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75 Amazing Diwali Recipes for the busy cook

These vegetarian Diwali recipes are quick and easy, and will make the festive season even more fun. Because you won't be spending hours in the kitchen and can actually spend more time with your family. A collection of appetizers, mains and desserts for you to choose from.

Diwali Recipes picture collage with text overlay

Here's a list of the recipes for quick access:

Appetizers and snacks

Want more vegetarian Diwali starters? Check out my list of over 35 Diwali Snack recipes that you can prep ahead and serve for your Diwali party!

Diwali Main Course Dishes

Side Dishes

Drinks

Desserts


Appetizers and Snacks for Diwali

Easy Aloo Chaat - Delhi Style
Easy Aloo Chaat - delhi style served on a plate with sev on the side
This addictive Indian street food snack is a must make because the flavors of aloo chaat are unbeatable! 
Check out this recipe
Jalapeno Three Cheese Samosa
Super cheesy jalapeno three cheese samosa are sure to become a favourite because who can resist gooey stringy cheese stuffed in crispy samosa wrappers! These vegetarian samosas have a filling of mozzarella, cream cheese, smoked cheddar and jalapenos and folding them is really easy too. 
Super cheese jalapeno three cheese samosas are sure to become a favourite because who can resist gooey stringy cheese stuffed in crispy samosa wrappers! These vegetarian samosas have a filling of mozzarella, cream cheese, smoked cheddar and jalapenos and folding them is really easy too.
Check out this recipe
Healthy Aloo Paneer Tikki
The tikkis served with chutney, ketchup and Tetley green tea.
Healthy north indian style aloo paneer tikkis are the perfect and easy appetizer for chilly evenings or when you have guests over!
Check out this recipe
Vegetable Pakoras
Crunchy vegetable pakoras served on a wooden board with green coriander chutney
Watch recipe video above. It is the season for vegetable pakoras, spicy green chutney and masala chai. And I'm bringing you a recipe that has been tailored specifically for maximum crunch factor. These have a secret ingredient that makes every bite super crunchy and extra crispy.
Check out this recipe
The Best Indian Punjabi Samosa
Closeup of a beautiful, perfect golden brown samosa
This is definitely the best Indian punjabi samosa you'll every make at home! I'm arming you with step by step directions and a recipe video for you to follow. So you can learn how to make the samosa dough, the aloo stuffing and how to easily wrap them.
Check out this recipe
Crispy Honey Chilli Potatoes
Honey chilli potatoes served on a white bowl with spring onions and sesame seeds on the side
Watch Recipe Video Above. Crispy Honey Chilli Potatoes are a super addictive snack - fried potato fingers are tossed in a sesame honey chilli sauce that's sweet and spicy and will give you sticky fingers that you'll be licking to get every last bit of sauce!
Check out this recipe
Paneer Pakora Recipe 2 Ways
Paneer pakora photographed two ways
Here's a recipe for super crispy paneer pakoras, done two ways. These pakoras have soft paneer on the inside and a really crispy batter outside!
Check out this recipe
Green Coriander Chutney
Green Cilanatro Chutney served with pakoras or fritters on the side.
This green coriander chutney recipe is the best chutney you will ever try! Its fresh, tart, sweet and spicy and goes so well with pakoras, kebabs, samosas, cutlets, fritters or even as a spread on sandwiches. This is a recipe that's pretty different from most other recipes out there, and you'll believe me when you taste it!
Check out this recipe
Crackling Spinach
Crispy fried spinach in a spoon
Crispy Fried Spinach is basically deep fried spinach tossed with ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, salt, sugar and chilli flakes. It's like a party in your mouth!
Check out this recipe
Crispy Thread Paneer
Many pieces of thread paneer served on a tissue paper lined plate
Super crunchy appetizer with marinated pieces of paneer wrapped in cooked noodles and deep fried. Nobody can resist these!
Check out this recipe
Gobi Manchurian
Gobi manchurian served in a blue bowl
Easy Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo Chinese recipe where super crispy cauliflower florets are tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce in a way that they remain crispy till the end!
Check out this recipe
Railway Style Veg Cutlets
Veg Cutlets served in a blue bowl with green chutney and ketchup
Veg Cutlets or Veg croquettes are a crispy tea time snack that everyone will love. Made with a potato beetroot filling and a vermicelli coating, these are crispy outside and really flavourful inside.
Check out this recipe
Onion Pakora
Closeup of onion pakodas served on a board
With my easy dry batter trick, you'll always have crispest onion pakodas. These make for a fantastic evening or pre-dinner snack and work really with my coriander chutney or just plain ketchup!
Check out this recipe
South Indian Mushroom Pepper Fry
Mushroom pepper fry served in a bowl
Simple, easy south Indian mushroom pepper fry is a great way to use mushrooms in sabji. Spicy, peppery, this is best served with malabar parottas and rice
Check out this recipe
Chinese Style Paneer Kathi Roll
Paneer kathi roll cut into pieces and stacked on top of the other
Delicious street style Indian snack - these Kathi rolls are filled with a chilli paneer filling stuffed in a flaky, crispy paratha
Check out this recipe
Easy Tandoori Whole Baked Cauliflower
Easy Tandoori Whole Baked Cauliflower that is a really different way of serving cauliflower!
Easy tandoori whole baked cauliflower recipe which makes a stunning, healthy vegetarian main course!
Check out this recipe
Sabudana Vada Bombs stuffed with Paneer
Closeup of sabudana vada bombs stuffed with paneer stacked on top of one another
Taking Sabudana Vadas to the next level with these amazing Sabudana Bombs that have a delicious, creamy paneer filling inside. These are hearty, filling cutlets that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and can be made for Navratri as a fasting dish.
Check out this recipe
Street Style Chilli Paneer
Chilli Paneer served on a platter
Make street style chilli paneer easily with this recipe! Sweet, spicy, tangy with soft cubes of crispy paneer - this recipe is irresistable!
Check out this recipe
Hariyali Paneer Tikka
a shot of hariyali paneer tikka on skewers placed on a white plate
This Hariyali Paneer Tikka brings a refreshing twist to your typical paneer dishes. It's made with straightforward ingredients but delivers bold flavours that'll surprise you!
Check out this recipe
Dahi Vada
a plate of dahi vada with curd, tamarind chutney and coriander mint chutney drizzled on top.
If you're looking for a delicious snack to try, consider making Dahi Vada or Dahi Bhalla! This North Indian chaat has a versatile taste and texture thanks to the different ingredients involved. It has all the sweet, sour, salty and spicy elements of a chaat, making it an ideal evening snack!
Check out this recipe
Air Fryer Kurkuri Bhindi
Air fried kurkuri bhindi in a white bowl
This air fryer kurkuri bhindi is perfect for easy cooking and even easier eating! It’s a game changer, made with pantry staples and hardly any oil. And it tastes even better than when you deep fry it in oil. Serve it as an appetiser, snack or even for lunch along with some dal and roti.
Check out this recipe
Tamarind Chutney
A spoonful of tamarind chutney being taken out of a bowl
Tamarind Chutney is an Indian condiment or sauce that's sweet, sour, spicy and savoury. Its generally used as an accompaniment to various Indian chaats but also works really well as a dipping sauce or a marinade. A jar will last you over a year in the fridge!
Check out this recipe
Bread Chaat
Bread Chaat served on a white plate with a spoon on the side
A super creative way to make chaat by using bread as base and topping it with all the chaat essentials - boiled potatoes, onions, coriander chutney, imli chutney and sev. This is like a cross between sev puri and dahi vada and its so so good.
Check out this recipe
Corn Bhel
Corn Bhel served in a cowl with a spoon on the side
Chinese style Corn Bhel is a sweet, spicy, crunchy recipe which really celebrates corn. Takes only 10 minutes to put together and makes the best 5PM snack on a rainy day.
Check out this recipe
Veg Spring Roll
Spring Rolls served on a platter with sweet chilli sauce
Veg Spring Roll is an addictive Chinese appetizer that's made with a noodle filling encased in a wheat-based pastry wrapper. Wrapped like mini burritos and deep-fried till crisp, these are the first things to go at a party. I recently discovered that these get just as crispy in the air fryer so I've added instructions below for air fryer spring rolls as well.
Check out this recipe

Diwali Mains

Dal Makhani - The Ultimate Recipe! for Stovetop, Pressure Cooker and Instant Pot
Dal Makhani served in a brown ceramic bowl with cream drizzled on top and naan and sliced onions on the side
This is the ultimate recipe for dal makhani - a buttery, luscious lentil curry. The lentils are cooked in an onion, tomato mixture and finished with a lot of cream. This recipe is a weekend project, but it'll make you enough that leftovers will last you a few days.
Check out this recipe
Chana Aloo or Chhole Aloo Masala (Spicy Chickpeas and Potato Curry)
A picture of the curry plated with rice and onions.
Chana aloo or chhole aloo is one of the most delicious Indian curries you'll ever taste! Spicy, moderately hot and packed with flavor.
Check out this recipe
Restaurant Style Paneer Butter Masala
Paneer Butter Masala served in a black bowl with naan and sliced onions on the side
Here's an easy recipe for the perfect restaurant style paneer butter masala. It's a luscious onion tomato gravy with creaminess from cashews, khus khus (poppy seeds), butter and cream. Soft paneer simmered in this gravy is a big hit with everyone
Check out this recipe
Vegetable Korma Curry
Vegetable Korma Curry straight from the stove served in a cast iron pan
This authentic vegetable korma curry has a creamy cashew sauce as a base and is loaded with wholesome vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower florets, peas, french beans and even carrot - it packs in the perfect medley of crunch and vegetable goodness in every spoon. Perfect comfort food which can be served as a soup, or with a side of rice and naan bread.
Check out this recipe
Authentic Saag Paneer
Picture of saag paneer in the pan that it was cooked in with a spoon
You are going to love this healthy saag paneer which is an easy, Indian recipe thats full of flavor and uses a combination of mustard greens or arugula and spinach. It's gluten free, ready in 30 minutes and is perfect with naan or parathas.
Check out this recipe
Easy Palak Paneer Recipe
Closeup of the palak paneer gravy to show the luxurious, rich curry base
This is the easiest recipe you'll find for Palak Paneer. No blanching spinach, no heavy spices and the result is a luxurious, creamy restaurant style dish that takes only 30 minutes to make.
Check out this recipe
Dhaba Style Dal Fry
Dhaba Style Dal Fry garnished with lime, coriander and served in a dabba with a side of rotis.
Spicy, smokey and really authentic Indian punjabi Dhaba Style Dal Fry (lentil curry soup). A quick 30 minute recipe which is wholesome and healthy. This recipe has been re-tested and updated.
Check out this recipe
Vegetable Jalfrezi
Vegetable Jalfrezi served with rotis
This restaurant style vegetable jalfrezi may have a long list of ingredients but if you prep ahead, you'll be surprised at how fast it comes together. It's mildly spiced, and packs in a lot of veggies! Just use what you have at hand.
Check out this recipe
Creamy Matar Paneer Curry
shot of matar paneer gravy in a white bowl with coriander sprinkled on top
Easy to follow recipe for creamy matar paneer curry which is ready in under 30 minutes. Comforting and home style, this ghar ka khana recipe is a winner!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Palak Paneer Kofta Curry
The Healthy Palak Paneer Kofta Curry in a pan with cream drizzled on top
Simple recipe for healthy paneer koftas simmered in a palak or spinach curry plus a tip to get restaurant style green colour without food colouring.
Check out this recipe
Spicy Achari Paneer
Achari Paneer served in a copper steel bowl with rotis on the side
An authentic recipe for spicy achari paneer or cottage cheese in pickling spices to surprise your family!
Check out this recipe
Pav Bhaji - Mumbai Style
Pav Bhaji served in a steel plate with ladi pav, onions and coriander on the side
A really unique take on mashed vegetables, Pav Bhaji is a popular street food where cooked vegetables are tempered with spices and butter and mashed till creamy and buttery
Check out this recipe
Lasooni Corn Palak | Makai Palak
Spoon going into corn palak to show the texture and garlic tadka
A lush green spinach based gravy thats mildly spiced and extra garlicky with sweet corn in it. This restaurant style Indian curry is creamy, flavourful and has a beautiful texture.
Check out this recipe
Rajma Recipe (Easy Rajma Masala)
Rajma Masala served in a blue bowl with chopped coriander sprinkled over
Rajma Masala is comfort food at its best. Kidney beans or rajma is cooked and then simmered in a luscious onion tomato gravy till thick and tasty. Best served with steamed rice and ghee!
Check out this recipe
Dhaba Style Moong Dal
A bowl of Dhaba style Moong Dal served with rice and sliced onions on a plate
Make moong dal even more tasty with this Dhaba Style version which makes this dish spicy and smoky and absolutely perfect for a family lunch or dinner.
Check out this recipe
Restaurant Style Mushroom Masala
Mushroom masala served in a white bowl with a drizzle of cream on top with paratha on the side
This mushroom masala is made restaurant style and has a spicy, tangy curry with matar to add more texture and freshness. Pair this with parathas or rice for a really satisfying lunch or dinner!
Amritsari Dal
picture of a amritsari dal with cream drizzled on top in a steel copper bowl with rice and roti on the side
The heavenly combination of dal, butter, ghee and cream makes this a truly indulgent meal.
Check out this recipe
Potato Curry (No Onion Garlic)
Picture of potato curry served in a brown terracotta bowl
This is the simplest, easiest potato curry. It has no onion no garlic and uses just one spice. But don't worry, the simplest flavours come together to make a really delicious curry!
Check out this recipe
Pindi Chole | No Onion Garlic Chana
Bowl of pindi chole served with bhatura and potatoes on the side
Pindi Chole is a very flavourful chickpea curry recipe that has no onion, garlic or tomatoes. It has a typical dark colour that comes from cooking it slowly on a cast iron pan or kadhai. Serve with bhaturas, naan or kulchas, this can double up as breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Check out this recipe
No Onion Garlic Shaam Savera Kofta
Shaam Savera or Palak Paneer Kofta Curry is a delicious way to up your kofta game and put something on the table that really stands out. This is a no onion garlic recipe for those who follow the sattvic lifestyle or want something extra special for Navratri
Check out this recipe
Langar wali Dal
Langar wali dal served in a green ceramic bowl with naan and onions on the side
Langar wali Dal is the dal served at Gurdwaras across the world. It's creamy, smokey and has a beautiful finish from the tempering. This dal has a special place because it's prepared by volunteers.
Check out this recipe
Shahi Paneer
Picture of shahi paneer served in a black bowl with onions and naan on the side
Velvety smooth gravy, soft cubes of paneer and a tonne of flavour makes this dish truly royal. This is a Punjabi version of Shahi Paneer which is why the gravy is orange-ish and not white.
Check out this recipe

Diwali Sides

Instant No Yeast Naan in 30 minutes
Pieces of the no yeast Naan that is prepared in 30 minutes.
Instant No Yeast Naan bread recipe which doesn't require any yeast or eggs and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish and can be made on the gas stove in a skillet. No oven or tandoor.
Check out this recipe
Kabuli Chana Pulao
Kabuli Chana Pulao served in a bowl with onions and a salad
Kabuli Chana Pulao is a one pot recipe where spices, chickpeas and rice are cooked together till the rice is fluffy. It's a delicious weeknight dinner that doesn't take long to cook and tastes best when paired with raita.
Check out this recipe
Perfect Jeera Rice (Indian Cumin Rice)
Steamed jeera rice served fresh in a black bowl with a side of Indian curry.
This recipe for jeera rice (Indian steamed cumin rice) will never fail you! You don't need a rice cooker or fancy equipment to make this. Just a few ingredients and a pot and you'll have fluffy, flavorful jeera rice ready in under 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Pressure Cooker Veg Pulao (Rice Pilaf)
This pressure cooker veg pulao recipe is fragrant, fluffy and perfect every single time! Making this in an instant pot or any other pressure cooker ensures that everything cooks fast. Cooked with whole spices and lots of vegetables, this is the perfect side dish.
This pressure cooker veg pulao recipe is fragrant, fluffy and perfect every single time! Making this in an instant pot or any other pressure cooker ensures that everything cooks fast. Cooked with whole spices and lots of vegetables, this is the perfect side dish. Watch Video ABOVE.
Check out this recipe
Raw Mango Rice
raw mango rice
Make the most of mango season with raw mango and turmeric rice. Use brown rice for a healthier alternative to Maavinakayi Chitranna/ Mangai sadham as it is locally called.
Check out this recipe
Soft Rotis - How to make them at home
Soft puffy rotis stacked on a plate
Making soft rotis at home only needs two ingredients - atta (wholemeal wheat flour) and water. From kneading the dough to rolling them out and cooking them, the entire process takes approx 10-15 minutes with some resting time in between. Once you master this skill, homemade bread is never far away!
Check out this recipe
Easy Lemon Rice (Yellow Rice)
Flavorful lemon rice served on a wooden plate with a spoon.
A really simple lemon rice recipe - it's flavored with lime juice and zest so that the rice really packs a punch and is full of flavor. Made all in one pot from start to finish, this yellow rice is easy to put together and is excellent with raita on the side.
Check out this recipe
Kasuri Methi Parathas | Fenugreek Flatbread
Warm Kasuri Methi parathas that make for a healthy and a homely meal.
Recipe for easy, flavorful kasuri methi parathas or fenugreek flatbread. No yeast or eggs required and they only take minutes!
Check out this recipe
How to make the Perfect Pooris
Pooris served on a plate with aloo bhaji, onions
Craving fully puffed up crispy pooris but haven’t quite mastered the technique yet? Here’s the Perfect Poori 101 with tips on how to make the dough for poori, how to roll the pooris, best way to fry them, and pairing options!
Check out this recipe
How to make Ghee Rice
Ghee Rice pictured in the pot that it was made in topped with fried onions and fried cashews
Ghee Rice is a simple recipe that takes less than twenty minutes to make. Its flavorful, aromatic and a great way to elevate steamed rice if you want something extra on the table!
Check out this recipe
Ladi Pav
Single ladi pav stacked on top of other baked ladi pavs
Ladi Pav is a Mumbai style dinner roll thats really soft, buttery and has a beautiful crumb. Its served traditionally with pav bhaji, misal pav or for vada pav
Check out this recipe
Indian Raita - How to make it and its many variations!
Closeup of Indian raita served in a white bowl topped with coriander or cilantro.
Raita is a delicious Indian side that has a cooling effect. It's made with whisked plain yogurt and is really versatile - so you can add your favorite mix ins to it. Its similar to tzatziki but not as thick and can be made sweet or savory.
Check out this recipe
Bhatura
A plate of stacked bhature with a side of fried chilli, fried aloo and chole
Bhaturas are deep-fried Indian flatbreads with a light and airy texture that makes them the perfect accompaniment to soak up any curry.
Check out this recipe
Lachha Paratha
Lachha Parathas served on a plate with curry and onions
Flaky, layered paratha that's crispy through and through. It's made with just four ingredients and looks gorgeous as you can see multiple layers in each paratha.
Check out this recipe
Onion Raita
Picture of onion raita served in a white bowl on a white plate
Onion Raita or Pyaaz ka Raita is an easy vegetarian raita recipe where onions and mint are mixed with curd or yoghurt. Its cooling, refreshing and goes really well with biryanis, pulaos and spicy curries.
Check out this recipe

Drinks

Pudina Chaas or Mint Chaas
pudina chaas with ice cubes served in a glass on a metal tray
Super refreshing, this pudina chaas is extremely cooling in nature and has a herby, fresh flavour from mint. Takes minutes to put together and can be enjoyed every day in the summer
Check out this recipe
Beetroot Chaas
beetroot chaas with ice cubes served in a glass on a metal tray
Flavoured with beetroot, this version of chaas or Indian buttermilk really packs a punch and looks beautiful because of its natural pink colour.
Check out this recipe
Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk)
masala chaas with ice cubes served in a glass on a metal tray
Masala Chaas is lightly spiced with ginger, green chillies with a tempering on top. It's also called majjige, and is a super refreshing summer drink made from yogurt.
Check out this recipe

Diwali Recipes for Desserts

Homemade Jalebi - Thin and Crispy
Overhead shot of crispy homemade jalebis with almond flakes sprinkled on top
Thin and crispy jalebis are everyone's undoing. Make them at home now with easy step by step instructions that'll give you the best homemade jalebis every single time. Perfect for festivals like Diwali and Holi when you want a feast that doesn't take ages to make.
Check out this recipe
Rice Kheer
Overhead shot of rice kheer in mud pots
This easy rice kheer or chawal ki kheer is probably the most popular Indian dessert there is. Made with long grained basmati rice and sweetened with condensed milk, it's simple enough that you can make it often, and elegant enough to serve to guests!
Check out this recipe
Lavender White Chocolate Truffles
Lavender White Chocolate Truffles served with Big Banyan's Bellissima.
Lavender white chocolate truffles are fragrant, creamy white chocolate bites that are perfect for the festive season and holidays! Use them to serve as mini desserts, or for gifting.
Check out this recipe
Garam Masala Eggless Apple Bundt Cake
Garam Masala Eggless Apple Bundt Cake topped with a brown butter and rum glaze.
Garam Masala Eggless Apple Bundt Cake - easy, moist, spiced cake made with fresh apples and glazed with a brown butter rum sauce.
Check out this recipe
Festive Chocolate Rice Kheer (Pudding)
Festive Chocolate Rice Kheer served in aesthetically pleasing glasses by Chumbak.
Super easy recipe for a festive chocolate rice kheer pudding made without condensed milk but still really creamy. Perfect for your Diwali dessert table or any other Indian festival. Actually you won't need a reason to make this one!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Quinoa Apple Kheer
Healthy Quinoa Apple Kheer - a light dessert for your family celebrations.
Healthy quinoa apple kheer is a low calorie Indian festival dessert, full of fiber and nutrition and a perfect way to celebrate Diwali or Dussehra with your family!
Check out this recipe
Baileys Chocolate Ice Cream
Baileys Chocolate Ice Cream scoops
Baileys Chocolate Ice Cream is an easy no churn recipe that only requires a blender. With an intense chocolate flavor and a nice hit from the Baileys, this ice cream will become a firm favorite when you want to cool off during hot summers. Top this with seal salt if you are feeling extra fancy! Takes exactly five minutes to make and then freeze.
Check out this recipe
Instant Rabdi
Close up of a spoon of instant rabdi in a brown bowl to show the creamy layers in the rabdi
Here's the short and sweet way to make delicious Instant Rabdi! I’m showing you how to cut the time to make rabri in half with some paneer and condensed milk.
Check out this recipe
Eggless Chocolate Pudding Cake
Spoon in a bowl of chocolate pudding cake showing how the sauce is created at the bottom
Self saucing eggless chocolate pudding cake has a crinkly top, a moist cakey texture and a pool of chocolate sauce. Made very quickly in the microwave, truly decadent, we love serving this with vanilla ice cream on top!
Check out this recipe
Eggless Lemon Cake
A slice of eggless lemon cake to show the light airy texture of the cake
Tart and sweet, this eggless lemon cake is the perfect blend of both! Really soft and moist, this recipe is a keeper.
Check out this recipe

These Diwali recipes are sure to make this festive season even more special! Pick your favorites and build your own menu - something that'll work for you. And have a happy and safe diwali!

The post 75 Amazing Diwali Recipes for the busy cook appeared first on My Food Story.

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