By Ujjainee Roy
October 29, 2024
Walnuts are a fantastic ingredient to elevate your Diwali treats, adding richness, texture, and a delightful nutty flavor to both traditional and modern dishes. They’re loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, and protein, making them a nutritious addition to festive feasts. Beyond their health benefits, walnuts also bring a satisfying crunch that pairs well with both savory and sweet flavors. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate walnuts into your Diwali recipes.
Add a twist to traditional modak by stuffing them with finely chopped walnuts, coconut, and a hint of jaggery. The nutty texture and earthy flavor of walnuts blend beautifully with the soft, steamed rice flour shell, giving the modak a delightful crunch with every bite.
Transform your classic aloo or paneer tikkis by coating them in a walnut crust. Crush the walnuts coarsely and press them onto the surface of the tikkis before shallow-frying. The walnut crust adds a delightful crunch and a nutty, buttery taste, perfect for an appetizer with a bit of festive flair.
Surprise your guests with a walnut-based chutney! Blend walnuts with fresh herbs like mint, coriander, green chilies, and a hint of garlic. This creamy, tangy chutney pairs perfectly with dosas, kebabs, or samosas and brings a unique twist to the table.
Make your traditional burfi richer by adding ground walnuts into the mixture. Substitute part of the usual cashews or almonds with walnuts, which will lend a softer texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Garnish with a walnut on top for an added touch of elegance.
Add ground walnuts to your phirni for an elevated texture and nutty flavor. Mix in a hint of rose water, and top the phirni with chopped walnuts and rose petals for a festive and aromatic treat that’s both creamy and crunchy.
For a delightful take on kheer, add a generous handful of chopped walnuts along with saffron strands. The richness of the walnuts pairs perfectly with the creamy milk and the aromatic saffron, creating a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for festive gatherings.