25 Diwali recipes to celebrate the Festival of Lights
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is celebrated every autumn (Friday 1 November this year), and includes feasting on delicious, traditional Indian goodies, with sweets a huge focus point. Here's some inspiration for traditional Diwali delicacies, as well as some other Indian, and south Asian dishes to try at home.
Nankhatai
Sweet, crumbly and perfect for a Diwali table, these cardamom-laden Gujarati shortbread biscuits are made with ghee, which gives them a rich flavour. You can use butter instead of ghee if you have trouble sourcing it.
Recipe: Nankhatai
Ras Malai
Ras malai is a rich indian dessert - often part of a Diwali spread - made using homemade cheese curds (rasgulla), soaked in a sweetened milk mixture (rabri). It takes a few hours to come together as there is a lot of draining and soaking, so make sure you set aside enough time.
Recipe: Ras Malai
Gulab Jamun
A classic Diwali dessert, these fried semolina dumplings are spiced with fragrant cardamom and steeped in sugar syrup. The dumplings can be rewarmed in the syrup to serve, if needed.
Recipe: Gulab Jamun
Gajar Na Halwa
Often served at Diwali, this celebratory traditional carrot halva recipe is easy to make - it just requires a little patience and a lot of stirring!
Recipe: Gajar Na Halwa
Chocolate burfi
Barfi is an Indian sweet fudge, and this chocolate version tastes heavenly.
Try these recipes from Ruchi's Kitchen or Cook with Manali.
Coconut ladoo
Coconut ladoo is a popular Indian treat made with milk, sugar and coconut.
Try this recipe from Hebbar's Kitchen.
Samosas
Samosas are also widely eating during Diwali, and the gorgeous, buttery pockets of pastry can be filled with lots of different things.
Try our mushroom samosa recipe.
Aloo Tikki
This popular North Indian snack is basically a delicious spicy, crisp potato pattie.
Try this easy recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Kaju Roll
Kaju means cashew, and is an Indian dessert similar to barfi.
Try this recipe from Rachna's Kitchen.
Lamb Mince Curry
Using minced lamb makes this curry quick to make. Choose any curry paste you like (increase the quantity if you want it spicy!) and serve with rice or naan bread.
Recipe: Lamb mince curry
Five Spice Rice
A steaming side of spiced rice completes your curry. Using saffron makes it feel like more of a special occasion and adds a lovely colour.
Recipe: Five spice rice
Chicken, Mango and Chickpea Curry
A good-quality paste and a tin of coconut milk make the base for a great curry - and the sweetness of the mango contrasts well with the spices.
Recipe: Chicken, Mango and Chickpea Curry
Mutter Paneer Curry
One of our favourite vegetarian curries, this is more than just a side to your meaty main – everyone will be reaching for seconds.
Recipe: Mutter Paneer vegetarian curry
Goan Fish Curry
Monkfish and prawns make this worthy of a dinner party.
Recipe: Goan fish curry
Coconut Lamb Curry
We’ve used lamb neck fillet, a cheap but flavourful cut that benefits from longer cooking, plus coconut yogurt to add texture as well as flavour to this curry recipe.
Recipe: Coconut lamb curry
Lamb Curry and Naan Dumplings
This curry cleverly incorporates naans in the dumpling mixture – sure to work as well as impress!
Recipe: Lamb curry and naan dumplings
Lamb Keema
A flavourful Indian dish that would also well with beef mince.
Recipe: Lamb Keema
Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
A no-fuss curry, which can be adjusted to your taste - add more spice if you like it fiery, and swap cream for coconut milk to make this dairy free.
Recipe: Slow cooker chicken curry
Chicken Makhani Curry
This is similar to the classic butter chicken but with a bit more spice! Marinating it in yogurt ensures the chicken stays moist, tender and flavoursome.
Recipe: Chicken makhani curry
Slow Cooker Lamb and Beetroot Curry
We love this Nepalese twist on a classic lamb curry. Slow cooking with bold beetroot and fragrant, lemony Sichuan peppercorns will make for a tasty talking point.
Recipe: Slow cook lamb and beetroot curry
Poppadom Scoops
A fresh and zingy nibble, these Poppadom scoops take just minutes to prepare.
Veggie Paneer Curry
This Veggie paneer curry is a quick and easy recipe, prefect for sharing with friends.
Aubergine, Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry
Chickpeas are a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savoury Indian dishes. This Aubergine, chickpea and sweet potato curry is a tasty and healthy vegetarian option to serve friends and family.
Garlic and Coriander Naans
Making your own naan breads are easier than you think, and these Garlic and coriander naans are well worth the extra effort.
Cardamom Rice Pudding
Try this Cardamom rice pudding for a Indian inspired twist on the classic
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