Delicious and Portable Snack Recipes for the Office

Looking for a healthy, easy-to-pack snack to bring to work? Whether you're expanding your culinary repertoire or just need something to tide you over between lunch and dinner, these two flavorful recipes offer a delightful twist to your mid-day munching. Not only are they irresistibly delicious, but they are also perfectly designed to be eaten directly from their containers, making them the perfect pick-me-up when you're in a rush.

Recipe 1: Roasted Oat and Grain Crunch

Ingredients:

2 tsp oil 1/4 tsp mustard seeds 3 green chilies (lengthwise) 3 sprigs curry leaves 1/4 tsp asafetida 1/4 tsp turmeric powder 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats, roasted 1/2 cup beaten rice (poha), roasted 1/4 cup roasted chana dal Salt to taste 3 tsp white sesame seeds

Method:

Heat the oil in a non-stick pan. Add the mustard seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves. When the seeds crackle, add the asafetida and turmeric powder and mix well. Add the oats, poha, sesame seeds, chana dal, sugar, and salt. Toss well and store in an air-tight container.

Tips:

For a crunchy texture, roast the oats, poha, and chana dal in a pan before adding them to the mix. You can adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less sugar as per your preference.

Recipe 2: Masala Nuts and Seeds Blend

Ingredients:

1 tsp coconut oil 1 tbsp dried curry leaves 1 tbsp dried coconut, sliced 2 dried red chillies 1 tsp fennel seeds (saunf) 2 tsp white sesame seeds 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 2 tsp black salt (kala namak) 1 tsp red chilly powder 1 tsp chaat masala 1 cup lotus seeds (makhana) 2 tbsp sunflower seeds 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds 2 tbsp almonds, sliced 1 tbsp flax seeds 1 tsp roasted cumin powder

Method:

Heat the coconut oil in a pan. Drop the curry leaves, sliced coconut, and dried red chillies and fry for a minute or so on medium heat. Now, drop the fennel seeds, white sesame seeds, turmeric powder, black salt, red chilly powder, chaat masala. Cook for a minute or so and switch off the heat. In the hot pan, add the lotus seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, flax seeds, and cumin powder. Stir and ensure the seeds and nuts get coated with the masala. Allow the mixture to cool completely before storing in an airtight box.

Selecting the Perfect Snack for Your Desk

Are you taking a snack for yourself or to share? Most office places now have more lenient policies, but it's still a good idea to avoid things that need tools like forks or spoons. Opt for items that are easy to grab and eat directly, such as nuts, grapes, pretzels, or dried fruits. These snacks are not only convenient but also minimize the risk of creating a mess or attracting unwanted visitors like ants or cockroaches.

When preparing your snack, consider these tips:

Pack only enough for one day. You don't want to be the focal point of pest control efforts in your workplace. Choose casual snacks such as fruits, nuts, or energy bars that are easy to eat. Remember to clean your workspace after consuming your snack to maintain hygiene standards.

By following these recipes and tips, you'll have the perfect, portable snack to enjoy during your work day, giving you the energy boost you need to keep going until your next meal.