As the clock ticks down to midnight and everyone gathers to ring in the New Year, food plays a central role in setting the mood. A well-planned menu can add extra joy to the celebration, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with some delicious, quick snacks? These snacks are not only mouth-watering but also easy to make, so you won’t be spending the whole evening in the kitchen.
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Whether you’re throwing a big party or having a small gathering, these 6 snacks will surely please your guests and keep everyone coming back for more. From crunchy appetisers to spicy delights, these dishes are the perfect balance of flavour and convenience, making your New Year’s bash unforgettable. In this article, dive into these quick and simple snack ideas!
Paneer Cigar Roll
Paneer Cigar Rolls are a fun, crispy snack that combines the richness of paneer with the crunch of fried pastry. These rolls are an excellent vegetarian option and are loved by everyone. To make them, simply take paneer (Indian cottage cheese), crumble it, and mix it with spices like cumin, garam masala, and a bit of chilli powder. You can also add finely chopped vegetables like carrots or capsicum for a crunchy bite.
Once the filling is ready, roll it up in spring roll wrappers and seal the edges with a little water. Fry them until golden brown and serve hot with a tangy mint chutney or a sweet and sour tamarind dip. These crispy rolls are sure to be a hit at your New Year's party!
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Mutton 65
Mutton 65 is a flavourful, spicy dish that packs a punch. This snack is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavours and a bit of heat. To make Mutton 65, marinate small pieces of mutton with a mix of ginger-garlic paste, yoghurt, red chilli powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Let it marinate for at least an hour so the flavours infuse into the meat.
Once marinated, deep fry the mutton pieces until they’re crispy and golden on the outside but tender on the inside. Garnish with fresh curry leaves and serve with a side of onion rings or a cool yoghurt dip. Mutton 65 is a delicious choice that will spice up your New Year’s celebration.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Chicken Potli
If you're looking for something unique and tasty, Chicken Potli is a great choice. These little pockets are packed with minced chicken, flavoured with aromatic spices, and wrapped in a thin dough, making them both delicious and fun to eat. Start by preparing the chicken filling—cook minced chicken with onions, ginger, garlic, garam masala, and a touch of chilli powder. Add chopped cilantro for freshness.
Once the filling is ready, roll out small portions of dough and place the filling inside. Fold the dough to create a potli shape, making sure the filling is securely wrapped. Deep fry the potlis until they turn golden and crisp. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for your party spread and sure to be a crowd favourite.
Chilli Garlic Potato Bites
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Chilli Garlic Potato Bites are a simple yet flavourful snack that combines the comfort of potatoes with the heat of chillies and the aromatic punch of garlic. To make these bites, boil potatoes and mash them up with finely chopped garlic, green chillies, and cilantro. Add breadcrumbs to bind the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
Shape the mixture into small round bites and shallow fry them until they’re golden and crispy. Drizzle with a bit of chili sauce or sprinkle some chaat masala for extra flavour. These spicy potato bites will add a zing to your New Year’s bash.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Aloo Tokri Chaat
Aloo Tokri Chaat is a delightful combination of crispy potato baskets filled with a mix of flavourful ingredients. To make the potato baskets, grate potatoes and press them into muffin tins or small moulds, shaping them into little baskets. Bake or fry these potato baskets until they’re crispy and golden.
Fill the baskets with a mixture of chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and yoghurt. Add some tamarind chutney and top with sev (crispy chickpea noodles) for added crunch. This snack is a beautiful mix of textures and tastes—crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy. Aloo Tokri Chaat is not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes, making it a great addition to your New Year’s party table.
Onion Rings
Onion Rings are a classic snack that never fails to impress. They’re crispy, golden, and full of flavour. To make onion rings, slice onions into rings and dip them in a seasoned flour mixture. You can add some garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs for extra flavour.
After coating the onion rings in the flour mixture, dip them in a batter made of flour, cornstarch, and water. Fry them until they’re golden and crispy. Serve with a side of tangy ketchup or a creamy dip. Onion rings are always a favourite at any party, and they’re easy to prepare, making them perfect for a quick New Year’s snack.