Easy And Tasty Dishes For Your Festive Diwali Gatherings

Diwali is a time of brightness, joy, and celebration. It’s one of the most cherished festivals in India, symbolising the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Food plays a key role in the festivities, lifting the mood and bringing people together. While sweets like laddoos, halwas, and kheers are essential, snacks such as samosas, aloo tikki, and kebabs are perfect for starting the party. It’s a great occasion to gather with friends and family, and delicious dishes are a key part of the experience. 

If you’re hosting a Diwali party and need some ideas for Diwali special savoury and sweet dishes, we’ve got you covered! Here are simple and delicious food items to improve your Diwali celebrations!

Mini Samosa

These mini samosas offer a fun twist on a classic favourite, stuffed with spicy potato, peas, or paneer. Crispy on the outside, they’re perfect as finger food for your Diwali food and sweets spread. You can also switch things up by trying cheese or paneer fillings for extra variety. Pair them with mint chutney or tamarind dip for a truly festive touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Danfe Maida flour
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (for dough)
• Water (as needed for dough)
• 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/4 cup peas (boiled)
• 1/4 cup paneer (crumbled) – optional
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Danfe Jeera
• 1/4 teaspoon Danfe turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying
• Mint chutney or tamarind dip (for serving)

How to Make:

• In a bowl, mix Danfe Maida flour and 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee. Add water little by little and knead into a smooth, firm dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.

• Heat a little oil in a pan. Add Danfe Jeera seeds and let them splutter.

• Add the mashed potatoes, peas, paneer (optional), garam masala, red chilli powder, Danfe coriander, Danfe turmeric, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Let the filling cool.

• Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin oval or circle.

• Cut each circle in half. Take one half and fold it into a cone shape, sealing the edges with a little water.

• Fill the cone with the prepared potato mixture, then seal the top by pressing the edges together.

• Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry the mini samosas in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy.

• Drain on paper towels.

• Serve the mini samosas with mint chutney or tamarind dip for a delicious festive treat.

Paneer Tikka Skewers

Paneer tikka is always a hit during Indian festivities and makes an excellent addition to your Diwali foods and sweets menu. Marinated in a blend of spices and yoghurt, grilled paneer pieces on skewers make for fantastic finger food. Add chunks of bell pepper and onions for an extra crunch. Your guests will love the smoky flavour and the tangy taste!

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer (cubed)
• 1/2 cup thick yoghurt (curd)
• 1 tablespoon gram flour (besan)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon Danfe turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Danfe Jeera 
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 onion (cut into squares)
• 1 capsicum (cut into squares)
• Wooden or metal skewers

How to Make:

• In a bowl, mix yoghurt, gram flour, ginger-garlic paste, Danfe turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, Danfe Jeera, coriander powder, lemon juice, oil, and salt. Whisk well to form a smooth marinade.

• Add paneer cubes, onion, and capsicum squares to the marinade. Toss everything gently to coat well.

• Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavours.

• Thread the marinated paneer cubes, onions, and capsicum alternately onto skewers.

• Heat a grill pan or regular pan on medium heat. Grease it lightly with oil.
• Place the skewers on the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden and slightly charred on all sides (about 6-8 minutes).

• Serve the paneer tikka skewers hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges for a perfect party appetizer.

Aloo Chaat Bites

Give your regular aloo chaat a fun twist by making it bite-sized, perfect for your Diwali foods and sweets platter. Roast or fry small potato pieces, mix them with chaat masala, and top with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, and sev. Serve these delicious bites in small bowls or shot glasses for a mess-free, easy snack that your guests will love!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
• Oil (for frying or roasting)
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1/4 cup yoghurt (whisked)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
• 2 tablespoons sev (crispy noodles)
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
• Salt to taste

How to Make:

• Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and let them cool.

• Alternatively, you can roast the potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crispy.

• If frying, heat oil in a pan and fry the potato pieces until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

• Sprinkle chaat masala and salt over the cooked potatoes and toss gently.

• In small bowls or shot glasses, add a layer of the seasoned potatoes.

• Top with whisked yoghurt and a drizzle of tamarind chutney.

• Sprinkle sev on top for crunch and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

• Serve the aloo chaat bites immediately for a tasty and easy snack!

Rava Idli Chaat

Transform simple idlis into a festive snack by making mini rava idli chaat, a unique addition to your Diwali foods and sweets selection! Mix steamed mini idlis with chaat masala and different chutneys. Top them with crunchy sev, yoghurt, and pomegranate seeds. This dish is refreshing, colourful, and perfect for guests who love tangy snacks with a South Indian twist!

Ingredients:

For Mini Rava Idlis:

• 1 cup Danfe idli rava flour 
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Danfe mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tablespoon chopped green chillies (optional)
• 1 tablespoon grated carrots (optional)

For Chaat:

• 1 tablespoon chaat masala
• 1/4 cup green chutney (or mint chutney)
• 1/4 cup tamarind chutney
• 1/2 cup yoghurt (whipped)
• 1/2 cup sev (crispy noodles)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

How to Make:

• In a bowl, Danfe idli rava flour, yoghurt, and salt. Add water gradually to make a smooth batter. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.

• In a small pan, heat oil and add Danfe mustard seeds. When they crackle, pour the tempered mustard seeds into the batter. Add chopped coriander, green chillies, and grated carrots (if using). Mix well.

• Grease the mini idli moulds and fill each mould with the batter.

• Steam the idlis for about 10-12 minutes until cooked. Allow them to cool slightly before removing them from the moulds.

• Cut the steamed mini rava idlis into halves or quarters and place them in a serving bowl.

• Sprinkle chaat masala and salt over the idli pieces.

• Drizzle green chutney and tamarind chutney on top.

• Add a dollop of whipped yoghurt and sprinkle with sev and pomegranate seeds.

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve immediately as a refreshing and tangy snack for your guests. Enjoy!

Soya Cutlet

Soya cutlets are a healthy, protein-packed snack that adds a tasty option to your Diwali foods and sweets menu. Made with soya granules, mashed potatoes, and spices, these cutlets are shallow-fried and served hot. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re sure to be loved by both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Danfe Soya Wadi  
• 1 medium potato (boiled and mashed)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and beans)
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (for coating)
• Oil (for shallow frying)

How to Make:

• Boil water in a pot, add the Danfe Soya Wadi, and let them soak for 10-15 minutes until they soften. Drain and squeeze out excess water.

• In a mixing bowl, combine the soaked soya wadi, boiled and mashed potato, chopped onion, mixed vegetables, coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined.

• Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round or oval cutlets.

• Roll each cutlet in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat for shallow frying. Fry the cutlets until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).

• Remove the cutlets from the pan and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

• Serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup for dipping. Enjoy!

Hosting a Diwali gathering is all about bringing family and friends together, and these easy and tasty finger foods will make your celebration even more special. From crispy mini samosas to flavorful paneer tikka skewers, tangy aloo chaat bites, festive rava idli chaat, and protein-rich soya cutlets, these snacks are perfect for your Diwali foods and sweets spread. They’re simple to make, delicious, and ideal for sharing the joy of Diwali. So, brighten up your home, gather your loved ones, and let these dishes add extra happiness to your festive meal!