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It’s a time for family gatherings, prayers, fireworks, and, of course, delectable food. While the markets are brimming with an array of sweets and snacks during this festive season, there’s something uniquely special about preparing these treats at home.
Here’s a guide to some traditional and delightful Diwali foods, desserts, and drinks you can make in your kitchen.
Starters and Savoury Snacks
1. Samosas
Samosas are a quintessential Indian snack that’s perfect for any festive occasion. These deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas are a hit with everyone.
Ingredients:
250g plain flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
½ tsp salt
1 litre oil for frying
Filling:
500g potatoes, boiled and mashed
100g peas, boiled
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt to taste
Method:
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For the filling, heat some oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, mashed potatoes, peas, and spices. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
Roll out the dough, cut into circles, fill with the potato mixture, and fold into a triangle shape.
Deep fry until golden brown.
2. Pakoras
These are crispy fritters made from vegetables dipped in a spiced gram flour batter. They are quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
150g gram flour (besan)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp chilli powder
200ml water
Salt to taste
Assorted vegetables (onions, potatoes, spinach, aubergine)
1 litre oil for frying
Method:
Mix gram flour, spices, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add water to form a thick batter.
Dip sliced vegetables into the batter and deep fry until crispy and golden.
Desserts
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These are soft, syrupy balls made from khoya (milk solids) and soaked in sugar syrup, flavoured with cardamom and rose water.
Ingredients:
250g khoya
3 tbsp plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 litre oil for frying
Syrup:
500g sugar
500ml water
4 cardamom pods, crushed
1 tbsp rose water
Method:
Mix khoya, flour, and baking powder. Knead into a soft dough and shape into small balls.
Prepare syrup by boiling water, sugar, and cardamom until slightly thickened. Add rose water.
Fry the balls until golden brown, then soak them in the warm syrup for at least an hour.
2. Besan Ladoo
These are rich, sweet balls made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar, flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
Ingredients:
250g gram flour (besan)
150g ghee
200g powdered sugar
1 tsp cardamom powder
Chopped nuts for garnish
Method:
Roast gram flour in ghee on a low flame until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
Let it cool slightly, then mix in the powdered sugar and cardamom.
Shape the mixture into small balls and garnish with chopped nuts.
Drinks
1. Mango Lassi
A refreshing yoghurt-based drink flavoured with ripe mangoes and a hint of cardamom.
Ingredients:
500ml plain yoghurt
200ml milk
200g ripe mango pulp
4 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
½ tsp cardamom powder
Ice cubes
Method:
Blend yoghurt, milk, mango pulp, sugar, and cardamom powder until smooth.
Serve chilled over ice cubes.
2. Masala Chai
A fragrant spiced tea that’s perfect for sipping on during the cooler evenings of Diwali.
Ingredients:
500ml water
250ml milk
3 tsp loose black tea leaves
4 cardamom pods, crushed
2 cloves
1 small cinnamon stick
1 small piece of ginger, grated
2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
Method:
Boil water with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger for 5 minutes.
Add tea leaves and simmer for another 2 minutes.
Add milk and sugar, bring to a boil, then strain and serve hot.
Conclusion
Preparing these traditional Diwali dishes at home not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also adds a personal touch to the celebrations. Each recipe is a blend of flavours that are sure to make your Diwali memorable. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the festive cooking begin. Happy Diwali!