Diwali is a time to get together with family and friends and indulge in the festive food. While samosas and pakoras are always a hit, why not surprise your guests this year with something new? Enter rice paper, an ingredient associated with Asian cuisine but versatile enough to give your Diwali menu a fresh spin. These thin sheets can be filled, rolled and fried to create a variety of innovative starters that are not only pretty but also flavourful.
You might think rice paper is only for spring rolls but it is so much more. With the right fillings and techniques, you can adapt it to Indian flavours like paneer tikka or even spiced potato chaat.
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The crunch of fried rice paper with the richness of Indian spices can take your appetiser game to a whole new level. This Diwali do not just stick to the tried and true recipes; experiment with rice paper to make your celebration special. It is the perfect way to merge global trends with Indian festive traditions and bring excitement and innovation to your party starters.
Rice Paper Dishes For Diwali Party
Paneer Tikka Rice Paper Rolls
A perfect and delicious mix of Indian and Asian cuisine, these paneer tikka rice paper rolls are a good option for party starters. Star with marinated paneer cubes in yoghurt, spices and lemon juice. Grill or sauté them until charred and flavourful and then soak rice paper sheets in warm water, then layer with lettuce, grilled paneer and chaat masala. Roll tight, slice and serve with mint chutney as an appetiser.
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Spiced Vegetable Spring Rolls
Spiced Vegetable Spring Rolls are a colourful mix of vegetables, making these spring rolls a healthy and tasty option. To make them sauté chopped carrots, bell peppers and cabbage with garlic, ginger and soy sauce. Once cooled, place the mixture on rice paper, fold and roll. Deep fry until golden brown for a crunchy texture. Serve with tamarind sauce for an extra zing.
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Potato Chaat Rice Paper Bites
Potato Chaat Rice Paper Bites is a flavourful fusion of aloo chaat and rice paper, with a crispy texture and sweet and spicy taste. Start by boiling and mashing potatoes, then mix with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies and spices. Make small patties and place them on rice paper sheets, fold and roll tight, then pan fry until crispy. Top with yoghurt, sweet chutney and sev for a festive touch.
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Also Read: 4 Delicious Ways Of Having Rice Paper
Prawn and Avocado Rice Paper Rolls
For a seafood twist, use cooked prawns and ripe avocado for the rice paper filling. Put the prawns and avocado slices on softened rice paper, and add some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. Roll tightly and serve chilled Prawn and Avocado Rice Paper Rolls with sriracha sauce.
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Chickpea Salad Rice Paper Wraps
Give the boring salad a twist of rice paper by making Chickpea Salad Rice Paper Wraps. These are healthy, super tasty and perfect for a light starter. To make the starter, mix canned chickpeas with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and spices. Spoon the salad onto rice paper sheets, fold and roll them up.
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Methi Malai Chicken Rice Paper Rolls
A creamy and aromatic chicken dish transformed into an elegant appetiser. Cook marinated chicken pieces in a rich gravy made of fenugreek leaves and cream. Once cooled, fill softened rice paper sheets with the chicken mixture, roll them up, and lightly pan-fried. Serve with a side of mint yoghurt for a delectable experience.
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As you gear up for Diwali, try these rice paper dishes on your menu. They are a refreshing change from the usual snacks and allow you to experiment with different flavours and ingredients. Each dish has a unique taste and presentation that will surely impress your guests and add a modern touch to your spread.