13 High-Protein Indian Foods Beyond Paneer

12. Almonds

Almonds are a protein-dense nut at roughly 21 grams of protein per 100 grams, as referenced by the Research Agent’s sources. They show up across Indian kitchens as a snack, in sweets like badam halwa, and blended into badam milk for richness and a protein boost. For everyday use, a small handful of almonds makes a portable protein-rich snack and pairs well with fruit or a cup of chai. Ground almonds act as a binder in some kebab or cutlet recipes, and almond powder can enrich batters and baked goods for a protein lift. In North America, raw or roasted almonds are easy to find; for recipe flexibility, soak almonds overnight and peel them to make creamier badam milk or almond paste. Watch portions—nuts are calorie-dense—so use them strategically as a topping or snack rather than the main dish.