Seasonal Recipes: Delicious Diwali Favourites

Diwali, the vibrant festival of lights, is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, delicious food. Across households, the aroma of traditional dishes fills the air as families come together to mark this auspicious occasion. Whether you’re looking to recreate authentic flavours or add a festive touch to your kitchen, we’ve gathered some of the most beloved traditional Diwali recipes to help you celebrate in style.

Diwali food is all about balance. From rich sweets to savoury snacks, every dish brings something special to the table. Here are a few recipes that capture the spirit of this festival, using ingredients easily available.

Aloo Tikki

Savoury snacks are a must during Diwali, and aloo tikki is a popular favourite. These crispy potato patties are flavoured with spices and served with tamarind chutney or yoghurt.
Ingredients:

4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp garam masala
1-2 green chillies, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
Salt to taste
100g breadcrumbs
Oil for frying

Method:

Combine the mashed potatoes, onion, cumin powder, garam masala, chillies, coriander, and salt in a bowl.
Shape the mixture into small, flat patties and coat each one with breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the patties on medium heat until golden and crisp on both sides.
Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

Top Tip: Add a pinch of chaat masala for an extra burst of flavour.

Paneer Butter Masala

For the main course, nothing beats the richness of paneer butter masala. This creamy tomato-based curry is a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with naan or basmati rice.
Ingredients:

250g paneer, cubed
2 tbsp butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 tomatoes, pureed
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp garam masala
150ml double cream
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish

Method:

Heat the butter in a pan and sauté the onions until translucent.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
Stir in the tomato puree and spices, cooking until the oil starts to separate.
Add the paneer cubes and mix gently.
Pour in the double cream and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Top Tip: For a smokier flavour, char the tomatoes under the grill before pureeing.

Besan Ladoo

Besan ladoos are an essential part of any Diwali celebration. These golden, melt-in-the-mouth sweets are made from roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom.

Ingredients:

250g besan (gram flour)
150g ghee (clarified butter)
200g powdered sugar
1 tsp cardamom powder
A handful of chopped almonds and pistachios for garnish

Method:

Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on a low heat.
Add the besan gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Roast for 15-20 minutes until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix in the powdered sugar and cardamom powder thoroughly.
Shape the mixture into small balls (ladoo) and press a few nuts on top as garnish.
Allow the ladoos to set and enjoy a sweet bite of tradition.

Top Tip: Roast the besan slowly on low heat to avoid burning and to develop the authentic flavour.

Kaju Katli

No Diwali feast is complete without kaju katli, a smooth and nutty fudge made from cashew nuts and sugar syrup. Its diamond shape and silver leaf decoration make it a festive favourite.
Ingredients:

250g cashew nuts, ground to a fine powder
150g sugar
120ml water
1 tsp ghee
Edible silver leaf (varak), optional

Method:

In a saucepan, dissolve the sugar in water and bring to a boil to create a syrup.
When the syrup reaches one-string consistency, reduce the heat and add the cashew powder gradually.
Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Add ghee and mix well.
Pour the mixture onto a greased surface and roll it out evenly.
While still warm, cut into diamond shapes and decorate with edible silver leaf if desired.

Top Tip: Work quickly before the fudge cools to get perfect shapes.

Celebrate Diwali with Flavour and Tradition

These traditional Diwali recipes bring the warmth, flavour, and joy of the festival into your home. Whether you’re making sweet ladoos, crispy aloo tikki, or rich paneer butter masala, each dish is sure to add to your celebration. Don’t forget to pair your meal with fragrant basmati rice or fresh naan to complete the experience.