As the festival of lights approaches, so does the joy of hosting friends and family. A memorable Diwali party is often defined by its food, especially the savoury snacks that keep conversations flowing. Here’s a guide to delight your guests.
The Undisputed Classic: Samosa
No Diwali
snack spread is complete without the mighty samosa. This pyramid-shaped pastry is universally loved for its perfectly crisp and flaky exterior that gives way to a warm, spiced filling. The most common filling is a flavourful mixture of spiced mashed potatoes and peas, but you can also find variations with minced meat, lentils, or even paneer. The texture is a delightful contrast between the crunchy pastry and the soft, flavourful interior. Samosas are typically deep-fried to a golden brown and served hot with tangy tamarind chutney and refreshing mint chutney, balancing the savoury spice with sweet and tangy notes.
The Crunchy Spiral: Murukku & Chakli
For those who crave a satisfying crunch, Murukku, also known as Chakli, is an essential addition. Originating from Southern and Western India, this snack is made from a dough of rice flour, gram flour, and spices like cumin and sesame seeds. The dough is pressed into spiral shapes and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a light, airy, and incredibly crunchy snack with a savoury, mildly spicy flavour. They are highly addictive and perfect for munching on throughout the evening. Their long shelf life also means you can make a large batch ahead of time.
The Soft & Tangy Delight: Dahi Vada
To offer a contrast to the array of fried, crunchy snacks, Dahi Vada provides a cooling, soft, and tangy experience. Known as Dahi Bhalla in North India, this dish consists of soft, spongy lentil fritters (vadas) soaked in creamy, lightly sweetened yogurt (dahi). The vadas, made from ground lentils, are first fried and then soaked in water to make them porous and soft before being submerged in yogurt. The dish is then garnished with a drizzle of sweet tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney, and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder and red chilli powder. This snack is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, offering a beautiful balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavours.
The Flaky Disc: Mathri
Mathri is a traditional Rajasthani snack that has found its place on Diwali platters across the country. It is a flaky, biscuit-like snack made from flour, water, and spices like ajwain (carom seeds) and black pepper. The dough is rolled into small discs and then fried on a low flame until crisp and golden brown. The texture is what makes mathri special; it is not just crunchy but has delicate, flaky layers. Its savoury and sometimes spicy flavour makes it a perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or as a standalone snack. You can also find variations with dried fenugreek leaves (methi) for an added layer of flavour.
The Smoky Bite: Paneer Tikka
For a less traditional but wildly popular party starter, Paneer Tikka is a fantastic choice. It provides a smoky flavour and a soft, chewy texture that contrasts well with other fried snacks. Cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), along with chunks of bell peppers and onions, are marinated in a yogurt and spice mixture. The marinade typically includes ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, garam masala, and chilli powder. These are then skewered and grilled or baked until the paneer is golden and slightly charred at the edges. It is a healthier, non-fried option that is full of flavour and can be prepared in an air fryer for convenience.
The Puffed Pastry: Kachori
Kachori is another deep-fried delight that is a must'-have for festive occasions. It is a round, flattened ball made of flour and filled with a variety of spicy stuffings. The most popular versions are Khasta Kachori, which has a flaky, brittle crust and a filling of spiced moong dal, and Pyaaz Kachori, filled with a spicy onion mixture. The texture is a journey from a crisp, often flaky outer layer to a savoury, sometimes granular filling. Like samosas, kachoris are often served with chutneys, offering a burst of tangy and spicy flavours with every bite.
