Diwali, the radiant festival of lights, heralds a season of joy, togetherness, and gastronomic delight. As the air becomes imbued with the aroma of incense and the flicker of countless diyas (oil lamps) illuminate homes, the heart of India comes alive with festivities. Central to these celebrations is the tradition of feasting and sharing delectable treats with loved ones. Diwali dinners, in particular, are a feast for the senses, and a sumptuous array of starters plays a significant role in this grand culinary spectacle.
In this guide, we delve into the heart of Diwali 2023, unveiling a carefully curated selection of seven exceptional starters that will elevate your Diwali party dinner to new heights. From the tantalising Dahi Ke Sholay to the irresistible Paneer Malai Tikka, each starter brings a unique blend of flavours and textures, ensuring that your celebration is not only a visual spectacle but also a culinary delight. Let this be your compass to crafting an unforgettable Diwali dinner that truly captures the spirit of the festival.
1. Dahi Ke Sholay
Dahi Ke Sholay are a delightful blend of spiced hung yoghurt, rolled in a crispy gram flour coating. These bite-sized treats are not just delicious but also refreshing, making them an ideal appetiser to tantalise your taste buds. The creamy yoghurt centre provides a cooling contrast to the crunchy exterior, and when served with tangy chutneys, Dahi Ke Sholay are an instant crowd-pleaser.
2. Spring Rolls
Spring rolls, with their crispy, golden exterior and flavorful vegetable or meat filling, are a beloved starter in Indian cuisine. They offer a perfect balance of textures and flavours, making them an excellent choice for your Diwali party. The filling, a medley of vegetables or even spiced meats, is wrapped in thin spring roll wrappers and deep-fried until golden brown. Served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce, spring rolls are a favourite among guests of all ages.
3. Hara Bhara Kebab
Hara Bhara Kebabs are a vegetarian delight that's not only visually appealing but also incredibly tasty. These green-hued kebabs are packed with the goodness of spinach, peas, and aromatic spices. They are shaped into patties, coated in breadcrumbs, and shallow-fried until they acquire a lovely golden crust. The vibrant green colour and wholesome ingredients make Hara Bhara Kebabs an excellent choice for a Diwali dinner starter.
4. Cheese Rolls
Cheese rolls are the epitome of comfort food, and they make for an excellent addition to your Diwali party spread. These rolls feature a delectable mixture of cheese, herbs, and sometimes additional ingredients like vegetables or even minced meat. Rolled up in thin pastry sheets, they are fried to perfection. The gooey, melted cheese combined with the crispy exterior is an indulgent treat that will leave your guests craving for more.
5. Crispy Corn
Crispy Corn is an addictive starter that combines the sweetness of corn kernels with the fiery kick of spices. To make this dish, the corn kernels are coated in a spiced batter and deep-fried until they turn crispy and golden. Served hot, crispy corn is a delightful, crunchy snack that's hard to resist. It's a perfect balance of flavours, making it an ideal addition to your Diwali party menu.
6. Paneer Hariyali Tikka
Paneer Hariyali Tikka is a delicious and aromatic starter that's rich in flavour and colour. Cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in a vibrant green mixture made from a blend of fresh herbs, yoghurt, and spices. After marinating, the paneer is threaded onto skewers and grilled or roasted until it's charred and smoky on the outside and tender on the inside. The result is a fragrant and succulent dish that will impress your guests.
7. Paneer Malai Tikka
Paneer Malai Tikka is a luxurious and creamy starter that's perfect for special occasions like Diwali. The paneer cubes are marinated in a rich mixture of cream, yoghurt, and aromatic spices, which infuse the dish with a luscious flavour. After marinating, the paneer is skewered and grilled or roasted until it acquires a beautiful golden hue. The creaminess of the marinade balances the spiciness, making Paneer Malai Tikka an irresistible starter choice.
Diwali is a time for celebrations, and no celebration is complete without an array of scrumptious starters to tantalise the taste buds of your guests. These seven starters, from the creamy Dahi Ke Sholay to the indulgent Paneer Malai Tikka, offer a diverse range of flavours and textures that are sure to set the stage for a memorable Diwali party dinner. As you prepare and serve these delectable starters, you'll create an ambiance of warmth, togetherness, and culinary delight that's perfect for the festival of lights. May your Diwali be filled with joy, laughter, and mouthwatering moments!