As the festival of lights approaches, kitchens across India come alive with the aroma of freshly prepared snacks and sweets. Diwali is not just a time for sweets; it’s also a celebration of savory treats that bring families together. South India offers a delightful array of snacks, each steeped in tradition and bursting with flavors. From crunchy murukkus to sweet and spicy mixtures, these Diwali festival foods not only tantalize the taste buds but also represent the cultural richness of the region. Here are five must-try Diwali snacks that will surely add to your festive joy!
1. Murukku
A beloved snack in South Indian households, Murukku is a crunchy, spiral-shaped treat made from rice and urad dal flour. Its crispy texture and savory flavor make it an ideal accompaniment for tea or as a festive munch.
Ingredients:
- 200 gm rice flour
- 100 gm urad dal flour
- Water as needed
- 10 gm cumin seed
- 10 gm sesame seeds
- salt to taste
- oil for frying
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, urad dal flour, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and salt. Gradually add water to form a soft, pliable dough.
- Fill a murukku maker with the dough. Press it out in spirals onto a greased plate or parchment paper.
- Heat oil in a pan. Once hot, gently slide the shaped murukku into the oil and fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
2. Karanji (Gujiya)
Karanji, also known as Gujiya in some regions, is a sweet pastry filled with a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and dry fruits. Its crispy exterior and sweet filling make it a festive favorite.
Ingredients:
- 250 gm all-purpose flour:
- 50 gm ghee
- Water as needed
- 100 gm grated coconut
- 100 gm jaggery (grated)
- 5 gm cardamom powder
- 30 gm chopped nuts (cashews, almonds):
- Oil: for frying
Method:
- In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour and ghee until crumbly. Gradually add water to knead into a smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In a pan, melt jaggery and add grated coconut, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts. Cook until the mixture thickens. Allow it to cool.
- Roll out small portions of dough into circles. Place a spoonful of the filling on one half, fold over, and seal the edges using a fork.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the karanjis until golden brown. Drain and serve.
3. Banana Chips
A crunchy, addictive snack, banana chips are a staple in South Indian homes during festivals. Made from raw bananas, they are lightly salted and fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 raw bananas
- A pinch of turmeric powder:
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Method:
- Peel the raw bananas and slice them thinly using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.
- In a bowl, mix the banana slices with turmeric powder and salt.
- Heat oil in a deep pan. Once hot, add the banana slices in batches, frying until they turn crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
4. Sakkarai Pongal
Sakkarai Pongal is a sweet rice dish made with jaggery, moong dal, and flavored with cardamom and ghee. It’s a traditional offering during festivals and is often enjoyed as a dessert.
Ingredients:
- 200 gm Rice
- 50 gm Moong dal
- 150 gm Jaggery (grated)
- 600 ml Water
- 30 gm Ghee
- 5 gm Cardamom powder
- 30 gm Cashews and raisins
Method:
- In a pot, dry roast the moong dal until golden. Add rice and water, and cook until both are soft and mushy.
- In another pan, melt jaggery with a little water until it forms a syrup. Add this to the cooked rice and dal mixture.
- Mix in ghee, cardamom powder, cashews, and raisins. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes before serving warm.
5. Thattai
Intro: Thattai is a traditional South Indian snack made from rice flour and spices, giving it a unique flavor. These crispy discs are perfect for snacking and are a must-have during Diwali.
Ingredients:
- 200 gm Rice flour
- 50 gm Urad dal flour
- 10 gm Sesame seeds
- 5 gm Cumin seeds
- 5 gm Red chili powder
- Salt: to taste
- Oil: for frying
Method:
- In a bowl, mix rice flour, urad dal flour, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and salt. Gradually add water to form a dough.
- Take small portions of the dough and flatten them into thin discs using your palms.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the flattened discs until they are crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels.
As you indulge in these South Indian treats, don’t miss the opportunity to explore other regional delights! Discover the scrumptious sweets from Kerala and Maharashtra, such as delicate puran poli and rich mysore pak, to further enrich your festive experience. Happy Diwali!