Sweet Start: Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun, a beloved Indian dessert, holds a special place in Diwali celebrations. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth balls of dough are deep-fried and soaked
in a fragrant sugar syrup. The recipe often uses milk solids (khoya) or milk powder, making it a relatively simple dessert to prepare. For a lighter version, skimmed milk powder can be used without compromising the taste. The key to perfect Gulab Jamuns is achieving the right texture and soaking time, ensuring they absorb the syrup thoroughly. Whether homemade or store-bought, these sweet treats are a must-have for Diwali festivities.
Savory Crunch: Mullu Murukku
Mullu Murukku, also known as 'spiky murukku,' is a delightful savory snack often enjoyed during Diwali. Its unique shape and crispy texture make it a popular choice. This snack is typically made from rice flour and urad dal flour, seasoned with spices like asafoetida (hing) and sesame seeds. The dough is pressed into spiral shapes using a murukku maker and deep-fried until golden brown. Mullu Murukku provides a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor, making it an excellent accompaniment to any Diwali gathering. Various recipes offer different methods and ratios, so finding the perfect mullu murukku recipe is a delightful quest.
Thengoyal and Coconut Magic
Thenkuzhal, or 'thread kuzhal,' is another popular snack for Diwali, and its coconut milk variation is particularly enticing. Made from rice flour and urad dal, it is seasoned with spices and is shaped using a murukku maker. The dough is then deep-fried. Coconut milk thengoyal brings a unique, subtle sweetness and rich texture to the traditional recipe. The crispy spirals are easy to make and are often enjoyed with tea or coffee. This snack is a crowd-pleaser and adds a layer of tropical flavour to the festive platter. Its appealing texture and flavour will captivate anyone.
Classic Favorites: Mysorepak
Mysorepak, a traditional South Indian sweet, is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich taste. This sweet is made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar, which are cooked to perfection. The process involves creating a thick syrup, adding roasted gram flour, and then stirring in generous amounts of ghee until the mixture achieves a porous, honeycomb-like structure. The golden-brown sweet is then cooled and cut into squares. Mysorepak is a testament to the art of Indian confectionery, bringing a delightful buttery flavor and a unique texture to the Diwali table. It's a sweet treat that is instantly recognizable and loved for its indulgence.
More Sweet Options
This Diwali, the treats extend far beyond those mentioned already. Other options include Seepu Seedai, and the classic Seven Cup Cake. Ras Malai and Rasgollas offer further variety, representing the creamy and sweet options. Jilebi, with its spiral shape and sweet syrup, is another traditional Diwali sweet. And if you're looking for something different, consider Badusha and Muthusaram. Many recipes offer options to use milk powder, creating ease without sacrificing taste. These diverse sweets ensure there's something to please every palate this Diwali.
Savoury Delights: Besan Murukku
For those who prefer a savory kick, Spicy Besan Murukku is an excellent choice. Made from gram flour (besan), this snack is seasoned with spices like chili powder, asafoetida, and other aromatic ingredients, giving it a spicy flavour. The dough is shaped into spiral forms and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Besan Murukku provides a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the other Diwali treats. The snack offers a crunchy texture and satisfying taste, making it an ideal choice for the snack lovers in the group. This snack offers a contrast and balance.
Murukku Variations Galore
The world of murukku offers several tempting variations. Magizhampoo murukku and Magizhampoo Thenkuzhal, bring unique flavor profiles to the mix, offering delicate twists on the traditional recipe. These variations often incorporate different flours, spices, and methods, resulting in different textures and tastes. Each version provides its unique flavour, making it a joy to explore and compare. This diversity helps enhance the Diwali experience.
