As the evening approaches, the sky comes alight with diyas, and laughter drowns out the noise from bursting crackers at Diwali, making the atmosphere a wonderful mixture of cosiness, festivity, and togetherness. Once you sift through the glimmer of decorations and the pleasant smell of marigolds, there exists a second type of magic in the air: the smells of snacks sizzling away and mouth-watering snacks of every sort. Although sweet treats certainly get their time at Diwali, savoury snacks are what keep the gathering going.

So this year, delight your Diwali platter with delightful, simple, flavorful, and festive special savoury recipes, that your guests may not want to edge away from the snack table to even see the fireworks display outside! 

Here are a few savoury recipes—both traditional and modern— that are fuss-free recipe ideas and are sure to linger on deliciously in your memories on a festive Diwali evening.

1. Crispy Paneer Tikka Bites

Ingredients for Crispy Paneer Tikka Bites

• 250 g paneer (cut into cubes)
• 1 cup thick curd
• 1 tbsp gram flour (besan)
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Method for Crispy Paneer Tikka Bites

1. In a mixing bowl, combine curd, gram flour, all spices, lemon juice, salt, and oil. Whisk to form a smooth marinade.
2. Add paneer cubes and coat them gently. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread paneer onto skewers.
4. Grill on a hot tawa or bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 15 minutes, turning once.
5. Brush with butter before serving.
6. Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.

Tip: You can toss the tikka cubes with chopped onions and capsicum for an extra smoky crunch.

2. Mini Aloo Chaat Cups

Ingredients for Mini Aloo Chaat Cups

• 10–12 small ready-made tart shells or papdi cups
• 2 boiled potatoes, diced
• 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp chaat masala
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp tamarind chutney
• 2 tbsp green chutney
• 2 tbsp sev
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Method for Mini Aloo Chaat Cups

1. In a bowl, mix diced potatoes with spices, salt, and lemon juice.
2. Just before serving, spoon the mixture into the tart cups.
3. Drizzle both chutneys on top and garnish with sev and coriander.
4. Serve immediately so the cups stay crisp.

Perfect for: Guests who love tangy, chatpata flavours without the mess of a street stall!

3. Cheesy Corn Pakoras

Ingredients for Cheesy Corn Pakoras

• 1 cup boiled corn kernels
• ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 tsp green chilli paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• Water as required
• Oil for deep frying

Method for Cheesy Corn Pakoras

1. Mix corn, cheese, gram flour, and spices in a bowl.
2. Add just enough water to form a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a kadhai. Drop spoonfuls of the batter and fry till golden brown.
4. Drain on absorbent paper.
5. Serve hot with ketchup or garlic chutney.

Pro tip: Add chopped spinach or methi leaves to the batter for a green twist!

4. Spiced Masala Nuts

Ingredients for Spiced Masala Nuts

• 1 cup almonds
• 1 cup cashews
• 1 tbsp ghee
• ½ tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chat masala
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt to taste

Method for Spiced Masala Nuts

1. Heat the ghee in a pan. Add nuts and roast until golden brown.
2. Sprinkle all spices and sugar while still hot. Toss well.
3. Cool completely before serving.

Why you’ll love it: This make-ahead Diwali snack is crunchy, addictive, and travels well for gifting too!

5. Stuffed Bread Rolls

Ingredients for Stuffed Bread Rolls

• 6 white bread slices
• 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
• ½ cup grated carrot
• ½ cup boiled peas
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp green chilli paste
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Method for Stuffed Bread Rolls

1. Mix mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, and spices in a bowl.
2. Trim the bread edges and dip slices briefly in water.
3. Squeeze out excess water and place filling in the centre.
4. Roll tightly and seal edges.
5. Deep-fry till golden brown.
6. Serve with coriander-mint chutney and enjoy that soft-inside-crisp-outside texture!

Shortcut idea: Use an air-fryer for a healthier version—spray with oil and fry at 180°C for 12–15 minutes.

6. Mini Masala Idli Bites

Ingredients for Mini Masala Idli Bites

• 10–12 mini idlis (made from leftover batter)
• 1 tbsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp urad dal
• 1 tsp curry leaves
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp idli podi (optional)
• Salt to taste

Method for Mini Masala Idli Bites

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, and curry leaves.
2. Add the idlis and toss with chilli powder, idli podi, and salt.
3. Stir-fry until slightly crispy and aromatic.

Serving suggestion: Skewer the idlis on toothpicks for a bite-sized South Indian party treat.

7. Crispy Dahi Kebabs

Ingredients for Crispy Dahi Kebabs

• 1 cup hung curd (drained for 3–4 hours)
• 2 tbsp paneer, grated
• 1 tbsp roasted gram flour (besan)
• 1 tsp chopped green chillies
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• Oil for shallow frying

Method for Crispy Dahi Kebabs

1. Mix hung curd, paneer, besan, and seasonings until you get a soft, shapeable dough.
2. Form small round patties and coat with bread crumbs.
3. Shallow-fry until golden on both sides.
4. Serve hot with mint yoghurt dip.

Note: These kebabs melt in your mouth—perfect to balance the crunch of other fried snacks.

8. Tandoori Mushroom Skewers

Ingredients for Tandoori Mushroom Skewers

• 200 g button mushrooms
• ½ cup thick curd
• 1 tbsp gram flour
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp tandoori masala
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Method for Tandoori Mushroom Skewers

1. Mix curd, gram flour, spices, lemon juice, and oil to make a marinade.
2. Coat mushrooms and marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Skewer and grill or bake at 220°C for 10–12 minutes.
4. Brush with butter before serving.
5. Serve hot with onion rings and mint chutney for smoky perfection.

9. Masala Stuffed Mini Samosas

Ingredients for Masala Stuffed Mini Samosas

• 1 cup maida (all-purpose flour)
• 2 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste
• Water to knead
• For stuffing: 2 boiled potatoes, ¼ cup peas, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tsp garam masala

Method for Masala Stuffed Mini Samosas

1. Mix flour, ghee, and salt; knead into firm dough.
2. Sauté cumin, add peas and potatoes with spices for filling.
3. Roll small circles, cut into halves, shape into cones, and fill.
4. Seal edges and deep-fry on medium flame till crisp.

Variation: Try paneer bhurji or corn filling for fusion samosas.

10. Chilli Cheese Toast Bites

Ingredients for Chilli Cheese Toast Bites

• 4 bread slices
• ½ cup grated processed cheese
• 1 tbsp finely chopped green chillies
• 1 tbsp chopped capsicum
• 1 tbsp butter
• A pinch of oregano & chilli flakes

Method for Chilli Cheese Toast Bites

1. Mix cheese, chillies, and capsicum in a bowl.
2. Butter the bread, and spread the mixture evenly.
3. Toast in oven or tawa till golden and bubbly.
4. Cut into small bite-sized squares.

Serve immediately for that gooey, spicy burst that pairs perfectly with festive drinks.

Setting the Perfect Savoury Spread

A Diwali table should mirror the fireworks outside—colourful, varied, and full of surprises. Mix and match flavours: serve spicy kebabs, crunchy pakoras, and creamy dips. Arrange them in tiered platters, use banana leaves or copper trays for an ethnic touch, and garnish generously with herbs and lemon wedges.

Hosting Tip: Add a DIY “snack bar” where guests can assemble their own chaat or toasts—it’s interactive and fun!

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