traditional Diwali recipes
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Traditional Diwali recipes Diwali recipes

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is synonymous with joy, celebration, and of course, delicious food! One of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is by preparing and sharing traditional Diwali recipes with family and friends. From sweet treats to savory snacks, these time-honored dishes are sure to make your Diwali celebrations extra special. Here’s a collection of some must-try Diwali recipes that reflect the essence of the festival.

1. Kaju Katli

Kaju Katli is one of the most beloved Diwali sweets and a favorite in Indian households. Made from cashews, sugar, and ghee, this rich, melt-in-your-mouth dessert is a must-have during the festive season. The diamond-shaped slices of Kaju Katli are often gifted to friends and family as a symbol of sweet beginnings.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cashew nuts (ground into powder)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon ghee
  • Silver leaf for garnish (optional)
Method:
  1. Heat water and sugar in a pan to make syrup until it reaches one-string consistency.
  2. Add the powdered cashew nuts and stir continuously to form a dough-like consistency.
  3. Grease a flat surface with ghee, pour the mixture, and roll it out.
  4. Cut into diamond shapes and garnish with silver leaf.

Serve this classic Diwali mithai to impress your guests with its rich and delicate flavor.

2. Chakli (Murukku)

Chakli, also known as Murukku in South India, is a crunchy and savory snack that’s widely prepared during Diwali. Made from rice flour and spices, this snack is deep-fried to crispy perfection and can be stored for days.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1/4 cup chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Water for kneading
  • Oil for frying
Method:
  1. Mix rice flour, chickpea flour, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and butter.
  2. Add water gradually and knead into a soft dough.
  3. Using a chakli maker, press the dough into spiral shapes.
  4. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.

Chakli is the perfect Diwali snack to enjoy with your family during the festivities.

3. Gulab Jamun

No Diwali feast is complete without the indulgence of Gulab Jamun, the ever-popular sweet made from khoya (reduced milk) and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. This soft, melt-in-the-mouth dessert is often the highlight of any festive meal.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup khoya (mawa)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 4-5 cardamom pods
  • Ghee for frying
Method:
  1. Mix khoya, flour, and baking powder to form a smooth dough.
  2. Shape the dough into small balls.
  3. Fry the balls in ghee over medium heat until golden brown.
  4. Prepare sugar syrup by heating water, sugar, and cardamom pods.
  5. Soak the fried Gulab Jamuns in warm sugar syrup for at least an hour before serving.

This Diwali sweet is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

4. Samosa

Samosas are a universally loved Diwali snack, known for their crispy outer layer and spicy potato filling. This classic savory treat can be served with tamarind chutney or mint chutney for added flavor.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons oil (for dough)
  • 4-5 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • Oil for frying
Method:
  1. Prepare dough by mixing flour, oil, and water. Set aside to rest.
  2. Heat oil, add cumin seeds, and sauté the mashed potatoes with garam masala, coriander powder, and ginger.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut into small discs. Fill each with the potato mixture and fold into triangular shapes.
  4. Fry until golden and crispy.

Samosas are a must-have on your Diwali food menu, offering a savory balance to the sweets.

5. Besan Ladoo

Besan Ladoo is a quintessential Diwali sweet, made from roasted chickpea flour, sugar, and ghee. These sweet, aromatic balls are incredibly easy to make and are always a hit during the festival season.

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups chickpea flour (besan)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup ghee
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
  • Nuts for garnish
Method:
  1. Heat ghee in a pan and roast the chickpea flour on low flame until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
  2. Add cardamom powder and powdered sugar to the mixture, stirring continuously.
  3. Remove from heat, allow it to cool slightly, and shape the mixture into small ladoos.
  4. Garnish with nuts.

Besan Ladoo is one of the easiest and most flavorful sweets you can make for Diwali.

6. Shakarpara

Shakarpara is a crispy, sweet snack made from all-purpose flour, sugar, and ghee. These diamond-shaped, bite-sized treats are fried to perfection and are an absolute favorite during Diwali.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ghee
  • Water for kneading
  • Oil for frying
Method:
  1. Mix the flour, ghee, and sugar to form a dough.
  2. Roll out the dough and cut into diamond shapes.
  3. Fry until golden brown and crispy.

Shakarpara is the ideal sweet snack to enjoy with tea during the Diwali festivities.

Conclusion

Diwali is the perfect occasion to indulge in delicious and traditional Indian recipes that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re enjoying the sweetness of Kaju Katli and Gulab Jamun or savoring savory snacks like Samosas and Chakli, these dishes capture the true essence of the Festival of Lights. Preparing these traditional Diwali recipes not only brings joy to the table but also preserves the cultural significance of this beloved festival.

This Diwali, embark on a flavorful journey with these mouth-watering recipes and make your celebrations extra special. Happy Diwali!