Healthy Snack Bowl Recipe
Description:
Watching a match without snacks or a movie without munchies can make the experience feel dull. That’s when we often indulge in unhealthy snacks without thinking. But here’s a delightful twist—this Healthy Snack Bowl is perfect for both adults and kids. It’s an easy-to-make snack that combines healthy ingredients for a satisfying, guilt-free treat. Whether you’re lounging at home on a quiet weekend or enjoying a movie night, this snack is a delicious option that’ll keep you on track with your health goals while still satisfying your cravings.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | 1 tablespoon, cold pressed | For popping corn and adding richness |
| Corn Kernels | 1/4 cup | Popped fresh for crunch and texture |
| Salt | As required | A small sprinkle to taste |
| Peanut Butter | 2 tablespoons, smooth | Provides creamy texture and flavor |
| Soy Milk | 1/4 cup | Can substitute with coconut or almond milk |
| Cocoa Powder | 2 to 3 teaspoons | Adds a rich, chocolatey taste |
| Maple Syrup | 1 to 2 tablespoons | A natural sweetener to balance flavors |
| Apple | 1/2, chopped into cubes | Fresh and crunchy addition |
| Sultana Raisins | 2 tablespoons | Sweet, chewy texture to complement the mix |
| Walnuts | 8, chopped | For added crunch and nutrition |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Protein: ~4g
- Fat: ~9g (healthy fats from coconut oil and walnuts)
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~8g (naturally occurring from apple, raisins, and maple syrup)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Instructions
-
Pop the Corn:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm (after about 30-40 seconds), drop 2 to 3 corn kernels into the pan. Wait for them to pop. Once they do, add the rest of the corn kernels and stir them quickly. Cover the pan with a lid, leaving a small gap to allow steam to escape. Shake the pan every few seconds to ensure even popping. Let the kernels pop until the sound slows down. Once the popping stops, remove the pan from the heat. Remove the lid carefully, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and give the popcorn a good shake. -
Make the Sauce:
In another saucepan, combine peanut butter, cocoa powder, soy milk (or your choice of coconut or almond milk), and maple syrup. Stir everything together over low heat until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly bubbly. Once it begins to bubble gently, remove it from the heat. -
Assemble the Snack Bowl:
Take your freshly popped popcorn and place it in a bowl. Add in the sultana raisins, walnuts, and chopped apple. Drizzle the warm peanut butter cocoa sauce generously over the popcorn and fruit mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure the ingredients are well coated. -
Serve & Enjoy:
Your Healthy Snack Bowl is now ready to enjoy! It’s the perfect treat for a movie night or as a wholesome snack to pack in your snack box. You can also experiment by adding other nuts, dried fruits, or even pretzels for added variety and flavor. Remember not to overdo the salt since the peanut butter already has a salty base.
This snack is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats, fiber, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for satisfying those snack cravings in a much healthier way. Whether you’re indulging alone or sharing with loved ones, this Healthy Snack Bowl brings a fun, nutritious, and flavorful twist to your snacking habits.
Allergen Information:
- Contains Nuts (Peanut Butter, Walnuts)
- Contains Soy (Soy Milk)
- Dairy-Free (If using soy or almond milk)
- Gluten-Free (If using gluten-free popcorn)
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Suitable for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk options like soy, almond, or coconut milk.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use certified gluten-free popcorn.
- Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, simply replace the peanut butter and walnuts with seed butter (like sunflower seed butter) and seeds (such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds).
Tips for the Perfect Snack Bowl:
- Customization: Feel free to add other nuts like almonds or cashews, or include different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to suit your taste.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of maple syrup or substitute it with honey to control the sweetness level based on your preference.
- Storage: This snack bowl is best enjoyed immediately while the popcorn is fresh, but it can also be stored in an airtight container for a day or two if you wish to prepare it in advance.
- Alternative Flavors: For a savory twist, you can skip the cocoa powder and maple syrup, and instead, season the popcorn with your favorite savory spices like garlic powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast.
Conclusion:
This Healthy Snack Bowl recipe is a versatile, fun, and nutritious snack that is perfect for any occasion. It combines the satisfying crunch of fresh popcorn with the sweetness of apple and raisins, the richness of peanut butter, and a hint of chocolatey cocoa. Whether you’re preparing for a movie marathon, watching a match, or just craving a healthy treat, this snack will surely hit the spot without derailing your health goals. Enjoy guilt-free munching with this easy, wholesome recipe!
