Aloo Tikki Magic
Aloo Tikki, a beloved Indian street food, transforms effortlessly into a party appetizer. These crispy potato patties, seasoned with aromatic spices, are
a delight for all ages. Prepare by boiling and mashing potatoes, then adding ginger-garlic paste, chopped green chilies, and a blend of spices like coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Shape the mixture into small patties and shallow-fry or pan-fry until golden brown. Serve hot with mint-coriander chutney and tamarind chutney for a burst of flavors.
Samosa Sensations
Samosas, with their flaky pastry and savory filling, are a staple at Indian celebrations. The filling typically consists of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes lentils. Begin by making the dough with all-purpose flour (maida), salt, and carom seeds (ajwain), then knead with water until it forms a smooth dough. Roll out the dough, cut it into circles, and fill each with the potato mixture. Fold the circles into triangles, sealing the edges carefully. Deep-fry the samosas until they turn golden brown. Serve with chutney for an enhanced taste.
Paneer Tikka Bites
For paneer lovers, paneer tikka is a crowd-pleaser. Cubes of paneer are marinated in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a vibrant blend of spices, including turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Allow the paneer to marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, either grill the marinated paneer cubes or pan-fry them until slightly charred. Serve these flavorful bites hot, often with a side of green chutney and onions.
Vegetable Pakoras
Vegetable pakoras are a quick and easy snack, perfect for last-minute preparations. A variety of vegetables like onions, potatoes, spinach, and cauliflower are coated in a batter made of gram flour (besan), spices, and a pinch of baking soda for a crispy texture. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and deep-fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve these crunchy delights with mint-coriander chutney and a cup of hot tea.
Dahi Puri Delight
Dahi puri provides a burst of flavors and textures. These bite-sized snacks consist of crispy, hollow puris filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and chutneys. Top with a dollop of sweetened yogurt (dahi) and a sprinkle of sev (crispy noodles) for the perfect finish. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy elements makes it a delightful snack for your Diwali party.
Dhokla Delights
Dhokla, a steamed savory cake, is a light and healthy snack option. Made from fermented batter of rice and chana dal, dhokla is steamed to perfection, offering a soft, spongy texture. The dhokla is typically tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. Serve it with green chutney and a cup of chai.
Kachori Varieties
Kachoris, a flaky pastry filled with savory fillings, offer a variety of tastes, depending on the filling chosen. The filling often comprises spiced lentils or a mix of vegetables. The dough is made with all-purpose flour, and the kachoris are deep-fried until they puff up and turn golden brown. Serve them with chutney.
Chaat Combinations
Chaat offers a diverse range of flavors. You can assemble various chaat options using ingredients like puffed rice (bhel), sev, chutneys, and boiled potatoes. A popular choice is bhel puri, where puffed rice is mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and chutneys. Another option is papdi chaat, featuring crispy papdis (flatbreads) topped with potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and chutneys. The variety allows guests to sample several different tastes.
Hara Bhara Kabab
Hara bhara kababs are another delicious option, consisting of patties made with spinach, potatoes, and other vegetables. These kababs are seasoned with spices and herbs, then shallow-fried or pan-fried until golden. Serve these soft kababs with a dip of mint-coriander chutney and onions to provide a taste that everyone will enjoy.
Methi Mathri Snacks
Methi mathri, a flaky and crispy snack, is flavored with dried fenugreek leaves (methi). Made from all-purpose flour, these are seasoned with spices and deep-fried until golden. Serve mathri snacks with your favorite beverage to savor a perfect taste.
Murukku Munchies
Murukku is a crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour and urad dal. The dough is prepared and then pressed into the distinctive spiral shapes. These are deep-fried until they are golden brown and crispy. Murukku offers a satisfying crunch and is a favorite snack to have during Diwali.
Gulab Jamun Treats
No Diwali celebration is complete without the sweets. For a vegetarian Diwali party, consider adding Gulab Jamun to the list. These are soft, deep-fried balls made from milk solids and dipped in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water. These are a sweet and delicious end to the savory snacks served during the festival of lights.
