Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It’s a time of joy, togetherness, and most importantly—delicious food. During Diwali, homes are filled with the aroma of festive dishes, and families come together to enjoy traditional and modern treats. Whether you’re hosting a Diwali party or just looking to enjoy some festive recipes at home, we’ve curated a list of delightful dishes that will add sparkle to your celebrations.
From savory snacks to indulgent sweets, these recipes bring a blend of tradition and innovation, with Zama Organics offering premium ingredients for your festive spread. Let’s dive into these mouth-watering Diwali recipes that are sure to impress your guests!

 

1. Avocado Chickpea Chaat: A Classic Twist

Avocado Chickpea Chaat combines the creaminess of ripe avocados with the nutty flavour of chickpeas, brightened by tangy lemon juice and topped with fresh pomegranate seeds. This delicious snack or light meal is both refreshing and filling, perfect for those looking for a healthy yet indulgent festive option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (boiled)
• 2 ripe avocados (diced)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional)
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder (optional)

Steps to Make It:

1. Prepare the Chickpeas: Boil the chickpeas until soft. Ensure they are tender.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chickpeas, diced avocados, chopped onions, pomegranate seeds, mint, and coriander.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, coconut sugar, Himalayan pink salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chilli powder. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the chickpea and avocado mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
5. Serve: Transfer the chaat to serving bowls. If desired, top with yogurt and garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.
6. Optional Garnish: Drizzle imli (tamarind) chutney or coriander-mint chutney on top for added texture and flavour.

Tips:

• Serve the chaat with crispy papdi or sev for extra crunch.
• Add a sprinkle of chaat masala for a tangy chatpata kick.

2. Chocolate & Nut Truffles: A Decadent Treat

These no-bake Chocolate and Nut Truffles combine rich dark chocolate with a medley of crunchy nuts and the aromatic sweetness of our Kashmiri honey gulkand (rose petal jam). Perfect for festive gifting or simply indulging at home.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes (for melting chocolate)

Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 truffles

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pistachios
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 2 tablespoons Kashmiri honey gulkand
• 1 tablespoon coconut sugar (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• 100 grams dark chocolate (for coating)
• Optional: additional chopped nuts for rolling

Steps to Make It:

1. Prepare Nut Mixture: In a food processor, pulse chopped pistachios, almonds, walnuts, pecans, and cashews until finely chopped but still textured.
2. Add Flavourings: Mix in gulkand, cardamom powder, and Himalayan pink salt until sticky.
3. Form Truffles: Roll small portions of the mixture into bite-sized balls and place on parchment paper.
4. Melt Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a smoother finish, if desired.
5. Coat Truffles: Dip each truffle in melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Roll in chopped nuts for extra texture if desired.
6. Set Truffles: Refrigerate the coated truffles for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate sets.
7. Serve: Enjoy your truffles once the chocolate hardens. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Tips:

• Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavour.
• These truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• You can experiment with different coatings such as cocoa powder or desiccated coconut for variety.

3. Masala Nut Mix: A Savoury Snack

Masala Nut Mix is a savoury, spiced snack perfect for gatherings or a healthy pick-me-up. This mix of various nuts is roasted and spiced, making it a delightful and crunchy treat for your Diwali snack table.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4-6 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cashews
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup pistachios
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup Zama’s Thai kaffir peanuts 
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon amchur powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee (melted)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Nuts: In a bowl, mix the cashews, almonds, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts.
2. Make the Spice Mix: Combine salt, chilli powder, black pepper, turmeric, and amchur powder in a small bowl.
3. Coat the Nuts: Add the melted ghee to the spice mix and pour it over the nuts. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Roast the Nuts: Spread the coated nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through for even roasting.
5. Mix in Thai Kaffir Peanuts: Once the roasted nuts have cooled slightly, mix in the pre-prepared Thai kaffir peanuts.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the entire mixture cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for freshness.

Tips:

• Serve: Sprinkle the nut mix on salads for an extra crunch or include them on a charcuterie board for an Indian twist.
• Add Flavour: Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the nuts just before serving for flavour.

4. Rice Kheer with Berry Compote: A Fusion Dessert

This creamy Rice Kheer, enhanced with a cardamom-flavoured blueberry compote, is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion, adding a modern twist to a classic Indian dessert.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 

Ingredients:

- For the Kheer:

• 1/2 cup rice (basmati)
• 4 cups low-fat milk
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 4-5 green cardamom pods (crushed)
• Pinch of saffron
• 1/4 cup mixed nuts (chopped)
• Honey (for drizzling, optional)

- For the Compote:

• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

Steps:

1. Rinse the Rice: Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. Cook the Kheer: In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the low-fat milk to a boil. Add the rice, crushed cardamom, and saffron. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens (about 20-25 minutes).
3. Sweeten the Kheer: Stir in the coconut sugar and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust the sweetness as per your taste.
4. Prepare the Compote: In a saucepan, cook the blueberries, lemon juice, honey, and cardamom powder until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Serve: Layer 2-3 tablespoons of berry compote over 1/3 cup of rice pudding in small glass cups. Garnish with chopped pistachios and gulkand. Serve chilled.

Tips:

• Use a sweetener of choice for the berry compote.
• Try adding a drizzle of saffron-infused milk on top for a luxurious touch.

5. Candied Cashews: A Sweet Treat

Candied cashews are a sweet, crunchy snack infused with saffron and cardamom, perfect for snacking or gifting this Diwali. Their golden coating makes them irresistible!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes 

Servings: 4 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup raw brown sugar
• A pinch of saffron strands
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup pistachios (chopped)

Steps:

1. Soak Saffron: In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 1 tablespoon of warm water to release their colour and flavour.
2. Toast Cashews: In a non-stick pan over medium heat, toast the cashews for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Syrup: In the same pan, add raw brown sugar, saffron water, and cardamom. Cook on low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and forms a syrup (2-3 minutes).
4. Coat the Cashews: Add the toasted cashews to the syrup, stirring for another 2-3 minutes until evenly coated.
5. Add Pistachios: Mix in the chopped pistachios, then spread the candied cashews on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips:

• Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a twist.
• These candied cashews make for a great homemade Diwali gift. Store in an airtight jar for freshness.

6. Khapli Choco Cookies: Healthy Festive Cookies

These Khapli Wheat Flour Cookies offer a healthy twist on traditional treats. Made with nutrient-rich khapli wheat flour and naturally sweetened with jaggery, they boast a chewy texture and are studded with dark chocolate —ideal for a guilt-free indulgence this Diwali.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 12 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup khapli wheat flour
• 1/3 cup extra virgin coconut oil
• 1/2 cup jaggery (grated or powder)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, combine melted coconut oil, grated jaggery, and vanilla extract (if using) until the jaggery dissolves.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together khapli wheat flour and salt.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk.
5. Add Chocolate: Fold in the dark chocolate pieces.
6. Shape and Bake: Scoop the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with your fingers. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
7. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before serving.

Tips:

• Add nuts or dried fruits like raisins or blueberries for extra flavour and texture.
• These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of chai.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or enjoying intimate moments with family, these recipes offer a perfect balance of health, flavour, and a touch of indulgence. As you prepare these treats, don’t forget the essence of Diwali—sharing joy, laughter, and good food with those you love. After all, it’s these experiences that make the festival truly special. Happy cooking, and may your Diwali be filled with light, love, and unforgettable flavours!

Why Choose Zama Organics for Diwali?

Zama Organics is committed to providing high-quality ingredients that are both fresh and ethically sourced. Whether you're preparing traditional sweets or modern fusion dishes, Zama Organics ensures that your food is as healthy as it is flavorful. Their wide range of products offers you the best foundation for creating memorable Diwali recipes. When quality matters, Zama Organics is the brand to trust.

 

FAQs

Q. Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A. Yes, many of these recipes, like the Masala Nut Mix and Chocolate & Nut Truffles, can be made ahead and stored in airtight containers.

Q. What’s a quick snack I can prepare for guests during Diwali?
A. Quick snacks like masala nuts or roasted chickpeas are easy to prepare and perfect for serving guests.

Q. What are some alternative ingredients for avocado chickpea chaat?
A. You can replace avocado with diced cucumbers or bell peppers for a refreshing twist, or add diced tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Q. Can I substitute ingredients in these recipes?
A. Yes, feel free to substitute ingredients like using different nuts or sweeteners according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.