Diwali 2024: 8 Sweet and Savory Delights for a Memorable Diwali

Last Updated:October 30, 2024, 10:14 IST

Diwali: Indulge in the warmth and richness of these treats, enhancing the celebrations with a memorable culinary touch

Diwali 2024: No celebration is complete without a variety of sweets and desserts. (Image: Shutterstock)

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with an array of delectable treats that bring family and friends together. From traditional sweets like gulab jamun and laddus to creative fusion recipes, Diwali dishes are a joyful blend of flavor and tradition. This festive season, explore easy-to-make recipes that add a modern twist to classic favorites, perfect for sharing or gifting. These recipes, combining wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, capture the essence of Diwali while catering to a range of tastes. Indulge in the warmth and richness of these treats, enhancing the celebrations with a memorable culinary touch.

Dates, Oats, and Dry Fruit Laddu recipe by Prajit P Kumar, Sous Chef, The Ashok

Ingredients:

• 100g oats
• 250g dates (pitted)
• 50g almonds
• 50g walnuts
• 25g flax seeds
• 5g cardamom powder
• 10ml ghee
• 15g honey (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for coating)

Method:

1. Roast oats and flax seeds in a pan until golden; do the same for almonds and walnuts.
2. Coarsely crush roasted oats and nuts.
3. In a pan, cook chopped dates with a little water until a thick paste forms.
4. Combine oats-nuts mix, date paste, cardamom, and flax seeds. Add honey if desired.
5. Mix in warm ghee and shape into laddus. Roll in sesame seeds, if desired.

Ragi Sesame Jaggery Laddu recipe by Prajit P Kumar, Sous Chef, The Ashok

Ingredients:

• 200g ragi flour
• 30g white sesame seeds
• 75g jaggery powder
• 50g almonds
• 50g cashews
• 5g cardamom powder
• 45ml ghee

Method:

1. Roast almonds, cashews, and sesame seeds; coarsely crush nuts and mix with sesame.
2. In a pan, roast ragi flour in ghee until aromatic. Add cardamom.
3. Stir in jaggery powder; residual heat will melt it.
4. Mix ragi-jaggery and nut mixture, then shape into laddus.

Chia Pudding with Fresh Fruits recipe by Prajit P Kumar, Sous Chef, The Ashok

Ingredients:

• 30g chia seeds
• 1 small banana, mashed
• 100ml unsweetened almond milk
• 15g honey
• 3ml vanilla extract
• Fresh fruits (pomegranate, kiwi, plum)
• Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts)

Method:

1. Mix banana, chia seeds, almond milk, honey, and vanilla in a bowl. Let sit 10 minutes; stir again.
2. Pour into glasses and refrigerate 2-3 hours.
3. Top with fresh fruit and nuts.

Britannia 50-50 Sweet & Salty Biscuit Lemon Tart

1. Crush Britannia 50-50 biscuits and mix with 4 tbsp melted butter. Press into tart molds; chill.
2. In a pan, heat ¾ cup sugar, ½ tsp vanilla, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp zest, 3 tbsp cornflour, and 1 cup milk until thick. Stir in turmeric and 2 tbsp butter; let cool.
3. Fill tart shells and chill. Serve cold for a tangy treat.

Little Hearts Soan Papdi Baskets

1. Crumble soan papdi with 3 tbsp ghee. Press into cupcake liners, creating an indentation.
2. Mix 100g khoya, 5 tbsp powdered sugar, and 2 tbsp saffron milk. Add crushed Little Hearts.
3. Fill baskets with mixture and top each with a Little Heart.

Gulab Jamun & Pistachio Barfi by Borges 

Ingredients

For the gulab jamun

• 100 g powdered milk

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 30 ml olive oil for Indian cooking

• 4 tablespoons milk

• Olive oil for Indian cooking (for frying)

1. Make sugar syrup by boiling 200g sugar, 250ml water, and cardamom.
2. For gulab jamun, mix 100g powdered milk, 2 tbsp flour, baking soda, oil, and milk into dough; roll into balls, fry, and soak in syrup.
3. For pistachio barfi, cook 200g pistachios and 150g condensed milk in oil until thick.
4. Spread barfi mix in a pan, refrigerate, and serve with gulab jamun.

Pure Magic Chocolush Fritters

1. Make a batter with flour, baking soda, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and milk.
2. Dip Britannia Pure Magic cookies in batter, fry until golden, and enjoy for a chocolaty treat.

Crispy Milk Bikis Shankarpali

1. Crush Britannia Milk Bikis and mix with flour, sugar, cardamom, baking powder, and ghee.
2. Form a dough, roll, and cut into shapes. Fry until golden brown for a festive snack.