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As the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi fast approaches this year, households across the country where the elephant god is welcomed, would’ve begun to make sweet and savoury preparations that families can offer during rituals and enjoy feasting on later. As scriptures would have it, Lord Ganesha has been known to be quite the enthusiast when it comes to food, making this a fun occasion to binge on some delicious snacks. Here are seven snacks you can enjoy eating when the hunger pangs strike during the celebrations.
Modak
Considered to be Lord Ganesha's favourite sweet, the modaks are available in innumerable variations and flavours apart from the steamed or fried dumplings made from rice flour or wheat flour, stuffed with sweet fillings like coconut and jaggery. Choose from flavours like chocolate modak, kesar modak, strawberry modak and even a fruity and tangy guava modak to eat as a sweet ending to your meals.
Kachori
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy and flavourful mixture of lentils, spices and sometimes potatoes. Eaten with a medley of chutneys and a healthy drizzle of freshly whisked yoghurt, the kachori is the perfect breakfast or evening snack to enjoy, along with your cup of chai. Top it off with some sev and fresh coriander for extra crunch and flavour.
Chakli
The crispy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour and spices, chakli is a popular savoury snack in many parts of India and is often prepared during festivals. With variations like the murukku also considered to be a great festive offering, the chakli can be made in various flavours and eaten with some green chutney or on its own when you’re craving something salty and crunchy.
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Chivda
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Chivda, also known as namkeen, is a mixture of fried puffed rice, roasted nuts and spices. It can be made in various ways, with different combinations of ingredients, offering a delightful and crunchy snack. Other ingredients in a chivda include deep-fried cornflakes, flattened rice, dried coconut slices, cashew nuts, spicy gram flour sev and even whole cloves of fried garlic.
Karanji
A pastry shell filled with sweetened desiccated coconut, dry fruits and khoya, the karanji is one of the most popular Maharashtrian preparations during Ganesh Chaturthi. With its mild sweetness and nutty flavours, the karanji can be prepared beforehand and stored in air-tight containers for up to a month. Along with the chivda, the karanji is also distributed amongst relatives during the occasion as a way of exchanging homemade delicacies.
Kothimbir Vadi
Image Credits: Geek Robocook
These gram flour-coriander cakes that are steamed and deep-fried, are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Typically eaten with a dry garlic chutney, this Maharashtrian snack is often times served as the go-to snack for guests who visit homes during the Ganpati celebrations.
Sabudana Vada
For devotees who observe a fast during the 11-day festivities, dishes like the sabudana vada or sabudana khichdi soothe the appetite and keep one full for longer. Fasting or not, these crispy-soft vadas are definitely worth a try; perfect to eat as a light evening snack or on days when lunch is still a few hours away from being prepared. Enjoy them when still hot and dip in some green chutney or ketchup for extra taste.
