Green and Red Chutney
• Steps:
  1. Mix besan, salt, sugar, turmeric, water, and citric acid to make a batter.
  2. Just before steaming, add fruit salt and mix gently. Pour into a greased plate and steam for 10-12 minutes.
  3. Temper the dhokla with mustard seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves. Serve with green and red chutney.

🍲 Note: Ensure you use a pressure cooker or idli cooker for steaming for a soft and fluffy texture.

Upma

Upma, a South Indian breakfast staple, is also a great nasta option:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup Semolina (Sooji)
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 Tomato
  • Green Chillies
  • Mustard Seeds, Urad Dal, and Curry Leaves
  • Oil or Ghee
• Steps:
  1. Dry roast semolina until it turns light golden.
  2. In another pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, urad dal, curry leaves, and sauté chopped onions and green chillies.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes, cook until soft, then pour in water with salt to taste.
  4. Add the roasted semolina, stir continuously to avoid lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens.

Egg Bhurji

An egg-based dish, egg bhurji, is versatile, easy, and packed with protein:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 Eggs
  • 1 Onion
  • 1 Tomato
  • Green Chillies
  • Turmeric, Red Chili Powder, Cumin Seeds
  • Butter or Oil
  • Coriander Leaves
  • Salt to taste
• Steps:
  1. Whisk eggs in a bowl with salt and turmeric.
  2. Heat oil/butter, add cumin seeds, and once they crackle, add chopped onions and green chillies.
  3. Add tomatoes, cook until they soften, then pour the egg mixture into the pan.
  4. Stir continuously on medium heat until the eggs are cooked. Garnish with coriander leaves.

To conclude, these five quick nasta recipes provide a delicious and healthy solution for those times when you're short on time but still want something fresh and nutritious. Whether it's the simple yet flavorful Masala Poha, the iconic Vada Pav, or the protein-rich Egg Bhurji, each recipe brings its unique taste and ease to your kitchen. Preparing these dishes not only saves time but also ensures that you're consuming good quality, homemade food. These snacks can be an excellent choice for breakfast, evening tea, or just when you need a quick bite. Enjoy making these nasta dishes and savor the flavors of simple, healthy home-cooked meals.

Can I make these recipes vegan?

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Yes, most of these recipes can be adapted for a vegan diet. For instance, in Vada Pav and Egg Bhurji, you can substitute eggs with tofu or chickpeas, and use plant-based oil instead of butter or ghee.

How can I make these nasta recipes healthier?

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To make these dishes healthier, use less oil or replace it with olive oil, incorporate more vegetables, and reduce salt and sugar where possible. Using whole grain alternatives like brown poha or whole wheat pav also adds nutritional value.

Are these nasta recipes suitable for children?

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Absolutely, just adjust the spice levels to suit children’s taste. Masala Poha or Upma can be made less spicy, and you can incorporate colorful vegetables to make them more appealing to kids.