Sweta Patel
October 20, 2022
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Diwali is one of the most important – and most fun – Indian holidays during this time of year. Marking the Hindu new year, Diwali is full of festive energy and lots of celebration.
Whether you go to the temple and attend a puja or gather with loved ones to celebrate new beginnings, Diwali is a bustling time of year for many South Asians.
Arguably, the most important part of Diwali is the food. The array of treats and delicious traditional meals are integral to a proper celebration. While meat is typically not included in Diwali food, it takes a lot of time and preparation, especially if you end up having to attend (or host) multiple parties and gatherings.
For many of us, it can get a bit overwhelming. However, pre-planning your menu, preparing your ingredients, and even making things ahead of time can really make a difference.
I personally love to plan my Diwali menu a week before. I typically do 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts for a party of 8 or more. If you have less than 8 people do 1 of each, or adjust as needed for your gathering!
To make your life a whole lot easier during this busy time, here are 35 easy, modern recipes for Diwali to incorporate into your festivities this year:
Any Indian will tell you this is true: Diwali is incomplete without dessert. Diwali sweets, or mithai, are essential to the holiday. Traditional Indian desserts like gulab jamun, kaju katli, kheer, and more are always given out generously during this festive season.
Here are my top 15 Diwali dessert recipes to bring something a little unexpected to your celebration. Most of these recipes can be made in advance and all the desserts with eggs have eggless versions (see the recipe notes for more details).
I have a range of Indian fusion desserts and other sweets that will make you an instant favorite.
Diwali boxes are a common gift given out during the festive season. These dessert boxes mainly consist of Indian sweets along with nuts and dried fruits in different containers.
In fact, back in India, you’ll find these everywhere during Diwali. You can put in custom orders for boxes to give out to your friends and family.
Whether you make a bunch of Diwali dessert boxes to give out or you just make one to serve as a centerpiece at your Diwali party, you are going to want to read up on how to make the perfect one to wow everyone.
Read my blog on how to assemble a Diwali Dessert Box for more.
This modern twist on the traditional Indian dessert doesn’t require a stovetop or oven and can even be made in one bowl. In just under 30 minutes, get the most delicious Gajar Ka Halwa Truffles to add to your Diwali dessert box or serve to your guests.
Many traditional Diwali desserts are dense and overwhelmingly sweet. If you want to add something a little more refreshing to your mithai selection, try this light, airy, fusion dessert. Make Kulfi Tres Leches Cupcakes and get the best of both tres leches cake and classic Indian kulfi.
Parle-G is a classic chai-time snack, so why not incorporate them into your Diwali sweets? If you’re entertaining with chai or in the late afternoon, try these simple Parle-G Pecan Pie Brownies. They come out deliciously chewy and take less than an hour to make!
These gulab jamun donuts with a rose glaze are the fastest way to get people drooling over your cooking. What could be better than combining two culturally classic desserts: the glazed donut and gulab jamun? Make my Gulab Jamun Donuts to shake things up at your next Diwali party.
This no-butter, no-oil cake is airy, sweet, and addictive. The rose flavor complements the classic tres leches so well with a smooth, aromatic flavor that leaves you wanting more. Try this Rose Tres Leches Cake for a beautifully subtle way to add a modern twist to your Diwali sweets.
The contrasting textures of the flaky, crispy eclair and the smooth ras malai filling make this Indian fusion dessert a show-stopper. The only downside to this is that they’ll be gone before you set them on the table. Make these Ras Malai Eclairs and watch as you become everyone’s favorite person on the planet.
Since Diwali happens during the fall, it is the perfect time to incorporate autumn flavors, like apples and pears or caramel. The best part is these tarts take less than 30 minutes to make! My Pear Tart with Cardamom Caramel Sauce recipe will help add something a little less traditional to your plate without having to spend all day in the kitchen.
If you remember that mason jar ice cream trend a few years ago, this is a similar – if not, easier – version of that recipe. All you need is a mixer with a whisk attachment and 20 minutes. Check out this Ras Malai Ice Cream recipe for a last-minute addition to your Diwali sweets.
This guaranteed crowdpleaser is completely eggless and takes less than half an hour to make. The best part is you can make the cannoli filling in advance and assemble it before serving so you can focus on other items without sacrificing the quality of this super simple dessert. Spice things up at your Diwali party with this Indian twist on Italian cannoli – Shrikhand Cannoli.
Layered with vanilla whipped cream and topped with a delicious Biscoff crumble, you won’t be able to stop thinking about this sweet treat after you’ve tried it. My Gulab Jamun Trifle is a quick and easy way to serve traditional Indian gulab jamun in a slightly more elevated, more fun way.
Another great seasonal dessert, this Apple Spice Bundt Cake with Cardamom Caramel Sauce seems super fancy but is actually so simple it hurts. The cardamom adds a hint of South Asian flavor to an already delicious caramel sauce.
Pineapple upside down cake – but make it Indian. This fusion dessert recipe is a fan favorite and the definition of ‘work harder, not smarter’ as a cake. Not only does it look incredible and homemade, but it actually uses box mix which means you don’t have to slave away in the kitchen to make the perfect cake batter. Try my Upside Down Jalebi Cake for a fusion dessert to add to your Diwali celebrations.
This quick and easy recipe is my go-to Diwali dessert recipe. My Gajar Halwa Ice Cream Sandwiches are an Indian twist on classic homemade ice cream sandwiches with a gajar halwa cookie exterior and soft, vanilla ice cream in the center.
Mix things up – literally – with this super simple Gulab Jamun Gelato recipe. All you need is a blender, a few key ingredients, and about 15 minutes.
Since this is a time of year when most people are spending a lot of time with friends and family, having quick, easy appetizer recipes to keep everyone occupied is key. Whether you’re hosting people from out of town, throwing a Diwali party, or just want to celebrate the festive season with delicious Diwali snacks, here are ten appetizer recipes that you can use.
Bhel is a classic snack that you’ll find at Diwali, but why go classic when you can make it much more interesting? This Spicy Cheese Peanut Bhel Mix comes together in just ten minutes, meaning you can quickly whip it up at any time.
This mouthwatering Sev Puri is one of my all-time favorites. Who doesn’t love a good puri dish? Crunchy puri filled with satisfying bits of potatoes and channa, along with a drizzle of sweet and spicy chutneys, sev, pomegranate seeds, and chopped cilantro – you’ll be the talk of the town with this Diwali snack recipe.
Samosa Chaat is one of my favorite things to make when I’m short on time. Using the Instant pot will save you time and also keeps it nice and warm so you don’t have to baby it in the kitchen when hosting. I love using frozen samosa to save me time and make the chutneys the day before!
These spicy Masala Cheese Fries are made from everyday ingredients, air fried, and are ready in less time than it takes to get takeout. This appetizer recipe is perfect for Diwali because, seriously, who could say no to potatoes made in any form?
This twist on Thai potlis or “money bags” is a fitting addition to your Diwali celebration. As you welcome new beginnings and clean up your environment to let good things come into your life, my Paneer Potlis will be the crispy, delicious snack you need to usher in wealth and abundance.
Something many people may not know is that Indo-Chinese food is incredibly popular in India and amongst Indian people. This Chinese Bhel recipe is my take on using fried noodles to make a bhel-inspired mix. Check it out!
Once you get your hands on this soup, your mouth is going to water every time you even think about it. This vegetarian, Indo-Chinese soup has no artificial flavors and comes together in just half an hour. The Veggie Manchow Soup makes for the perfect starter for your Diwali party.
Pav bhaji is an enormously popular street food in India that is traditionally made with spicy vegetable gravy and served with soft dinner rolls. I reimagined the classic into a puff pastry to make for easy, cleaner eating. Try these Pav Bhaji Puffs at your next Diwali function to help your guests eat mess-free without missing out on a single bite.
If India had an Outback Steakhouse, this is exactly what they would serve. Packed with the punch of some spices and the distinct flavor of garam masala, this Masala Onion Bloom is sure to cause some commotion (the good kind) on your dinner table.
Momos are bite-size dumplings made with a spoonful of stuffing wrapped in dough. It is a popular dish originating from Tibet and Nepal, but an Indian twist makes it an eye-catching dish for Diwali. These Veggie Paneer Momos with Spicy Red Chutney are so satisfying and make for a delicious dose of comfort that is perfect for those chillier fall evenings.
Dabeli literally means “pressed” in Gujarati, and I’m telling you, you will be pressed if you don’t get your hands on this recipe after you get a bite of this. The best part about this Dabeli recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and served quickly, meaning you can always be prepared in case you need more food at Diwali.
If you haven’t been able to tell yet, food is a huge part of Diwali celebrations. Given that Diwali spans multiple days, you may need multiple dinner recipes for all the parties and gatherings you need to attend. No worries, I have you covered! Here are my top ten Diwali dinner ideas:
The key to a successful Diwali dinner is a dish that doesn’t take a lot of time, but looks and tastes like it took you a lot of time. This Manchurian Fried Rice recipe has time-saving shortcuts and ingredients that taste wholesome. Did I mention that it only takes 15 minutes to make?
Restaurant style recipe that will have everyone guessing how long you spend in the kitchen making it. The flavors, aroma and the taste all combine so beautifully and this will probably be the best Methi malai paneer you’ve ever had! Methi really adds depth of flavor in the tomato gravy and the shredded paneer adds a lot more texture to this dish that will literally have you wanting more.
Malai kofta is one of my go-to’s when I eat at Indian restaurants, but you can bet your life savings that I’m going to give you a recipe that tastes just as good (and costs less!). This Malai Kofta recipe will wow your guests with the crispness of the fried potato paneer koftas and the creaminess of the curry.
If you love paneer, you are going to love this recipe. This restaurant-style Butter Paneer Masala is simple and easy to make, which means less headache in the kitchen and more time to enjoy the deliciousness of this traditional Indian dinner.
Everyone loves a good instant pot recipe because it’s mess-free, stress-free, and well…still amazing. My Palak Paneer recipe is velvety smooth and healthy. Check out the recipe for a vegan version, as well as a stovetop version if you don’t have an instant pot!
Hakka noodles are a classic Indo-Chinese dish that is very popular in India. This recipe gives you a quick and easy way to add some tang and spice to your Diwali celebrations. Make my Street Style Hakka Noodles and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram (@thetableofspice) and/or comment to let me know how it turns out.
This dish is a must-have at your Diwali party because I promise you, no one can pass it up! A flavor explosion in your mouth, this Indo-Chinese dish is extremely easy to make. In fact, I ended up making it in under 35 minutes! Try the Veggie Manchurian recipe for yourself and I can guarantee you, everyone will be raving about it the next day.
Ragda Pattice is a popular street snack served on the roadside in India and makes for a nice touch to your Diwali celebration. It can be described as a savory potato pattie dunked in a spicy gravy and topped off with sweet, tangy chutneys, and the crunch of some sev.
A easy and tasty sandwich that can be made within minutes! You can use boil the potatoes and beets night before to save you time. This Bombay sandwich is a staple at any events in our home, because its so easy to put together but you can also serve them on a board as a small tea sandwiches.
Chili paneer is often a popular menu item at Indian restaurants or Indo-Chinese spots. However, many places add MSG and food coloring – and we don’t need to bring that stuff home. I’ve created a restaurant-style version of Chili Paneer that includes wholesome ingredients and tastes oh, so good.
I have a lot of favorites, but this might just be one of my best-of-the-best favorites. This Samosa Chaat Sandwich is a super simple recipe to make for a big crowd (or a small one!) and takes less than 30 minutes to make. All the best parts of a samosa with the crisp, filling crunch of your favorite bread make this a ten-out-of-ten dish for Diwali.
Diwali has such a heavy emphasis on food as part of its celebration that half-heartedly making a dish wouldn’t do it justice. To truly transform your Diwali, these 35 simple and modern recipes will help you take things to the next level.
In addition to the twists I’ve made to traditional Indian Diwali recipes as well the fun, fusion recipes I’ve created that combine two cuisines, many of these recipes can actually be made ahead of time or adjusted to meet your dietary needs (eggless, vegan, dairy-free, etc.).
With recipes so quick and easy, you’ll be able to stun your friends and family with recipes that look incredible, taste delicious, and don’t leave you stressed out in your kitchen. Enjoy and happy Diwali!
For more recipes like the ones in this roundup, check out my personalized cookbook, which includes 70+ more fusion recipes, including drinks, Indian desserts, savory appetizers, easy entrees, and other fun holiday recipes.
Drinks
15 minutes
Appetizer
30 minutes
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