10 Must-Try Savoury Snack Recipes For Diwali

“Discover 10 must-try savoury snack recipes for Diwali, including crispy samosas, spicy mathri, and crunchy murukku. Perfect for festive celebrations and easy to make at home!”

Diwali, the festival of lights, isn’t just about bright decorations and diyas; it’s also a time to indulge in delicious food. While sweets often take the spotlight, savoury snacks are the heart of any Diwali celebration. They balance out the sweetness and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, with so many people visiting during the festival, you need a steady supply of munchies to keep everyone happy.

If you’re looking for some easy and traditional snacks to try this Diwali, I’ve got you covered! These 10 savoury snacks are not only crowd-pleasers but also easy to make at home. So, let’s get cooking!

1. Crunchy Murukku

Murukku is a South Indian deep-fried snack that’s perfectly crispy and delightful with every bite. Its spiral shape and delicate crunch make it irresistible.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1/2 cup urad dal flour
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the rice flour, urad dal flour, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add butter and rub it into the flour mix until it’s crumbly.
3. Slowly add water to make a soft, non-sticky dough.
4. Use a murukku press to shape the dough into spirals on parchment paper.
5. Heat oil and fry the murukkus on medium heat until golden and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels and let them cool before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Murukku

• Make sure the dough isn’t too stiff or too soft. This ensures even frying.
• Fry on medium heat so the murukku stays crispy without turning brown too quickly.

2. Spicy Mathri (Masala Mathri)

Mathri is a traditional North Indian snack made with flour and spices, perfect for munching anytime.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp black pepper, crushed
• 3 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Water for kneading
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine flour, carom seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
2. Add ghee or oil and rub it into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Slowly add water and knead into a stiff dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into circles or small squares.
5. Fry in hot oil on medium-low heat until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions for Masala Mathri

• Serve with a tangy mango pickle or coriander chutney to enhance its flavor.

3. Crispy Samosa

Samosas are the ultimate Diwali snack, filled with spicy potatoes and wrapped in a crisp, flaky pastry.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• 3 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix flour, oil, and salt, adding enough water to create a firm dough.
2. For the filling, heat oil, add cumin seeds, and sauté mashed potatoes and peas. Season with spices.
3. Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and fold into cone shapes. Fill with the potato mixture.
4. Seal the edges with water and deep fry until golden.

Best Fillings for a Samosa

• While potatoes are the classic choice, you can also use paneer, minced meat, or even lentils for a twist.

4. Khasta Kachori

Kachoris are another traditional snack with a flaky exterior and a spicy, tangy filling, often made with lentils or spices.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ghee
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup urad dal, soaked and ground
• Spices: cumin, coriander, fennel, garam masala
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix flour, ghee, and salt to form a dough.
2. For the filling, cook the ground dal with spices.
3. Roll out dough into small discs, place filling inside, and seal.
4. Fry on medium heat until puffed and golden.

How to Achieve a Flaky Texture

• The key to a flaky kachori is using enough ghee and frying on medium-low heat to cook the layers slowly.

5. Namak Para

Namak Para is a crispy, fried snack seasoned with salt and spices. It’s simple yet satisfying.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• 3 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste
• Water for kneading
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients except water and ghee in a bowl.
2. Add ghee and rub it into the flour mixture.
3. Slowly add water and knead into a stiff dough.
4. Roll out the dough and cut into diamond shapes.
5. Fry in hot oil until crispy.

Customizing with Different Spices

• You can add a bit of chili powder or black pepper for a spicy kick!

6. Aloo Bhujia

Aloo Bhujia is a crunchy potato-based snack with a slight spiciness, ideal for a light, savoury bite.

Ingredients Needed

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 2 cups gram flour (besan)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black salt
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine mashed potatoes, gram flour, and spices in a bowl to form a dough.
2. Use a sev press to squeeze the dough into hot oil.
3. Fry until golden and crispy.

Storing Tips for Aloo Bhujia

• Store in an airtight container to keep it crispy for weeks!

7. Ribbon Pakoda

This ribbon-shaped snack is made from rice flour and gram flour, seasoned with spices for a perfect crunch.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup gram flour
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp asafoetida
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix all dry ingredients with water to form a smooth dough.
2. Use a ribbon pakoda maker to press the dough into hot oil.
3. Fry until golden brown and crispy.

Why It’s Called Ribbon Pakoda

• The snack gets its name from its long, ribbon-like shape!

8. Masala Peanuts

Masala Peanuts are spicy, crunchy, and the perfect tea-time companion during Diwali.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups raw peanuts
• 1/2 cup gram flour
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix gram flour with spices and a little water to coat the peanuts.
2. Deep fry until crispy and golden.

Tips for Ensuring Perfect Crispiness

• Make sure the peanuts are well-coated and fry on medium heat to avoid burning.

9. Moong Dal Chilla

Moong Dal Chilla is a healthy, protein-packed pancake made from ground moong dal, perfect for a light snack.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup moong dal, soaked and ground
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, minced
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grind soaked moong dal into a smooth batter.
2. Add chopped onion, chili, and salt to the batter.
3. Heat a pan and spread the batter to make a thin pancake.
4. Cook on both sides until golden.

Health Benefits of Moong Dal Chilla

• Packed with protein, fiber, and low in fat, this snack is perfect for a guilt-free treat!

10. Shakkarpara

Though traditionally sweet, you can make a savoury version of Shakkarpara as a crunchy Diwali treat.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 3 tbsp ghee
• Salt to taste
• Water for kneading
• Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients except water and oil in a bowl.
2. Add water gradually to form a stiff dough.
3. Roll out, cut into diamond shapes, and fry until golden.

Sweet or Savoury Variations

• For a sweet version, coat the fried shakkarparas in sugar syrup!

Conclusion

This Diwali, take a break from store-bought snacks and delight your family and friends with these homemade savoury treats. Whether it’s the crunch of murukku or the spice of masala peanuts, these snacks are sure to elevate your Diwali celebrations. Plus, making them at home adds a personal touch, making your festivities even more special.

FAQs

Can I make these snacks in advance?

Yes! Most of these snacks can be made ahead of time and stored in airtight containers to stay fresh.

How do I store these snacks to keep them fresh?

Store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. You can also add a packet of silica gel to help absorb moisture.

Are these snacks suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Homemade snacks make for excellent Diwali gifts, especially when packed in decorative jars or boxes.

Can I bake instead of fry some of these snacks?

Yes, some snacks like mathri and namak para can be baked for a healthier version.

What are some popular chutneys to pair with these snacks?

Green coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, and garlic chutney pair perfectly with these savoury snacks!