Savory Starters: Crunch & Spice
The savory selections kick off the Diwali feast with their diverse textures and flavors. Spicy Methi Potatoes bring a zesty kick, combining the earthiness
of potatoes with the fragrant methi. Thenkuzhal, with its spiral shape, offers a satisfying crunch, making it an irresistible snack. These savory options are ideal for satisfying your cravings with a medley of flavors and textures, preparing the taste buds for the sweet journey ahead. These snacks are a staple, often served as starters for the festivities.
Thenkuzhal: A Delightful Crunch
Thenkuzhal, a beloved snack during Diwali, stands out with its intricate, coiled shape and delightfully crispy texture. This snack is created from a mixture of rice flour, urad dal flour, and spices. After the dough is prepared, it is carefully shaped into spiral patterns and deep-fried to golden perfection. The result is a satisfying crunch that makes it the perfect accompaniment to the sweet treats. It is a traditional snack, usually made at home, and eaten with family.
Cham Cham: Sweet & Creamy
Cham Cham is a classic Indian sweet that embodies a blend of creamy and rich flavors. These sweets are often made from paneer, providing a soft and velvety interior. Cham Cham are simmered in sugar syrup, absorbing a sweet essence. The treats are usually coated with grated coconut or a variety of nuts, which provides a contrasting texture and a beautiful presentation. It is a dessert that is often made during festivals. It is a rich and appealing dessert to include in any Diwali spread.
Mullu Thengoyal: Coconut Goodness
Mullu Thengoyal, a variation of thengoyal, infuses the traditional snack with the delicate taste of coconut. These are crafted with the base ingredients of Thenkuzhal, but add grated coconut. The addition of coconut enhances the flavor, contributing to a distinctive taste and aroma. Each bite offers a pleasant mix of crunchy texture from the basic dough, complemented by the soft, moist touch of coconut. Mullu Thengoyal is enjoyed during Diwali due to its perfect balance of flavors.
Milk Powder Ras Malai
Milk powder Ras Malai is an inventive take on the classic Indian dessert, and it offers a time-efficient alternative to the traditional methods. Prepared with milk powder, this variant provides a quick and accessible option. The milk powder is mixed with other ingredients to create soft, spongy cheese balls, that are then soaked in a sweetened, flavored milk base. The resulting dessert is known for its creamy texture and rich, milky taste. This dessert, provides the same appeal as traditional Ras Malai, but with reduced preparation time, making it ideal during the bustling Diwali season.
Gulab Jamun: Sweet Indulgence
Gulab Jamun holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, a symbol of sweetness. Made from milk solids, the dough is shaped into round balls. These are deep-fried until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. After frying, they are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup, infused with cardamom and rose water. The result is a dessert that has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, which is wonderfully balanced by the sugary syrup, providing a rich and delightful experience. Gulab Jamun is a must-have sweet during Diwali, often enjoyed with family.
Coconut 🥥 Milk Thengoyal
Coconut 🥥 Milk Thengoyal is a variation that blends the essence of coconut milk with the traditional preparation of Thenkuzhal. The use of coconut milk imparts a subtle sweetness and creaminess, which complements the crunchy texture of the Thenkuzhal. The addition of coconut milk enhances the overall taste profile, creating a more complex and satisfying snack. This variation offers a unique flavor twist, making it a popular choice. This unique creation adds variety to the Diwali snack spread.
Seven Cup Cake
Seven Cup Cake is a festive dessert, celebrated for its unique blend of textures and flavors. It is a simple recipe, involving seven equal parts of the ingredients. The cake offers a chewy, yet tender texture. The proportions and method of preparation yield a dessert that is rich and satisfying. It represents the spirit of togetherness, because this dessert is easily shared with friends and family. Its unique flavor profile and simple preparation make it a perfect treat for the Diwali festival.
Muthusaram | Mullu Murukku
Muthusaram and Mullu Murukku are two distinct but equally delicious snacks, and are very popular during Diwali. Muthusaram offers a delicate and airy texture, making it a delightful snack. Mullu Murukku, on the other hand, provides a crunchy texture. Both snacks are prepared using rice flour and spices, and are deep-fried to perfection. The contrast in textures and flavors enhances the Diwali snack spread, providing options for different preferences. These snacks are a cornerstone of any festive gathering.
Badusha: A Layered Delight
Badusha is a sweet that stands out for its flaky layers and sugary glaze. Made from a combination of flour and ghee, the dough is shaped into small, round shapes and deep-fried until golden brown. Once fried, Badusha is soaked in sugar syrup, allowing the syrup to seep into the layers. The outcome is a treat that balances a crispy exterior with a soft, syrup-soaked interior. Badusha is a testament to the art of Indian confectionery, offering a rich and satisfying sweet. It's often enjoyed with the entire family.