One of the most loved Indian festivals, Diwali, is right around the corner. And nothing feels more like home than celebrating the festival of lights in the most Indian way possible - deep cleaning the house, decking up the house with lights, diyas, and rangoli; praying to the Indian Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, bursting firecrackers, spending time with family & friends, and eating scrumptious snacks and sweets guilt-free!
So, what is Diwali?
Diwali (also known as Deepavali) is the festival of lights. It is the Hindu New Year but is celebrated by Indians all over the country and around the world. Its various festivities are spread over a period of 5 days. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and of knowledge over ignorance. While the central theme of the festival is the same for all, the story of celebration is different for communities in different regions. In Northern India, it is the celebration of the return of King Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile. King Rama comes back to his Kingdom, alongside Laxman (brother), Sita (wife), and Hanuman (disciple), after defeating the evil King Ravana. In Southern India, people celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil, is celebrated in Bengal. The festival symbolizes the victory of the good and righteous everywhere.
Diwali Food Ideas
Moving on to the most important part of the celebration…Diwali food! As part of the traditions, people often send sweets or other food items to their relatives and loved ones. Families and friends often share a meal together to celebrate the occasion. Sharing and sending diwali food becomes an act of love! There is a wide variety of traditional diwali foods to savor. Planning the Diwali menu? Here is a list of delicious diwali food ideas that can feed the appetite this year:
Mithais: For the Sweet Tooth
Indian sweets and desserts are called ‘Mithai.’ There are so many mithais to choose from, each having its own distinct flavor and texture. And another great thing about these sweets? Most of them have a long shelf life! Here are some of the most popular ones:
1. Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa)
Gajar ka Halwa is made using grated carrots, milk, sugar, cardamom, water, and ghee (clarified butter). The mixture is slow cooked until most of the liquid evaporates, leaving behind a pudding-like texture. It is then topped off with a drizzle of nuts and raisins, typically sliced almonds. Hands down one of the greatest dishes to be ever made using carrots!
2. Ladoos
Ladoos are made with flour (generally, gram flour), sugar, and ghee, and are shaped into tiny balls. The flour is slow-roasted in ghee, which brings out the aroma. There can be different types of ladoos depending on the ingredients used. Some of the most popular ones are besan ladoo, motichoor ladoo, and gond ladoo. Each ladoo is like a burst of flavor in the mouth!
3. Gulab Jamun
Another delectable Indian sweet is the Gulab Jamun. The sweet balls are made of Khoya (milk solids) and flour that are deep fried and then dipped in a sugary syrup containing traces of cardamom and saffron. Pair it with vanilla ice cream for a modern twist.
4. Kaju Katli
Kaju Katli is a diamond shaped mithai that owes its taste to cashews, sugar, water, and ghee/coconut oil. It is basically an Indian fudge! The cashew is ground to a paste that is then stirred into the sugar syrup on low flame. Once cooled, it becomes a soft dough, which is then cut into its classic shape. The edible silver foil on top is known as vark. Tastes heavenly!
5. Kalakand
Another Indian sweet to relish that should be in the Diwali Food menu is Kalakand. Kalakand is basically an Indian variety of milk cake. Made using milk, sugar, and cardamom, it has a grainy texture and is very moist and soft to eat.
6. Laapsi
Laapsi is another cherished Indian sweet dish that can also be eaten as a complete meal in itself. It is made with broken wheat, jaggery, dried fruits, and ghee. The broken wheat is first roasted in ghee and pressure cooked. The jaggery then added to it lends the dish its sweetness. Laapsi is both delicious & healthy.
Diwali Snack Attack
Other than having Indian sweets, Diwali is incomplete without hot savory snacks! Here are some Diwali food items to munch on:
1. Samosas
This Indian pyramid-shaped snack, with a crispy outer crust and a spicy potato filling is to die for! The main ingredients for this dish are flour, potatoes, and spices. Samosas are best served with a chutney! Some good options for chutney are - tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and green (coriander) chutney.
2. Chakli/Murukku
Chakli, which is known as Murukku in Southern India, is a fried Indian snack made using rice flour. It has a crispy texture and a distinct spiral shape. A light snack to munch on anytime.
3. Namakpara & Shakarpara
Namak para, also known as nimki, is a bite-sized diamond-shaped crispy snack made of wheat flour, spices, and ghee. For a sweet version, make shakar para, which is namak para made with sugar.
4. Pakoras or Bhajis
Another beloved savory snack to savor is the Pakoras, also referred to as Bhajis. These are fried fritters made by deep frying the vegetable of choice, coated in batter. Some beloved choices are - onion pakoras, palak (spinach) pakoras, and corn pakoras to name a few. Goes great with a cup of hot tea!
5. Dahi Vada
Dahi Vada is a popular Indian snack, originating from the south. In this dish, soft lentil fritters are soaked in sweetened curd and topped with several chutneys and spices that creates an explosion of flavors in the mouth. A very refreshing item to have on the Diwali food menu!
Enjoy traditional diwali foods with friends and family. Want to get the ingredients needed to make any of the items mentioned on this Diwali Foods list? Get it quick with GetJaldi!
So this Diwali, let there be light….and food!