Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time for joy, celebration, and of course, indulgent feasts. While sweets are a prominent feature of the festivities, savory snacks also hold a special place. Here are some delicious and spicy recipes for savory snacks that will add an extra zing to your Diwali celebrations.

What Are Diwali Savory Snacks?

Diwali savory snacks, also known as "namkeen," are an integral part of the festive celebrations, offering a delightful contrast to the sweetness of traditional Diwali sweets. These snacks are flavorful and savory, perfect for enjoying with friends and family during the festival. Some popular Diwali savory snacks include crunchy samosas filled with spiced potatoes and peas, crispy pakoras made with various vegetables and gram flour, and savory chivda or namkeen mixes combining roasted nuts, spices, and dried ingredients for a crunchy, addictive texture. Additionally, you can prepare delightful masala peanuts or spiced roasted chickpeas, which are not only delicious but also packed with protein.

Sweet Vs Savoury Diwali Treats: 

The preference for spicy or sweet Diwali treats ultimately comes down to individual taste and tradition. Diwali is a diverse festival celebrated by people from various regions and backgrounds, and the foods associated with it can vary widely. Some people may prefer the sweet delights of traditional Diwali sweets like laddoos, barfis, and jalebis, relishing the indulgent flavors and the symbolism of sweetness in the festival. On the other hand, savory and spicy snacks like samosas, pakoras, and chivda offer a contrast that many enjoy, appreciating the complexity of spices and the crunchy textures. Both sweet and spicy Diwali treats have their unique charm, and often, Diwali celebrations include a combination of both to cater to diverse palates, making it a festival of culinary diversity and shared joy.

Diwali Savory Snacks Recipes:

These snacks not only add a layer of festivity to Diwali but also represent a cultural tradition of savoring the rich, bold flavors of Indian spices and the joy of sharing these treats with loved ones during the festival of lights. Find below easy recipes of some popular Diwali snacks.

1. Masala Chana (Spiced Chickpeas)

Ingredients:

- 2 cups boiled chickpeas

- 2 tablespoons oil

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. 
2. Add boiled chickpeas and sauté for a few minutes.
3. Add coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until chickpeas are nicely coated with the spices.
4. Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

2. Aloo Tikki (Spiced Potato Patties)

Ingredients:

- 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 green chilies, finely chopped

- 1-inch ginger, grated

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- Salt to taste

- Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, chopped onion, green chilies, ginger, breadcrumbs, cumin seeds, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt.
2. Form small patties and shallow fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.

 3. Chivda (Spiced Puffed Rice Mix)

Ingredients:

- 4 cups puffed rice

- 2 tablespoons oil

- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida

- 10-12 curry leaves

- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

- 1/4 cup roasted chana dal

- 1/4 cup dried coconut slices

- 2 teaspoons red chili powder

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. 
2. Add roasted peanuts, chana dal, dried coconut, and sauté for a few minutes.
3. Add puffed rice, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well until the puffed rice is well coated with the spices.

4. Paneer Pakoras (Cottage Cheese Fritters)

Ingredients:

- 200 grams paneer, cut into cubes

- 1 cup gram flour (besan)

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- Water for batter

- Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix gram flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Add water gradually to make a thick batter.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Dip paneer cubes into the batter and fry until golden brown.

 5. Bhel Puri

Ingredients:

- 2 cups puffed rice

- 1 cup sev (thin gram flour noodles)

- 1/2 cup chopped onions

- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes

- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

- 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney

- 1 tablespoon green chutney

- 1 teaspoon chaat masala

- Salt to taste

- 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix puffed rice, sev, chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
2. Add tamarind chutney, green chutney, chaat masala, salt, and lemon juice. Toss well to combine.

Recipe Note: These spicy delights will add a burst of flavor to your Diwali celebrations. Whether you prefer crunchy snacks or hearty bites, these recipes have something for everyone. Enjoy the festivities with these delectable treats!