10 Quick Bites

When we get working and tire our brain, we feel the hunger pangs in the belly.

May it be physical work, mental exhaustion or even just whiling away time; hunger is a part of us and something that cannot be stopped.

Research says that these unhabituated and sudden hunger pangs usually tempt us to have something sweet.

Called as food cravings, we confuse these with hunger and end up overeating or emotionally eating.

To avoid this, let’s learn about some quick bites that can be consumed on the go and is healthy to the physique.

1)      Baked Tortilla Chips:

These are easy to do and once done you could store them in a sealable bag or box and have it on the go.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Take 1 package of corn tortilla and cut each into 8 chip sized wedges and arrange the wedges in a single layer on a cookie sheet. In a mister, combine 1 tbsp veg. oil and 3 tbsps lime juice. Mix well and spray each tortilla wedge until slightly moist. Combine 1 tsp of cumin, 1 tsp of chili powder and 1 tsp salt in a small bowl and sprinkle on the chips. Bake for about 7 minutes. Rotate the pan and bake for another 8 minutes or until the chips are crisp, but not too brown. Serve with salsas, garnishes or guacamole.

2)      Sweet Bagel Chips:

Slice cinnamon-raisin bagels crosswise into thin rounds. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake 10 minutes at 325°F; flip, brush with more butter, sprinkle with some more cinnamon sugar (if required) and bake for 10 more minutes.

3)      Garlic Bagel Chips:

Don't like them sweet? Here's another option:

Melt 3 tbsps of butter with 2 chopped garlic cloves in a saucepan. Slice slate plain bagels crosswise into thin rounds. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Bake 10 minutes at 325°F: flip, brush with butter and sprinkle parmesan if required and bake for 10 minutes more.

4)      Smoothies:

Smoothies are always a healthy option in comparision to other sweetened fruit drinks. It is also preferred as meal replacements by many. One of these could be: Fruit Smoothie. Puree 1 cup of yogurt, 1 cup of strawberries, 1 banana and ¼ cup of orange juice in a blender until smooth. Once done, have it the way it is or cool it in the fridge and enjoy!

5)      Pita Nachos:

Split a whole-wheat pita into 2 rounds, then cut into wedges. Broil until golden, then sprinkle with grated cheddar, salsa and broil until cheese melts. Top with sliced scallions.

6)      Apple Quesadillas:

Melt some butter in a skillet, then lay a flour tortilla in the pan and top with grated cheddar and thinly sliced apple on one side. Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden on both sides. Cut into wedges.

7)      Pepperoni Pizza Bread:

Halve a small loaf of Italian bread horizontally and toast under the broiler. Brush with olive oil, then top with tomato sauce, grated mozzarella, parmesan and sliced pepperoni. Broil until bubbly. Sprinkle with dried oregano.

8)      Salsamole:

Mix ½ cup salsa, 2 smashed avocados, 2 tbsps each lime juice and chopped cilantro and salt to taste. Serve with tortilla chips.

9)      Bean roll-ups: 

Spread bean dip on flour tortillas, top with shredded cheddar and roll up. Brush with vegetable oil and bake for 10 minutes at 400°F. Serve with salsa.

10)   Crunchy Chickpeas:

The best and easiest of all. Cook a 15-ounce can drained chickpeas with 2 tbsps olive oil, 1 tsp cumin seeds and smoked paprika for 2 minutes. Season with salt, then bake 20 minutes at 425°F.

Try out these easy quick bites at home and take it a long with you to savour its taste during a drive, at work or just when your bored!