When you sit down for a night of drinking with your friends, having something to munch on is a necessity. If it is a low budget house party, you make do with chips and savouries from the local grocery store. Some restaurants generously give complimentary chakna and that is a delight. When you’re watching your weight or trying to eat healthy, you go for healthy, low calorie snacking options. But at all times, you need something to accompany your alcohol. Like cheese is to wine in France, chakna is to daaru in India :p
Check out these 5 popular chaknas that you must try on your next night-out!
- Masala Peanuts: Masala peanuts are the classic chakna. They are easy to eat pair perfectly with most alcohol. Folks who do not want something spicy can also go for salted peanuts. Peanuts are high in protein and fibre, which can help you feel fuller for longer. It also contains a significant amount of fat, mainly from healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Additionally, it's a good source of magnesium, which is essential for bone health and energy production.
- Makhana - Who would have thought that the mischievous makhana will make for a great chakna?! The No BS makhanas comes in two tasty flavours - the cheddar cheese and the himalayan pink salt. Both of them go perfectly with beers/ cocktails/ hard liquor. Crunchy makhanas are a great chakna option if you’re looking for healthy snacks. Makhanas are low in fat, making them a good snack option for those trying to reduce their fat intake. They are also high in carbohydrates, mostly from starch, and are a good source of dietary fibre. Makhanas are low in sodium, which is great for those trying to watch their salt intake. They are also a good source of several minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Additionally, makhanas are gluten-free and can be a great snack option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
- Papadum/Papad: Crunchy papads garnished with onions, tomatoes, green chillies, chat masala, coriander, and a little bit of lemon is a popular chakna when you’re drinking in a restaurant. This snack is high in carbohydrates, mostly from starch. Since papads are fried and high on sodium, they’re not particularly healthy snacks.
- Chana Jor Garam: This spicy chakna goes well with alcohol because it gives you a strong taste which complements well with the cool taste of alcohol. It is also a favourite snack among children and for many chana jor garam revives many happy childhood memories. It is high in protein and fibre, which can help you feel full and satisfied. It's also low in fat and contains healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Chana Jor Garam is a good source of iron, which is important for blood health and energy production. If you want to go a step further and try the healthier version of chana jor garam, you will be happy to try the moong jor by No BS snacks.
- Ragi Multiflakes - This one is still catching with all the others, but you just need to try it once to reach for the packet again and again. With all the health benefits of ragi, this chiwda makes for an awesome chakna. With adequate proetin, fibre, and zero cholesterol, roasted ragi multiflakes are the low calorie snacks you’ve been searching for your whole life. It is the perfect chakna to add to your healthy lifestyle.
Some people prefer wine while others go for scotch. Some are into beer while some live on vodka. Every person has a different taste but what unites all these people is a bowl of chakna. Even the non-drinkers can happily take a fistful of the snacks and feel like they’re a part of the gang. Chakna is something that brings people together. The next time you're having a party, do not forget to order these interesting new chaknas from the 3Sisters website. While you’re there, you can also check out the non-alcoholic beer for your teetotaler friends! Let us know your favourite chakna combinations in the comments below.