Bright strings of fairy lights hang from the grey walls of my society building that are now emanating hues of red, green, yellow and orange. A block away is a local market that is bustling till midnight. Several big sweet shops have extended their area to accommodate all the season-special sweets and chocolates they have on offer, and somewhere in the middle, you will also find local vendors with nothing but their hand-painted diyas and matkas that they have laid out on a rug. It is indeed the time for one of India’s biggest festivals, and you do not even have to go too far to sense the excitement in the air.
Diwali or Deepavali would be celebrated on 4th November this year, but Diwali is also preceded and followed by several other festivals. Two days before Diwali is Dhanteras, marking the official start of the festive season. On this day, people buy jewelry and utensils for good luck. Next in line is Choti Diwali, which is also celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi or Bhoot Chaturdashi; there is Diwali in other parts of the country. Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj are next in line.
The festive season also calls for indulgence, and we are sure many of you have received your invitations to several card parties, or are you throwing one this year? Do we hope you have zeroed in on your menu? We don’t know which stage of the party planning you are at, but here’s a cheat trick, buy extra cubes of paneer, for they are a crowd-favourite. What can you do with them? Well, here are seven delicious ideas.
1. Achaari Paneer Tikka
Why have regular paneer tikka when you can make it achari? Paneer cubes mixed with a pickled masala, skewered and grilled to perfection. This crackling recipe is a winner on all occasions. Pair with mint chutney, sliced onions and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
2. Paneer 65
There are many legends associated with the peculiar name of the ‘65 dishes. As per some legends, 65 different varieties of spices were used in the dish, or that it was the 65th item on the menu, or A.M Buhari, the dish's creator, conceived the dish in the year 1965. Irrespective of the real story, we have to admit that today we are obsessed with the ‘65 dishes to the extent that we are trying new variations every day. This Paneer 65 is proof. It is hot, spicy, and so gorgeous to look at that you cannot help but get up for a second helping.
3. Paneer Cutlet
The cutlet gang, raise your hands. These soft, crispy cutlets made with crumbled paneer, green chillis, spring onions, coriander, and mint leaves coated in bread crumbs are fried until golden. Pair with ketchup or any dip or chutney of your choice.
4. Paneer Lollipops
A veg spin on the classic chicken lollipops, Paneer lollipops are made by mincing paneer with a host of spices, potato and coriander, covering them in crispy bread crumbs and skewering them with a stick. Doesn’t that sound like a cakewalk?
5. Tangy Tawa Paneer Wrap
Wraps and rolls are the most filling snacks you can serve at a party and be the star of the spread. They are so easy too. All you need to do here is make a sauce, tangy, spicy filling with paneer, onion, capsicum, etc., and stuff this smoky filling in the wrap and you are done.
Here’s wishing you all a very Happy Diwali