Known in India and now the world over as the Festival of Lights, Diwali 2023 is almost upon us. While in some parts of India, Diwali is observed by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, in others it is the night when Goddess Kali is evoked. From lighting lamps made of clay to hosting friends and family coming over for tea, snacks and often dinner, Diwali 2023 is quite a busy time for home cooks. If you are hosting a Diwali party this year, you must be getting ready to create a feast of flavours.
However, what often happens during Diwali–and may happen during Diwali 2023 too if you aren’t too careful–is that the same old boring dishes like Soan Papdi, Samosa and Murukku might get prepared. This Diwali 2023, offer your guests something new by whipping up dishes that are not only drool-worthy and delicious, but also boast the flavours of the season.
From radishes to pumpkins, banana blossoms to beetroots, utilise the best veggies this season has to offer to create delicious and creative snacks for your loved ones. Here are the famous seven snacks from across India that you must try this Diwali.
1. Raj Kachori
Raj Kachori is one of the most preferred Diwali delicacies, which portrays the festive mood during this time. It is characterised by the large crispy chaat shell traditionally filled with various in-season food items like sprouted moong bean, tangy tamarind chutney, grated beetroot, yoghurt, and pomegranates. It has bright colours and cool tastes that make many people choose this dish above others during Diwali.
2. Jowar Oats Chivda
The jowar oats chivda is a healthy and yummy snack to munch on during the festive season of Diwali. Sorghum (jowar) and oats are readily available during Diwali, and this crunchy treat combines the nutritional benefits of these ingredients with plenty of other flavours too. Jowar Oats Chivda is made by roasting jowar, oats, spices, nuts and seeds together to create a medley of flavours.
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3. Kaddu Pakoda
The essence of the season is best captured in Kaddu Pakoda, a beloved delicacy across many parts of India. The pumpkin is the star in the cool autumn breeze of the festival season. Thin slices of cooked kaddu are covered with a spicy gram or besan flour batter and then deep fried for a nice crunchy exterior and soft insides. During the autumn season, pumpkins have a naturally yellow and sweet taste, and this pakoda variety utilises that to the hilt.
4. Mochar Chop
Mochar Chop is an exclusive seasonal delicacy commonly found in West Bengal where banana flower is cut into pieces and mixed with mashed potato and spices. Before deep-frying they are coated in breadcrumbs to achieve that crispy outer texture. It is the crunchy, savoury snack that symbolises the festival and people look forward to it each year. Enjoyed with kasundi and puffed rice, this one is a must-have treat.
5. Beetroot and Aloo Tikki
A delicious beet and aloo tikki that celebrates the season's flavours makes this a special dish for Diwali. The colourful and crunchy tikkis are not just about satisfying taste buds, but they also respect the autumnal flavours of beetroots by creating a symphony of sweet and savoury flavours. The earthy sweetness of beets and the warm cosiness of potatoes are embraced in the fall by these beetroot and potato tikkis loaded with peanuts and spices.
6. Bhakarwadi
Popular as a snack during Diwali in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Bhakarwadi represents the true spirit of festivity with its mix of tastes and spicy seasonings. The dough is made of gram flour, and it is stuffed with a blend of roasted spices, coconuts, sesame seeds and more. Deep-fried to perfection, Bhakarwadi can also be prepared by air frying if you are health conscious.
7. Fullwadi
Fullwadi, a cherished Diwali delight in the Western Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, holds a special place in the hearts and palates of all. This savoury, spiced snack is synonymous with the festive season thanks to its tantalising aroma filling homes and streets. Made with a combination of wheat flour, gram flour and rice flour that is deep-fried and then tossed in spices, this snack is a must-have.