Diwali, the festival of lights, is almost here. We wait for the whole year to celebrate this auspicious festival with great fervour and pomp. From bursting the colourful crakers to having a gala platter, we enjoy those five days that start with Dhanteras and end with Bhai Dooj. It falls on the 15th day of the Kartik month—the darkest night of the year—as per the Hindu lunar calendar.
Hindus celebrate Diwali by decorating their homes with light and diyas, eating sweets and snacks, exchanging gifts, wearing new clothes, and many more. As foodies, whenever we hear about a festival, especially one like Diwali, the first thing that comes to mind is delicious and authentic dishes. Among all the rituals practiced, we most importantly visit a relative or friend’s home for the Diwali party. Diwali parties are what we wait for throughout the year, which, apart from comprising dinner and drinks, are filled with snacks.
Read More: Celebrate This Diwali In Haryanvi Style
As a host, if you’re confused about what snacks to make in a hurry to welcome your guests, we are here to help you. In this article, we’ll provide you with simple snack recipes that are delicious and can be made in less than 30 minutes. Why wait? Delve into these dishes below:
- Nachos Chaat With Veggies And Sprouts
Why have only nachos on a festive day? Let’s improvise the casual nachos into a delicious and healthy nacho chaat. This chaat not only comprises nachos but also quite a few veggies and sprouts. All you need for this recipe is boiled sweet corn and potatoes, carrots, capsicum, onions, and tomato ketchup. Garnish this beautiful chaat with coriander leaves.
- Oriental Basil Chicken Cups
These delectable morsels typically feature tender chicken bites seasoned with aromatic ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The star of the dish is the fragrant and fresh Thai basil, which is infused with the chicken. The mixture is then served in crisp lettuce cups.
- Popcorn Shrimp
The love for shrimp and popcorn can be experienced together in this authentic dish. This dish features a crisp and crunchy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The small shrimp are coated with a seasoned batter or breadcrumb mixture, which is then deep-fried to perfection. This appetiser can be served with a dipping sauce like cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, or even zesty aioli.
- Green Chilli Prawns
This is one of the spiciest and greenest-coloured prawn recipes that can be easily enjoyed at your Diwali party. It is made with prawns that are lightly tossed in oil and then cooked in a green paste made with mint leaves, coriander leaves, green chillies, and garlic. Enjoy this snack recipe with a glass of wine or cocktail.
- Masala Peanuts
These are the crunchy little pieces of happiness. If you want to munch on something light, this is the perfect option for you. These bite-sized, roasted peanuts are generously coated in a savoury blend of aromatic spices, such as cumin, chilli, and a hint of tangy lemon or amchur. You and your guests will enjoy the nutty flavour of peanuts.
- Mini Idli Chaat
This is a delightful twist on the regular South Indian idli. In this mouthwatering preparation, mini idlis take centre stage. They are typically dressed in a medley of tangy and flavorful ingredients like spicy mint chutney, sweet tamarind sauce, yoghurt, and an array of aromatic spices. It is often garnished with chopped coriander, grated coconut, and crunchy sev.
- Lehsuni Paneer Tikka
What sets this recipe apart from regular paneer tikka is the use of a large amount of garlic. The paneer cubes are marinated in yoghurt and other aromatic spices and an abundance of minced garlic, infusing them with a robust and savoury taste. The marinated paneer is then skewered and grilled, resulting in a smoky char and a delightful blend of textures. The dish is typically served with a drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chaat masala.