As the glow of diyas fills our homes, the aroma of delicious food brings everyone together. To make your Diwali celebration truly memorable, a platter of perfectly crispy, savoury snacks is essential to balance out the festive sweets.
Classic Murukku or Chakli
No Diwali is complete
without the iconic spiral shape of Murukku, also known as Chakli. This quintessential festive snack, made from rice flour and lentils, offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Seasoned with ajwain (carom seeds) and sesame seeds, its savoury flavour is deeply nostalgic. While traditionally deep-fried, baked versions are also popular for a lighter option. These can be prepared days in advance, making them a fantastic, low-stress addition to your party menu.
Flaky Mathri
A beloved North Indian staple, Mathri is a crisp, flaky biscuit that is perfect for pairing with a hot cup of chai or a tangy pickle. Made from a simple dough of flour, water, and spices like ajwain, the secret to its texture lies in adding ghee or oil (a technique called 'moyan') and frying it on a low flame. This slow frying process ensures the mathri cooks through evenly, resulting in a perfectly crisp snack that stays fresh for weeks when stored in an airtight container.
Diamond-Cut Namak Para
Namak Para are diamond-shaped, deep-fried crackers that are incredibly addictive and easy to make in large batches. The firm dough, typically made from all-purpose or whole wheat flour, is seasoned with carom seeds and black pepper before being rolled out and cut. Frying them until they are golden brown gives them their signature crunch. Like Mathri, Namak Para has a long shelf life, making it an ideal snack to prepare ahead of the festive rush.
A Healthier Take: Baked Samosas
While everyone loves a classic deep fried samosa, a baked version offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing much of the flavour. These are perfect for parties as they can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before guests arrive. The filling, a flavourful mix of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes paneer, is wrapped in either a homemade whole wheat pastry or store bought wrappers for convenience. Brushing them with a little oil before baking helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
Crunchy Masala Vada
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, Masala Vada is an excellent choice. These are crunchy fritters made from a coarse paste of chana dal (split chickpeas), onions, fennel seeds, and other spices. Unlike softer vadas, the texture here is meant to be robustly crispy on the outside. They are best served hot, straight from the pan, alongside a cooling coconut or mint chutney. Because they are a last minute item, they bring a fresh, hot element to your snack table.
Light & Airy Poha Chivda
Poha Chivda is a crunchy, savoury trail mix made with flattened rice (poha). It’s a versatile snack that can be as simple or complex as you like. The poha is either lightly roasted or fried until crisp and then tossed with fried peanuts, roasted chana dal, curry leaves, and a mix of spices. It’s incredibly light and can be made in large quantities, making it perfect for guests to munch on throughout the festivities.
