Ideas for the most Delicious Diwali Party

It’s that time of the year when we’re counting down the days to our favourite festival, Diwali. Even though we now live miles away from India, there’s something in the air that brings back the familiarity of the festive time back home. The expat in us channels their inner Amrish Puri from DDLJ and reminisces about biji ke haath ka khana and mithai!

So what do we do to deal with the homesickness and cravings for yummy Indian food? We cook and invite friends and family here to wrap our selves in that warm cozy feeling that one gets during this beautiful festival of lights.

But whether you are miles away from India or sitting in your pind, here are some menu ideas for your Diwali parties and festivities that will help you have a delicious Diwali!

Snacks:

Serve from a choice of homemade Murmura Chiwda, Dahi Bhalle, Aloo Chaat, Sweet Potato Chaat, Pakore, Chutneywale Aloo, a variety of Hummus, Pita chips, Guacamole or even a light sprouts salad to get the party started.

Murmura Chiwda – Diwali Essential Puffed Rice Namkeen with Peanuts

Dahi Bhalle

Aloo Pyaaz ke Pakode

Sweet Potato Chaat & the secrets of Chaat masala!

Easy Hummus with Sesame Seeds

Roasted Mushroom Hummus with Black Gram

The Prettiest Hummus ~ Beetroot Hummus

Homemade Whole wheat Pita & Pita Chips

Guacamole

Tadka Sprouts

Chutneywale Aloo – Fries with Mint Coriander Chutney

Mains:

For the mains, don’t hold back! Put in some love and make a delicious pot of  dal along with either paneer, potatoes, Karari Bhindi or Tadka Gobhi. You can never go wrong with a combination of any of these. 

Panchmel Dal – Five Lentil Soup in Instant Pot

How to Dhaba and other stories ~ Dhabe wali dal and Jeera Aloo

Dal Makhni ~ Creamy Black lentils

Sabz Kadhi

Mahn di Daal – Whole Black Lentils

Punjabi Chhole

Kurkuri Bhindi

Kadhai Paneer

Matar Makhane – Puffed Lotus Seeds with Green Peas

Tadka Gobhi ~ Spicy Cauliflower Stir Fry

Chatpate Chhote aloo

Bedmi Aloo ~ An Old Delhi Special Brunch

Crispy Aloo Chaat

Instant Pot Rajma – Curried Kidney Beans

Sweets:

Diwali is incomplete without Besan ladoo and a wide spread of Indian mithais like Besan halwa, Malai halwa, Gulab kheer, Meethi Sewiyan, Lagan Nu Custard, Aata Halwa, Sooji halwa, Meetha Pulao and many more. For a change you could also serve baked and ‘no-bake’ desserts like a White Ganache Tart, Trifle or a Lemon Polenta Cake.

Besan Ladoos

Malai Halwa

Rose Kheer and Adventures with Gulkand, a rose petal jam

Zarda in Instant Pot

A Rich Aata Halwa (Whole Wheat Dessert)

Meethi Sewiyan ~ Sweet vermicelli pudding

Lagan Nu Custard with Persian Flair – A Plum Mango Ginger Chutney

Sewiyan or Payasam~ Sweet Treat for Festivals 

Meetha Pulao

No Bake Strawberry & White Chocolate Ganache Tart

Mom’s trifle in a jiffy

Lemon Cornmeal Cake inspired by Nigella’s Lemon Polenta Cake

And, if you still need help making up your mind –  this little list of ideas might help. 

Hope you and your family have a joyous Diwali!