Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is more than just a celebration; it’s an embrace of light over darkness, a reminder of life’s enduring brightness even during the darkest of times. Families come together to decorate their homes with colourful rangolis, burst fireworks, and savour traditional sweets and snacks that symbolise prosperity and good fortune.
One food that beautifully captures the essence of Diwali festivities is puri. Simple yet incredibly versatile, puris have a place on the Diwali feast table that few other foods can rival. Among the many puri varieties to explore, each region in India brings its own twist to this beloved dish, transforming the classic puri into something unique.
Classic Puri
Classic Puri is a beloved festive flatbread that adds a comforting touch to celebrations. Made with simple ingredients like whole wheat flour, salt, and water, these puris are kneaded into soft dough, rolled out, and deep-fried to a golden puff. Their airy, crisp exterior with a soft, chewy inside makes them the perfect companion to rich curries and sweets. The mild, lightly salted flavour of classic puris complements spicy and sweet dishes, bringing a satisfying balance to festive feasts.
Luchi
Luchi is a beloved puri variety, especially enjoyed during festive gatherings in Bengal and Eastern India. Made with all-purpose flour (maida), water, and a hint of ghee, Luchi is kneaded into a smooth dough, rolled, and deep-fried to a golden puff. Its texture is airy, light, and slightly crispy on the outside, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The flavour is rich yet subtle, making it the perfect companion for aloo dum or spicy cholar dal (chana dal) during celebrations.
Bedmi Puri
Bedmi Puri is a classic North Indian delicacy from Uttar Pradesh, especially popular during festive seasons. Made with a unique blend of whole wheat flour and spiced urad dal (split black gram), it stands out for its rich, earthy flavour and fluffy, slightly crispy texture. Infused with spices like fennel, ginger, and asafoetida, Bedmi Puri has a warm, aromatic appeal that pairs beautifully with aloo sabzi (spicy potato curry). Its hearty taste and satisfying crunch make it a delightful treat for festive gatherings and special occasions.
Matar Kochuri
Koraishutir kochuri, a Bengali festive favourite, is a delicious puri variety filled with a spiced green pea mash. Made by kneading green peas with ginger, green chillies, and spices, these puris are soft yet slightly crispy, with a mildly sweet and earthy flavour that beautifully balances the warmth of spices. Each bite offers a delightful texture, with the tender puri encasing a smooth, flavourful filling. Perfect for celebrations, it’s often paired with aloo dum or cholar dal (chana dal) for a satisfying festive meal.
Palak Puri
Palak puri is a vibrant, festive twist on the traditional puri, made by incorporating fresh spinach puree into the dough. This adds a rich, green colour, subtle earthy flavours, and a hint of nutrition to the classic Indian bread. Ingredients like whole wheat flour, spinach, cumin, and a dash of salt come together to form a soft, malleable dough. When fried, palak puri turns crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside, adding both colour and taste to festive feasts.
Also eats, 10 Delicious Side Dishes To Pair With Puri
Radha Bhallavi
Radha Bhallavi is again a delightful Bengali puri variety perfect for festive occasions. Made from a soft, fluffy dough of refined flour and stuffed with a spiced mixture of urad dal (black gram) and fennel seeds, it brings a unique blend of earthy, aromatic flavours. The crisp outer layer complements the mildly spiced, creamy filling, giving each bite a satisfying contrast in texture. Paired with aloo dum or cholar dal (chana dal), radha bhallavi offers a festive experience of hearty, authentic Bengali flavours.