The Festival of Lights is an important time to celebrate new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, as well as gathering with loved ones to mark the occasion with delicious food.
Ahead of the main day of celebration, we’ve rounded up some of the best recipes for cooking, sharing, and feeding a crowd this Diwali – from crispy, savoury snacks like murukku, samosas, and bhajis, to classic sweet treats such as burfi and gulab jamun.
Murukku
This simple snack recipe uses just a few ingredients to create a deliciously savoury and moreish party staple.
Spiced Elephant Foot Yam – Suran Masala
Ideal for serving as part of a celebratory meal, this vegetarian dish combines the nutty, earthy flavours of elephant foot yam with a warming masala blend.
Paneer Butter Masala
As Curry author Maunika Gowardhan says, “celebrating Diwali is all about feasting on delicious curries and this recipe is the perfect crowd pleaser. It’s veggie and the flavour from fenugreek, chilli and saffron all come through in the gravy. No Diwali dinner at my home is complete with this recipe. If you want to impress your guests, this needs to be on the menu!”
Leek, Pea and Mint Samosas
Meera Sodha’s light and fresh take on the humble veg samosa is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Asma Khan’s Aloo Bonde
These potato-based Indian street food snacks are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and quick and easy to whip up for guests.
Baked Onion Bhajis (pyaz ke pakore)
Crispy and light, this baked alternative to traditional onion bhajis pairs beautifully with a cooling raita or sweet and sticky mango chutney.
Lamb Raan
If you’re looking to serve a feast centrepiece or roast with a twist, look no further than this leg of lamb marinated overnight in a warming mix of spices.
Sweets for Diwali
Shahi Tukda
Flavoured with saffron, cardamom, honey and milk, these decadent sweets are made with crunchy sweetened bread and topped with pistachios and (optional) gold or silver leaf, making them the perfect celebratory edible gift.
Coconut Burfi
Rukmini Iyer’s three-ingredient take on a classic Indian sweet is fudgy, indulgent, and packed with coconut flavour.
Gulab Jamuns in Rose Syrup
Drenched in a delicate yet decadent rosewater syrup, these pistachio-topped milk donuts are the ultimate sweet treat.
