These Snacks Will Brighten Up Your Diwali Party

Diwali is a time for joyous celebrations filled with laughter, card games, and heartwarming puja rituals. The aroma of Diwali festival food wafts through the air, enhancing the festive spirit as families gather to light diyas and decorate their homes. Let’s explore some delightful snacks that will surely brighten up your Diwali party and create lasting memories!

1. Coconut Ladoo

Coconut ladoos are a beloved treat in Indian households, especially during festivals. Their sweet, chewy texture and the delightful aroma of coconut make them a favorite among both children and adults. With minimal ingredients and no cooking involved, they are perfect for quick festive preparations!

Ingredients:

• Grated coconut: 200 gm
• Condensed milk: 200 gm
• Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
• Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews): 50 gm
• Ghee: 1 tsp (for greasing)

Method:

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a pan, add the grated coconut and condensed milk, mixing well. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Flavor it Up: Stir in the cardamom powder and chopped nuts. Mix well and remove from heat.
3. Shape the Ladoos: Allow the mixture to cool slightly. Grease your hands with ghee, take small portions of the mixture, and roll them into round balls (ladoos).
4. Serve: Let them cool completely before serving. Enjoy your sweet coconut ladoos!

For Coconut Ladoo, you can use natural sweeteners like date syrup or honey instead of condensed milk, which reduces refined sugar intake. Adding nutritious ingredients like chia seeds or flaxseeds boosts fiber content and provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Opting for unsweetened grated coconut reduces added sugars, making this a healthier snack option.

2. Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a timeless classic in Indian sweets, known for its rich, syrupy goodness. These soft, round dumplings made from khoya soak up a fragrant sugar syrup, making them a deliciously indulgent treat. Perfect for festive gatherings, they embody the essence of celebration!

Ingredients:

• Khoya (mawa): 200 gm
• All-purpose flour: 50 gm
• Baking soda: a pinch
• Sugar: 200 gm
• Water: 250 ml
• Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
• Ghee or oil: for frying

Method:

1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water, and add cardamom powder. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.
2. Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, crumble khoya and mix with all-purpose flour and baking soda. Knead gently to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into small balls.
3. Fry the Balls: Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Deep fry the balls on low to medium heat until golden brown. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
4. Soak in Syrup: Immerse the fried balls in the warm sugar syrup and let them soak for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your gulab jamuns!

To make Gulab Jamun healthier, consider substituting all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and nutrients. You can also bake the gulab jamun balls instead of frying them, significantly reducing the oil and calories. For the syrup, create a sugar-free version using stevia or monk fruit sweetener to enjoy the sweetness without the added refined sugar.

3. Kheer (Rice Pudding)

Kheer is a traditional Indian rice pudding that is creamy, sweet, and utterly comforting. It is often prepared during festivals and special occasions to celebrate with loved ones. The aromatic spices and the richness of milk make it a delectable dessert that everyone will love!

Ingredients:

• Basmati rice: 100 gm
• Full-fat milk: 1 liter
• Sugar: 100 gm (adjust to taste)
• Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
• Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds): 50 gm
• Raisins: 2 tbsp
• Ghee: 1 tsp (for roasting nuts)

Method:

1. Prepare the Rice: Wash the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes and drain.
2. Cook the Rice: In a heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil. Add the soaked rice and reduce the heat. Cook until the rice is soft and the milk thickens (about 30-40 minutes).
3. Add Sweetness: Stir in sugar, cardamom powder, and raisins. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Garnish and Serve: In a separate pan, heat ghee and roast the chopped nuts. Top the kheer with the roasted nuts and serve warm or chilled. Enjoy your delightful kheer!

For Kheer, using low-fat or almond milk instead of full-fat milk can cut down on calories while maintaining a creamy texture. Enhance the nutritional value by adding more nuts and incorporating fresh fruits like mango or berries for natural sweetness. Lastly, you can reduce the sugar amount or replace it with healthier alternatives like jaggery or coconut sugar to keep the sweetness while avoiding refined sugars.

As you prepare for your Diwali celebrations, don't forget to indulge in traditional favorites like Sandesh and Mysore Pak. Sandesh, made from fresh paneer, offers a light yet satisfying sweet, while mysore pak, with its rich blend of ghee and chickpea flour, provides a decadent treat that embodies the spirit of the festival. Whether you enjoy these classics or opt for healthier alternatives, the essence of Diwali lies in the joy of sharing delightful sweets with loved ones.