Aromatic Veggie Samosas
Veggie samosas, a quintessential Diwali starter, start with a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a flavorful interior. The filling typically
comprises spiced potatoes, peas, and various aromatic spices, all encased in a flaky pastry. Creating these samosas involves a few key steps. First, the filling needs to be prepared by boiling the potatoes until tender, then mashing them and mixing in the peas, onions, and spices. Once this mixture has cooled, the pastry dough, either homemade or store-bought, is shaped into cones. The filling is carefully spooned into each cone, and the edges are sealed securely to prevent the filling from escaping. Then, the samosas are deep-fried until they turn golden brown, ensuring that they are crisp from every angle. Serve these hot, with tamarind chutney and mint coriander chutney for the complete experience. These samosas are not only delicious but also visually appealing, their rich golden hue perfectly embodying the festive spirit of Diwali, making them an excellent choice for a delightful start to your Diwali celebrations.
Flavorful Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is another fantastic starter, celebrated for its rich, smoky flavor and soft texture. The process commences with cubing the paneer, then marinating the paneer cubes in a spiced yogurt mixture, usually consisting of ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. This marinade not only infuses the paneer with flavor but also tenderizes it, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience. After marinating for at least 30 minutes, the paneer cubes are traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven, which imparts a distinctive smoky flavor. However, the paneer tikka can also be cooked on a griddle or in an oven for those who do not have a tandoor. When cooking on a griddle or in an oven, it's essential to ensure that the paneer is evenly cooked and lightly charred on all sides. Once cooked, the paneer tikka is often garnished with chopped coriander leaves and served hot, typically alongside mint chutney or a refreshing raita. The delightful blend of smoky flavors and spices makes paneer tikka a popular choice to welcome your guests during Diwali.
Crispy Aloo Tikki Chaat
Aloo tikki chaat is a beloved Indian street food and a perfect addition to a Diwali starter spread. This dish begins with preparing the aloo tikkis, which are potato patties. These are made by boiling and mashing potatoes, then mixing them with spices such as coriander powder, cumin powder, and red chili powder, along with a binder like breadcrumbs or cornstarch to ensure the tikkis hold their shape. The mixture is then shaped into patties and shallow-fried or pan-fried until golden brown and crispy. Once the aloo tikkis are ready, they are assembled with various toppings and chutneys. Typically, they are topped with tamarind chutney for sweetness, mint coriander chutney for freshness, and a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. Sev, small crispy gram flour noodles, are sprinkled on top for an added crunch, completing the dish. This chaat offers a fantastic blend of textures and tastes: the crispy aloo tikki, the tangy chutneys, the creamy yogurt, and the crunchy sev. It's a delightful, flavorful option that's sure to be a hit with your guests during Diwali.
Refreshing Dahi Bhalla
Dahi bhalla, also known as dahi vada, is a light and cooling dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of Diwali. The base of this dish involves preparing soft, fluffy lentil fritters, known as vadas. The vadas are typically made from a batter of soaked and ground urad dal (black gram), which is then mixed with spices and deep-fried until golden. Once fried, the vadas are soaked in water to soften them. The next step is arranging the soft vadas on a plate and topping them generously with creamy, sweetened yogurt. The yogurt adds a cooling contrast to the flavors, making this dish exceptionally refreshing. The dahi bhallas are then garnished with various toppings. Tamarind chutney adds a tangy and sweet element, mint coriander chutney provides a fresh flavor, and roasted cumin powder and red chili powder add a touch of spice. This dish is often sprinkled with chaat masala for an additional layer of flavour. The combination of textures and flavours - the soft vadas, the creamy yogurt, and the sweet and spicy chutneys - makes dahi bhalla an irresistible starter to enjoy during your Diwali celebrations.
Spicy Vegetable Manchurian
Vegetable Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that adds a delightful twist to the traditional Diwali starters. It starts with creating vegetable balls, also known as 'manchurian balls.' These balls consist of finely chopped vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and capsicum, which are mixed with a binding agent such as cornstarch or all-purpose flour, along with spices like ginger-garlic paste and chili powder. These are then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The Manchurian sauce is the soul of this dish. It is made with a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce, along with other aromatics like ginger, garlic, and green chilies. The fried vegetable balls are then tossed in this flavourful sauce, allowing them to absorb the tangy and spicy flavours. The result is a dish that offers a perfect balance of textures: crispy vegetable balls coated in a flavorful, slightly saucy gravy. Garnish the Manchurian with chopped spring onions for a burst of freshness and visual appeal. This dish brings a unique flavour profile to the Diwali spread, enhancing the festive experience with its exciting and delicious taste.
Colorful Fruit Chaat
Fruit chaat provides a light, refreshing, and healthy option for a Diwali starter, adding a vibrant touch to the festive menu. This dish is made by combining a variety of fresh fruits, such as apples, bananas, grapes, pomegranates, and oranges, all cut into bite-sized pieces. The choice of fruits can be customized based on preference and seasonal availability. The fruit is then tossed in a flavorful dressing or seasoning. Typically, this includes a blend of chaat masala, which provides a tangy and savory flavour, a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness, and sometimes a pinch of black salt. Fresh mint leaves can also be added for a refreshing touch. The mixture is gently mixed to ensure that all the fruits are evenly coated with the chaat masala. Fruit chaat is often served chilled, making it a refreshing palate cleanser amidst the rich and savory Diwali dishes. The dish's colourful presentation and light, refreshing taste make it an appealing and healthy choice, perfectly complementing the other rich and indulgent Diwali starters, ensuring that your guests have a well-rounded and delightful culinary experience.
Masala Papad: Quick Treat
Masala papad is a quick and easy-to-make starter that adds a crispy element to your Diwali feast. This dish starts with papads, thin, crispy wafers made from lentil flour. These papads can be roasted over an open flame, microwaved, or shallow-fried until they become crispy. Once the papads are ready, they are topped with a variety of ingredients, turning a simple snack into a flavourful treat. Finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chilies are the typical base of the toppings, providing a fresh, crunchy, and slightly spicy element. The toppings are often seasoned with chaat masala, which adds a tangy and savoury flavour, along with a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of freshness. Coriander leaves are added for colour and an extra layer of flavour. This dish is not only easy to make but also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the level of spiciness according to your guests' preferences. Masala papad is a simple yet impactful starter that adds a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavour to your Diwali celebrations, offering a delightful contrast to the other richer dishes.
