There are many a day when we crave for something crunchy, something salty and spicy to enjoy along with hot masala tea or a cup of coffee… this craving usually hits in the afternoon right around 3 pm. Tiffin time !! We go about rummaging our pantry to look for that snack, with a feeling of guilt for indulging in not-so-healthy stuff. Although that is perfectly fine for an occasional treat, here is an easy teatime snack which is super healthy and quite easy to put together.
Cabbage tikis or the way I like to call them – ‘power bites’ because they are packed with powerful ingredients that everyone will feel a boost of power upon consuming them.. ! May be not … 😂 but there will be no guilt whatsoever. These are soooo good for you. All they have is plenty of cabbage with chickpea flour. Besan flour can also be used in the place of chickpea flour. These cuties are baked to perfection but can also be shallow fried with very little oil or even toasted both sides on a hot griddle or tava like patties.
These power bites are very easy to assemble – shred the cabbage and ensure they are drained completely. Squeeze the cabbage to get rid of any water content. They can be damp to touch but no water dripping. Now sprinkle a cup or so of chickpea flour. Season with shredded ginger and chopped green chillies as much as you desire. By greasing your hands with oil, make them into balls. This is the only part which took time, otherwise this is a 5-minute snack to put together. I baked them at 400 degrees for 15 minutes each on both sides. Left it to crisp up in the oven for 5 extra minutes after turning it off.
These are so tasty, make sure you make a large batch to feed your brood, they will disappear within minutes, guaranteed !
Cabbage Power Bites recipe
Ingredients – makes 20 2-inch patties
- Cabbage – finely shredded 2 cups
- Ginger – shredded 1 tbsp
- Green chillies – finely chopped 1 tbsp
- Garam masala (optional) 1 tsp
- Oil 2 tbsps
- Chick pea flour 1 cup
- Salt
Procedure –
- Take the shredded cabbage, ginger and green chillies in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and mix well.
- Sprinkle the chick pea flour and oil and mix with hands to make everything hold together.
- If needed sprinkle little water so they can be shaped into balls.
- I greased my hands with oil and make them into balls.
- Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and arrange the patties.
- Drizzle drops of oil on top of each Pattie.
- Bake at 400 degrees pre-heated oven for 15 minutes.
- Carefully remove the tray, turn over the patties and return to oven.
- Bake for another 15 minutes until both sides are golden brown all over.
- Turn off oven and leave the patties in the oven for extra 5 mins to crisp up.
- Serve hot with tomato ketchup or mint chutney.


This is a healthy take on the traditional tea time snacks. So good and good for you! I am always asking for recipes such as this one – ones that taste great and are good for you. They are a hit with the kids and the adults, and always go quick!