Crispy Roasted Masala Channa in OTG – The Perfect Healthy Evening Snack!

If you are one of those people looking to eat healthy evening snack, you are at the right place. The 5 o’clock feeling of hunger is very real, and nearly all of us are at fault when it comes to snacking mindlessly on fried samosas or chips

There is a snack that is as easy to prepare at home as it is to eat, and the snack is crispy and crunchy, bursting with flavor, protein-rich.

Crispy roasted masala channa made in an OTG (oven toaster grill) , your new favorite snack, delicious and nutritious, and also guilt-free.

Let’s dive right into what’s got everyone from healthy Indian kitchens so captivated about this one snack and taking all of the RC’s investment toward venture capital.

Why Roasted Masala Channa is the Snack Hero We All Need

1. It’s packed with plant based protein, which keeps you full longer.
2. It’s low in fat and high in dietary fibre.
3. It satisfies the crunch craving without the need for deep frying.
4. You can play around with flavours ;spicy, tangy, herby .
5. It stores well, so you can batch make it and enjoy it all week.

Breaking the Myth: OTG is Not Just for Baking Cakes

Credits: Glen India

A lot of people think OTGs are meant only for baking birthday cakes or reheating pizza. But this small yet mighty appliance is actually great for roasting, toasting, and grilling ,all without drowning your food in oil. If you’ve never explored the roasting power of your OTG, now’s the time.

With the right technique, your oven can transform soft, boiled chickpeas into golden, crackly, spice-coated bites of heaven. And the process is surprisingly simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Masala Channa

• 1 cup of dried white channa (chickpeas), soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon chaat masala
• Salt to taste
• Optional: black pepper, garlic powder, amchur (dry mango powder), or peri-peri seasoning for a twist

Preparing the Channa – The Soaking & Boiling Process

Good snacks need good prep. Start with soaking the dried channa overnight ,about 8 to 10 hours should do the trick. This step is essential because it softens the chickpeas and helps them cook evenly.

After soaking, drain the water and pressure cook the channa with a little salt for 2 to 3 whistles. You don’t want it to be mushy, just tender enough that it holds shape. Once boiled, drain it completely and spread it out on a kitchen towel. Pat them dry gently ,moisture is your enemy when you're aiming for that crispy texture.

Step-by-Step Recipe – Roasting Masala Channa in OTG

Credits: Freepik

Now that your chickpeas are ready, let’s roast!

1. Preheat Your OTG
   Preheat the OTG at 200°C for about 10 minutes. This ensures even roasting and a consistent crunch throughout.
2. Season the Chickpeas
   In a mixing bowl, add your dry, boiled channa. Drizzle in the olive oil and all the spices. Toss everything well so that each chickpea gets a generous coat of masala. Adjust the spice level based on your personal preference.
3. Line and Load
   Place the chickpeas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or foil. Spread them out evenly ,no overlapping. The more spaced out they are, the better they roast.
4. Roast in the OTG
   Slide the tray into the preheated oven and let the chickpeas roast for 35-45 minutes at 200°C. Stir them every 10-15 minutes to ensure even roasting. They’ll go from soft to golden to crackling crisp  and that’s your cue that they’re done.
5. Cool and Crunch
   Once out of the OTG, let them cool for at least 15 minutes. They’ll crisp up further as they cool. Store in an airtight jar and enjoy as and when hunger strikes.

Health Benefits of Masala Roasted Channa

• Protein Power: Helps in muscle repair and keeps you full longer, making it ideal for weight management.
• High Fibre: Great for digestion and keeps your gut happy.
• Low Glycemic Index: Makes it diabetic-friendly by preventing sudden sugar spikes.
• Iron & Magnesium Rich: Helps fight fatigue and supports heart health.

So essentially, you’re munching on something that not only satisfies your taste buds but also works overtime to support your body.

Ways to Enjoy Crispy Masala Channa

Credits: freepik

• Sprinkle it over salads for extra crunch.
• Mix it into puffed rice, onions, and chutneys for a quick bhel.
• Serve it in small bowls with tea during evening catch-ups.
• Carry a jar in your bag for those office hunger pangs.
• Add some chopped onions, green chillies, and coriander for a spicy chaat.

Why OTG is Perfect for Healthy Snacking

Roasting in an OTG allows you to achieve that desired crunch without the calories and mess of deep frying. You’re in control of the oil, the spices, and the temperature ,which is exactly what mindful eating is about.

And unlike air fryers that might have limited capacity, an OTG lets you roast in batches, making it ideal for families or entertaining guests. Plus, the even heat distribution in OTGs gives your chickpeas that consistent, oven-roasted perfection that’s hard to beat.

Mistakes to Avoid While Roasting Channa

• Not drying the chickpeas enough – Always pat them dry after boiling. Moisture = soggy channa.

• Overcrowding the tray – Give them space. If needed, roast in two batches.

• Not stirring halfway – This leads to uneven cooking and some burnt spots.

• Skipping preheat – Always preheat the OTG for uniform heat.

• Not cooling before storing – Warm chickpeas can turn soft in storage. Cool completely first.

Shelf Life

Once cooled and stored in an airtight jar, your masala channa can stay crispy for up to a week ,if it even lasts that long! Just make sure to store it in a cool, dry place.

Why This Snack Fits Into Today’s Lifestyle

Credits: Freepik

With deadlines, parenting, and work, coupled with trying to carve out “me-time”, one can easily slip into unhealthy eating routines. That’s why having quick to eat, healthy snacks available is a lifesaver. Roasted masala channa fits perfectly in modern lifestyle where health, taste, and convenience need to work hand in hand.

Whether you’re on a weight loss journey, cutting out processed foods, or simply looking to make better choices, this snack is perfect.

Conclusion

Those days are long behind us when eating healthy involves giving up taste or crunch. A little preparation and the magic of an OTG is all you need to make snacks which are delectable and nourishing.

Spiced Crispy Roasted Masala Channa is a snack that has all the nutritional benefits along with amazing taste. It is high in protein, low in fat, filled with Indian spices, and is so simple to maze.

Preparing wholesome snacks does not require much effort with the OTG’s from Glen India. With high-performance ovens, specially designed for Indian kitchens, roasting, baking, and grilling are turned into joyous activities, not chores.

So, what are you waiting for? Put some channa in the OTG, and one crunchy protein-filled bite at a time, you can make strides towards healthier snacking.