The festive season brings with it a calendar full of Diwali parties, family get-togethers and evenings spent catching up with friends. While decorations, music and festive outfits set the mood, food remains
an integral part of these celebrations. Planning a party menu that is delicious, interesting and easy to put together, however, can leave you scratching your head.
If you are looking for something beyond the usual chips and samosas, these 6 savoury snack ideas are worth trying. They are simple to prepare, look impressive when served and are perfect for a Diwali gathering.
Chaat Dip
Give everyone’s favourite Indian street food a party-friendly makeover with a chaat dip. Layer hung curd or thick yoghurt with green chutney, sweet tamarind chutney, chopped onions, tomatoes and boiled chickpeas. Add a sprinkle of chaat masala, roasted cumin powder and red chilli powder, and finish with sev, pomegranate seeds and fresh coriander. Serve it in a shallow bowl with papdi, nachos or crisp pita chips on the side. It brings together familiar chaat flavours in a format that guests can easily scoop and share.
Noodles Samosa
If you enjoy experimenting with traditional snacks, noodles samosas are a fun addition to the Diwali menu. Prepare a filling with cooked noodles tossed with finely chopped vegetables, spring onions, soy sauce and a little chilli sauce. Allow the mixture to cool before stuffing it into samosa pastry sheets. Fold into small triangles, seal the edges and deep-fry until golden and crisp. You can also air-fry or bake them for a lighter version. Serve hot with spicy schezwan chutney or a classic mint dip.
Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
Cheese-stuffed mushrooms are a convenient bite-sized snack that can add a touch of elegance to your party spread. Remove the stems from button mushrooms and fill the cavities with a mixture of grated cheese, chopped garlic, herbs, chilli flakes and breadcrumbs. Arrange them on a baking tray and bake until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese filling turns golden. Finish with a little fresh parsley or coriander. These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before guests arrive, so they are served warm.
Dabeli Bites
Turn the flavours of a popular Gujarati street food into a party appetiser with dabeli bites served in mini tart shells. Prepare a traditional dabeli potato filling with mashed potatoes, dabeli masala, tamarind chutney and a little sweetness. Spoon the mixture into ready-made or homemade savoury tart shells. Top with chopped onions, roasted peanuts, pomegranate seeds, sev and fresh coriander. The crisp shell holds the spiced filling neatly, making these small portions easy to serve and eat without the mess of a traditional dabeli.
Potato Churro Bites
For a snack that looks different from the usual potato cutlets, try savoury potato churro bites. Combine mashed potatoes with cornflour, grated cheese, garlic, chilli flakes and seasonings to make a smooth, pipeable mixture. Transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle and pipe short strips onto a tray. Fry until crisp and golden on the outside. Serve these with a cheese dip, spicy mayonnaise or tomato ketchup. Their ridged shape gives them a churro-like appearance, while the soft potato centre makes them an easy crowd-pleaser.
Pani Puri Shots
Bring a playful street-food element to your Diwali party with pani puri shots. Prepare a tangy mint-coriander pani with green chillies, roasted cumin, black salt and lemon juice. Pour it into small shot glasses and serve alongside mini puris, with boiled potato and chickpea filling arranged separately. Guests can assemble their own puris and follow them with a shot of the flavoured pani. You can also set up a small pani puri counter with different flavoured waters, turning a familiar snack into an interactive party experience.
