35+ Diwali Recipes: A Celebration of Lights and Flavors

Illuminate your Diwali celebration with a feast of flavors from this collection of over 35 delicious and festive recipes! From tantalizing appetizers to decadent desserts, there is everything you need to create a truly unforgettable Diwali feast. And don't forget the warming drinks and refreshing cocktails!

Diwali diya. — Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Masala Roasted Nuts

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with this air fryer roasted nuts. Sweet and spicy homemade masala roasted nuts make a delicious snack and are great for serving at parties, gatherings, and game nights.

Get the recipe: Masala Roasted Nuts.

Nankhatai (Indian Shortbread Cookies)

Nankhatai in a brass bowl. — Nankhatai. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Experience the festive charm of homemade Nankhatai this Diwali! These Indian-style cookies, with their tender texture and warm flavors, are the perfect companion to your tea or coffee. A delightful treat to savor during the festival of lights.

Get the recipe: Nankhatai.

Sweet Shankarpali

Shankarpali in a grey bowl. — Sweet Shankarpali. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Craving a sweet and crunchy snack? Look no further! Dive into a bowl of homemade Shankarpali, those golden bites of pure delight. This traditional Indian snack is perfect for celebrations or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. Make it at home and share the joy with your loved ones!

Get the recipe: Sweet Shankarpali.

Spicy Shankarpali

Spicy shankarpali (or namak para) is a savory Indian snack enjoyed during festive occasions or as a tea-time treat. The thin, crispy, diamond-shaped deep-fried snack has a lovely crunch and a spicy touch. It is made with a simple dough of flour and spices and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.

Get the recipe: Spicy Shankarpali.

Poha Chivda

Poha chivda is a popular Indian snack made from flattened rice flakes, spices, nuts, and dried fruits. It offers a delightful combination of flavors, with the sweetness of raisins, the crunch of roasted nuts, and the warmth of spices. This easy-to-make and versatile snack can be enjoyed on its own or as a tea-time snack with masala chai, and it is commonly prepared during festivals like Diwali.

Get the recipe: Poha Chivda.

Butter Murukku

Butter murukku is a delicious and addictive snack that is perfect for parties or as a snack to enjoy with coffee or tea. It is also an integral part of festivals like Diwali and Janmashtami.

Get the recipe: Butter Murukku.

Makhana Chivda

Makhana chivda is a delicious snack made with roasted makhana or fox nuts as the main ingredient. Also called phool makhana namkeen, it is very easy to make and a perfect tea-time or after-school snack. Makhana chiwda is also made during Navratri fasting and for Diwali snacks. It is a great make-ahead snack and can be stored for up to two weeks. Serve it with filter coffee or masala chai for evening snacks.

Get the recipe: Makhana Chivda.

Paneer Pakora

Crispy and crunchy on the outside and soft and moist inside, these paneer pakoras are delicious and easy to make. They are perfect with a cup of masala chai and also make great party appetizers. Gluten-free, freezer-friendly, and ready in 10 minutes.

Get the recipe: Paneer Pakora.

Samosa

Your search for a delicious homemade samosa recipe ends here! This recipe boasts a mouth-watering spicy potato filling that is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. What's more, I'm providing all the essential tips, tricks, and troubleshooting techniques to help you achieve perfectly crispy and flaky samosas right in your own kitchen.

Get the recipe: Samosa.

Samosa Chaat

Samosa chaat is a mouth-watering and popular street food and is well-known for its spicy and tangy flavor. Each bite has a mix of textures, ranging from crunchy to creamy, and flavors that range from tangy to spicy and sweet. Each component can be prepared in advance and stored, making samosa chaat an excellent choice for Diwali celebrations and other gatherings.

Get the recipe: Samosa Chaat.

South Indian Dahi Vada

Dahi vada served on banana leaf. — Dahi Vada. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Indulge in the goodness of dahi vada! Soft lentil dumplings, soaked in creamy yogurt and adorned with flavorful toppings, are a burst of textures and tastes. Perfect for a festive treat or a comforting snack, these South Indian dahi vadas are a crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe: South Indian Dahi Vada.

Ragda Pattice

Ragda pattice is a popular Indian street food where crispy potato patties are topped with white pea curry, onion, tomatoes, chutneys, and sev. Every bite is bursting with flavors and textures. This simple dish is the perfect way to bring Indian street food home.

Get the recipe: Ragda Pattice.

Cheesy Malai Broccoli

Malai broccoli on a white plate. — Malai Broccoli. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Malai broccoli is a popular Indian dish made with broccoli florets marinated in a creamy sauce and then air-fried. It is a delicious and flavorful side dish or appetizer and an easy way to add flavor and excitement to your next meal.

Get the recipe: Malai Broccoli.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Get ready to indulge in the bold and vibrant flavors of chicken tikka masala! Succulent chicken tikka cooked in a luscious and creamy curry sauce with aromatic spices, this dish is a true culinary delight.

Get the recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala.

Paneer Butter Masala

Creamy and delicious, Instant Pot Paneer Butter Masala is a vegetarian delight packed with the goodness of paneer and aromatic spices, all cooked in a tomato masala base. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Get the recipe: Paneer Butter Masala.

Chana Dal

Experience the rich flavors of Instant Pot chana dal - a hearty and wholesome dish made with split chickpeas infused with aromatic spices. An easy and delicious addition to your everyday meals!

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chana Dal.

Aloo Gobi

Aloo gobi, a classic Indian dish, is a flavorful combination of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with aromatic spices. Enjoy this delicious vegan dish that is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Get the recipe: Aloo Gobi.

Chana Masala

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Chana Masala. This classic Indian dish is made with chickpeas cooked in a flavorful spiced curry sauce. It's a satisfying meal that you'll love.

Get the recipe: Chana Masala.

Vegetable Korma

Wholesome and aromatic Instant Pot vegetable korma with coconut milk. A flavorful medley of vegetables cooked in a creamy, coconut-based curry sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for any occasion.

Get the recipe: Vegetable Korma.

Chicken Korma

Treat yourself to a delightful and authentic chicken korma. This flavorful dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich and creamy sauce infused with aromatic spices, creating a mouth-watering experience that you won't want to miss!
Get the recipe: Chicken Korma.

Naan Bread

Experience the joy of creating naan bread with ease! No kneading is required, and the dough is proofed to perfection in the Instant Pot. Enjoy warm, fluffy naan in no time. With a perfectly fluffy and chewy texture, this naan bread can be the star of your next Indian feast.

Get the recipe: Naan Bread.

Vegetable Biryani

Savor the delightful flavors of vegetable biryani, a fragrant and aromatic Indian classic. This easy version is cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, making it a breeze to prepare. Colorful veggies, aromatic spices, and fragrant basmati rice come together for a dish that's not just delicious but also a breeze to make.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Vegetable Biryani.

Chicken Biryani

Indulge in the rich and authentic flavors of this Hyderabadi chicken biryani, which features perfectly cooked basmati rice and tender, juicy chicken that you just can't get enough of. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for parties and gatherings and is sure to wow your guests with its delicious taste.

Get the recipe: Chicken Biryani.

Chana Pulao

Transform your dinner into a feast with chana pulao cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. This fragrant and flavorful dish combines basmati rice, tender chickpeas, and aromatic spices for a delightful one-pot meal. Effortless cooking, maximum taste!

Get the recipe: Chana Pulao.

Jeera Rice / Cumin-Flavored Rice

Jeera rice in a grey bowl. — Jeera Rice. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Whip up a batch of fragrant and fluffy Jeera Rice (cumin-flavored rice) in no time with your Instant Pot! Infused with the warmth of cumin, this versatile side dish is perfect for pairing with any Indian curry or dish.

Get the recipe: Jeera Rice.

Poori

Elevate your meal time with this easy-to-follow poori recipe. These golden, puffed delights are simply irresistible. Whether you enjoy them with potato masala or a dollop of sweet chutney, pooris are a classic favorite.

Get the recipe: Poori.

Kachumber Salad

Tangy, fresh, and full of flavor, Kachumber Salad is a delightful Indian side dish. This easy-to-make salad is a medley of crisp veggies and a zesty lemon dressing. No party menu is complete without the vibrant and refreshing kachumber salad.

Get the recipe: Kachumber Salad.

Laccha Pyaz (Indian Onion Salad)

Laccha pyaz on a white plate. — Laccha Pyaz / Indian Onion Salad. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Laccha Pyaz is a flavorful and popular Indian-style salad that features crisp red onions, fragrant herbs, and aromatic spices, all combined to create a refreshing and zesty side dish. This no-oil salad is also naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Get the recipe: Laccha Pyaz.

Milk Burfi (15-minute Milk Powder Burfi)

Milk powder burfi on a brown plate. — Milk Powder Burfi. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

This classic Indian sweet captures the essence of tradition with its rich, creamy texture. Made with just a few simple ingredients and a touch of cardamom, it's a delightful treat that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion.

Get the recipe: Milk Burfi.

Mom's Besan Ladoo

Besan laddu on a black plate placed on a marble surface. — Besan Laddu. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Besan Ladoo is a beloved Indian dessert that is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. Passed down through the generations, the recipe for besan ke ladoo has become a cherished tradition in many households. With the right technique and know-how, you can make the perfect and best besan ladoos every time.

Get the recipe: Besan Laddu.

Mohanthal

Indulge in the sweet flavors of Mohanthal this festive season! This delectable Indian dessert is a perfect addition to your Diwali celebrations. Mohanthal is easy to make at home, and it can be ready in less than an hour. It is known for its rich and creamy texture and its sweet and nutty flavor.

Get the recipe: Mohanthal.

Meethi Semiya / Sweet Vermicelli

Meethi semiya in a blue bowl. — Sweet Vermicelli. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Indulge in the richness of our meethi seviyan - a classic Awadhi dessert that's pure indulgence. Sweet vermicelli is a perfect choice for special occasions and festive celebrations.

Get the recipe: Sweet Vermicelli.

Rasgulla / Bengali Sponge Roshogolla

Rasgulla soaked in sugar syrup. — Rasgulla. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Indulge in the heavenly delight of Rasgulla - soft, spongy, and soaked in sugar syrup. These iconic Bengali sweets are like little bites of happiness.

Get the recipe: Rasgulla.

Kheer

Indulge in a bowl of creamy and decadent Indian rice pudding, also known as kheer, made with three main ingredients - rice, milk, and sugar. Making it in an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker is incredibly easy and saves time. In just 20 minutes (with less than 5 minutes of hands-on time), you will have a rich and luscious kheer that's sure to impress your family and friends.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Kheer.

Badam Halwa / Almond Halwa

Almond halwa in a small bowl. — Almond Halwa. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a delectable serving of Badam Halwa, a cherished Indian dessert. While it's traditionally made with whole almonds, this version simplifies the process by using almond meal/flour. Each bite boasts the rich goodness of almonds, making it an irresistible treat.

Get the recipe: Badam Halwa.

Moong Dal Halwa

Indulge in the rich flavors of moong dal halwa, a beloved Indian dessert. Made from golden-hued mung lentils, ghee, sugar, and aromatic spices, it's a delight that melts in your mouth. Perfect for celebrating sweet moments.

Get the recipe: Moong Dal Halwa.

More Diwali Sweets

Ragi laddo placed on a black plate. — Ragi Laddu. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Diwali is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious sweets?

Get more Diwali sweets recipes!

Badam Milk

Indulge in the soothing goodness of Badam Milk, a classic Indian beverage that combines the richness of almonds with the creaminess of milk. This homemade recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and nutrition, offering a comforting sip that's perfect for any time of the day.

Get the recipe: Badam Milk.

Masala Chai

Discover the rich and spicy goodness of masala chai, the perfect blend of black tea, aromatic spices, and milk, with this comprehensive guide. Indian chai is a delightful beverage that can invigorate your mind and soothe your senses with its robust, sweet, and mildly spiced flavor.

Get the recipe: Masala Chai.

Spiced Chai Martini

Chai martini in a martini glass. — Chai Martini. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

This masala chai martini is a lovely way to enjoy the flavors of chai tea in the form of an elegant cocktail. Homemade chai concentrate blends smoothly with vodka, and a hint of lemon juice adds a refreshing flavor.

Get the recipe: Chai Martini.

Mumbai Mule

The Mumbai Mule is a delightful variation of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail. This savory-sweet concoction incorporates Indian-inspired flavors, offering a hint of tanginess and a kick from aromatic spices.

Get the recipe: Mumbai Mule.

More Indian Cocktails

Madras mule served in mule mugs. — Madras Mule. Image Credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Explore a world of vibrant flavors in this Indian cocktails collection, where spices transform your drinks into extraordinary concoctions. Whether you're celebrating Diwali or simply looking to elevate your evening, these Indian-inspired cocktails offer a fusion of traditional and contemporary tastes.

Get more recipes for Indian cocktails!