Diwali Delights

Team Chronicle

The rains are over; autumn is on, and there is a slight nip in the air. Excitement abounds amongst Indians – Diwali is here!! Spectacular, dazzling and India’s biggest festival, Diwali is celebrated with great revelry across the country and the world.

Diwali is that time of the year when socialising is at its very best. Diwali implies good times – lights, fireworks, sumptuous food, drink, music, card parties and jubilation! Friends and family get together and the party season is on!

Kali Puja / Diwali / Bhai Dooj celebrations are culinary extravaganzas in most of India. What is interesting is that not just Bengalis, but many other Indian communities enjoy non-vegetarian delights along with the expected religious vegetarian fare. It was commonly presumed that only Bengalis insisted on having fish, mutton and chicken delights to perform pet pujo!

Diwali parties include card, lunch and dinner parties, as well as Bhai Dooj celebrations. Elaborate rangolis, diyas, LED lights, music and fireworks add up to make every bash memorable.

Diwali is a pan-Indian festival, and its food includes delicacies from different Indian and international regions, which are exotic, yet easy-to-prepare.

The traditional Diwali food served and eaten at home depends on the culture and traditions followed by families. There are also regional differences depending on which part of South Asia you originate from. For instance, in Thailand, Diwali is called Loy Krathong, and Thai curries, fish cakes and sweet noodles are popular items.

Sweets are very centric to Diwali and an astounding variety will be on offer, in sweet shops, hotels and people’s homes.

Traditional Diwali sweets include Jalebis, Kheer, Gajar Ka Halwa, Kajoo Barfi, Suji Halwa, Besan Ke Ladoo and Karanji. Mysore Pak, Shahi Tukde and the Bengali Patishapta are not to be left behind as well.

We are amazed at the way global influences have brought exotic fusion desserts like Paniphal Panacotta, Baked Boondi Parfait, Gulab Jamun Cheesecake and Diwali Chocolate Truffles onto the festive dining table.

You have Kiwi Barfi, Masala Chai Semiffredo and Sweet Ravioli with Rabri jostling for space alongside Butterscotch Toffee Sheera, Berry Srikhand, Firni Falooda Trifles and Saffron Macaroons!

Savoury favourites include the traditional Peas Cutlet, Ghoogni, Dahi-Bhalle, Karanji, Samosas, Pakoras, and Mathiyaa.

Vegetarian fusion snacks are in vogue for gourmet cooks, so Cheesy Jalapeno Kachauris, Wasabi Aloo Tikki, Idly Satay, Chinese Mini Dosas, Broccoli Cakes and Cheese Burger Sushi are very much in demand.

For die-hard non-vegetarians, the classic Bengali Fish Kochuri, Goan Prawn Pakodas, Parsi Mutton Kebabs and Anglo-Indian Chicken Cutlets rule the roost.

Lahori Fish Tacos, Teriyaki Salmon Kebabs, Lobster Spring Rolls and Liver Canapes are exotic international options being served nowadays at Diwali bashes. The combination of Spicy Mango and King Cole Duck Martini- an appetizer, not a drink- is out of this world!

Lavish and gourmet Indian main courses may be what you would like to gorge on this time of the year, especially for lunch and dinner parties on Kali Puja and Diwali Nights, as well as on Bhai Dooj.

So let’s look at some options for a feast.

A royal Zafrani Pulao, fit for a king, can take centre stage and Baby Corn Biriyani can keep it company. Exotic Vegetable Nilgiri Korma- a very festive Diwali dish and an enticing Paneer Bagh–e–Bahar can sit pretty next to these.

A selection of miniature parathas, kulchas and naans would look very inviting.

How about some Gnocchi Gobi, Tofu Tikka, Dabeli and Beetroot Cutlets to tickle your taste buds?

Crab Cakes with Saffron Mayonnaise, Chicken Badami Kebabs and crispy Mutton Angara will win over most non-vegetarian hearts.

Traditional non-vegetarianfavourites can be served witha twist. Egg Vindaloo, instead of pork, a Goan iconic dish, is delicious and so easy to prepare. And how about some Prawn Butter Masala instead of chicken?

Who says that Paturis can be made only the Bengali way? Banana Leaf Chicken Masala is a delicacy from South India and willbe a runaway hit at any meal. We can’t leave the Valley of Flowers out of our Diwali celebrations. The Kashmiri Yakhni, a creamy white mutton curry, will transport diners straight to heaven!

For the calorie-conscious spoilsports, there have to be some salads and raitas on offer, such as Thai Papaya Salad, Mushroom, Avocado and Feta Cheese Salad, Beetroot Apple Raita and Nuts and Raisins Raita to name a few.

Desserts will include the ones we have already mentioned. There is no end to the options and combinations which chefs and home cooks will rustle up.

Take-home edible gifts at Diwali nowadays have moved away from traditional Indian fare. Hosts and guests prefer cookies and chocolates, mini dessert jars, juices, exotic cooking oils, snack packs, flavoured teas, wines and liquors.

All in all, Diwali is a wondrous and opulent extravaganza. Indians are sad when the five-day festival ends. To add to their despondency is the realisation that most of them have lighter pockets and thicker waistlines! Here’s wishing all readers a foodilicious, happy and prosperous Diwali!!