Unique dishes for the perfect Diwali Dinner

Diwali, or the ‘festival of lights’, is a very famous festival in India. People of all ages celebrate and honour the victory of good against evil. This auspicious day is observed throughout India and other countries and communities by lighting oil lamps (diyas), exploding firecrackers, and eating a sumptuous meal.

Diwali is not complete without the delicious food served during this festive season. While most famous for its sweets and diwali treats, many dishes are unique during Diwali. Let us now explore some of the most unique dishes and diwali treats for the perfect Diwali Dinner, but before that, let us understand the history and significance of Diwali. 

Why do we celebrate diwali? 

There is much more to this festival than  Diwali treats and delicacies. Diwali can be traced back to ancient India and varies from region to region in terms of the importance given to the festival. Diwali is celebrated for five days, each with its customs and traditions. The festival chief has a direct link with Lord Rama, who went into exile for 14 years and, during this exile, his wife, Sita, was kidnapped by Ravana and thus began the Ramayana, which ended with the defeat of the demon king Ravana. People welcomed lord Rama by adorning their homes with vibrant decorations, lighting oil lamps, preparing sweets & savouries and making beautiful rangolis at their doorsteps for the celebration. Therefore, this day came to be called the Festival of Lights or the ‘Diwali’ in North India and ‘Deepawali’ down South.

In different parts of India, Diwali also marks other important events:

• It is associated with Lord Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana and his return to Ayodhya in North India.
• Lakshmi Puja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is a festival celebrated in West India.
• In South India, it is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.
• Jains celebrate it with great enthusiasm because it is the nirvana of Lord Mahavira.
• For Sikhs, it is the day when the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, was released from the captivity of the Mughals.

 Unique dishes for the perfect Diwali Dinner

Dahi Ke Kebab

Dahi ke kebab is a light starter from hung yoghurt mixed with spices. It is pan-fried to a crisp outer layer and melts from the inside out. Much lighter than most starters, the kebabs should be eaten with green chutney or tamarind sauce.

Masala Papad Cones

Papad cones are a fun twist and an easy variation on the traditional masala papad snack. When it comes to diwali delicacies, this dish is perfect with the crispy cones are easy to prepare and full of tangy tomato, onion, chaat masala, and sev mixture, creating a fun appetiser to set the flavour profile for the rest of the meal.

Stuffed Bhindi (Okra) Fry

One of the more popular diwali treats, stuffed bhindi, refers to okra, which has been slit and then filled with spices like coriander, cumin, and amchur, which is the dried raw mango or dried apricot and peanuts. These are well fried to a crisp to hold an excellent taste and go well with the main meal as they have a tangy, spicy feel.

Quinoa Pulao

A tasty pulao can be made using quinoa loaded with vegetables such as peas, carrots, beans, bell peppers, crushed cumin seeds, garam masala, and selected spices with a hint of fresh parsley as part of a Diwali festive meal.

Paneer Pasanda

Paneer Pasanda is a rich vegetable prepared with succulent paneer slices filled with a dry fruit and spice seasoning, pan-fried, and then floated in an elegant tomato cashew gravy. Some of the paneer and the richness of the sauce make this dish stand out from any Diwali meal.

Aloo Aur Anjeer Ki Chaat

This chaat has a sweet, spicy, and tangy taste. These baby potatoes are roasted until they’re crunchy and then seasoned with dry fruit chaat: dried figs, chaat masala, and crystalised pomegranate seeds. This simple dish will attract attention because of its sweet, spicy, and crunchy texture.

Jalebi Rabri Parfait

A delicious fusion dessert which will make your guests go wow! Place layers of crispy jalebis over chilled rabri prepared with reduced milk, saffron-flavoured rabri and nuts in glasses for an appealing presentation of a luxurious dessert. The jalebi is sweet, sticky, crisp on the outside and soft inside, and the chilled rabri is rich; when eaten together, it’s a sublime end to the Diwali dinner.

Where can I get a Diwali Platter in Chennai? 

Taste the most exquisite Diwali delicacies and treats at Waterside, in Feathers Hotel Chennai, on November 1st from 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Don’t miss out on this brunch; book your reservation now! For more details, call  73050 03390 / 78239 52689

Conclusion

Families celebrate Diwali together, decorate houses, convey happiness, and savour delightful meals. Whether appetisers or sweet dishes, these recipes will bring the flash of Diwali, and your festive dinner will be more decadent for these interesting foods and elements of creativity and imagination; these recipes should be on any Diwali dinner table. There’s no extent to which you can go wrong with adding some of the modern twist to the traditional dishes, making the feast even more appealing and guaranteeing everyone will leave the dinner table with a smile and a full tummy.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I make my Diwali platter healthier?

They can be roasted instead of fried. Use vegetable oil or melted ghee in refrain; A serving of fresh vegetables and whole grains. Replacing some sweets with other products, especially fruit salads, dates, or any sweets made of nuts, can also be helpful.

2. What can I offer my guest for a Diwali meal?

New creations include Laksa Ramen, Myan-Mars Burger, gulab jamun cheesecake, and Paneer-Stuffed Phyllo Parcels. These dishes may hold your guests spellbound while never straying far from the Indian theme.

3. How can I prepare a meal suited to the taste of my guests?

Provide a balanced preparation, with some food hot, some sour, and others less spicy. One must realise that because not all the guests have the same taste, side dishes such as yoghurt-based raita, mint chutney, and sweet sauces alongside the curry would help alter the taste as desired.

4. Where can I go to get a Diwali Platter in Chennai? 

Feathers Hotel Chennai offers an exquisite platter for Diwali. Join us on 1st November for brunch from 12 to 4 p.m. at Waterside, in Feathers Hotel Chennai. To know more, call  73050 03390 / 78239 52689