#HappyDiwali: 12 Indian Homemade Vegan Snacks to Enjoy This Diwali!

The Hindu festival of lights, Diwali is a five-day celebration symbolizing the eternal triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Today, millions of people gather to celebrate the holiday with beautiful spiritual ceremonies, record-breaking candlelit vigils, and all kinds of diverse, delicious food and sweets.

Whether you’re celebrating Diwali this week or are just an observer, we have a list of the most delicious Diwali treats and foods from the Food Monster App to make this year’s festival a delicious one.

1. Baked Chakuli [Indian Rice Fritters]

Source: Baked Chakuli

Traditionally chakuli is a deep-fried Indian snack prepared using rice, lentils, and different spices. This “instant” version uses rice flour and is baked instead of fried, making them a delicious snack that satisfies your craving for something crunchy. These Baked Chakuli by Kushi are spicy, crunchy, savory, and irresistible.

2. Purple Cauliflower Peanut Coconut Curry

Source: Purple Cauliflower Peanut Coconut Curry

Looking for a delicious dinner that comes together easily? Cruelty Free Family‘s Purple Cauliflower Peanut Coconut Curry is flavorful, satisfying, and unique. First, roast the chickpeas and cauliflower in the oven and then saute them along with vegetables, coconut milk, and peanut butter. The result is a salty-sweet curry that is as nutrient-dense as it is delicious.

3. South Indian Mashed Pumpkin

Source: South Indian Mashed Pumpkin

In Preeti Tamilarasan‘s South Indian Mashed Pumpkin dish, yellow pumpkin is cooked until tender in a pot tempered with curry leaves and spicy mustard seeds. As it cooks, onions, spicy chilis, and turmeric are added to the pot and cooked until the pumpkin is tender enough to be mashed. This side dish is spicy and best paired with rice and your favorite curry.

4. Aloo Tikki: Indian Potato Patties

Source: Indian Sweet Potato Patties

These Indian Sweet Potato Patties by Joyce Gan are fluffy on the outside, but crisp on the inside with a blend of Indian spices giving the flavor a savory kick. The best part is they’re really easy to make. They’re a fantastic addition to the dinner table when served alongside curry and chutney.

5. Palak Pakoras: Spinach Fritters

Source: Palak Pakoras

A pakora is a fried vegetable snack originating from India. You’re sure to be satisfied with Mike Benayoun‘s Palak Pakoras!

6. Vada 

Source: Vada

No South Indian celebration doesn’t feature Vada and now you can enjoy them baked, not fried, for a lighter option. These baked vadas are crispy, crunchy, and delicious. Plus, baking your vada makes the cleanup much easier and the dish much healthier. By Tina Dawson.

7. Mushroom Paniyaram: Indian Steamed Savory Cakes 

Source: Paniyaram

Srividhya Manikandan’s Paniyaram is an Indian dish made from a lentil and rice batter that is steamed in a pan with circular molds. You can use the mushroom masala that goes in this paniyaram as a side for roti or rice. Also, you can use any of your favorite veggies instead of mushrooms.

8. Air Fryer Indian Potato Bread Rolls

Source: Indian Potato Bread Rolls

These Indian Potato Bread Rolls by Freda Dias, stuffed with a spicy potato mixture are a scrumptious Indian snack and are made healthier since they are baked (in the air fryer) rather than deep-fried. Enjoy these without any guilt!

9. Baked Potato Samosa Cups 

Source: Baked Potato Samosa Cups

The flavor of these Baked Potato Samosa Cups by Paris Marash is pretty spot on to the traditional version. You won’t want to skip this recipe.

10. Bengali Jackfruit Kofta

Source: Bengali Jackfruit Koftas

These crispy and flavorful Bengali Jackfruit Koftas are made with jackfruit and potatoes. The gravy is a simple tomato base, thickened slightly with cashew or almond butter and a splash of cashew cream if you feel a little indulgent. The koftas can be prepped and refrigerated the day before and can be fried just before serving.

11. Kheer

Source: Kheer

This Helyn Dunn‘s version of the rice pudding dessert Kheer uses brown rice, coconut milk, and date syrup. Top with lots of cinnamon and a bit of extra coconut milk for a creamy, dreamy dessert.

12. Beet Thinai Paniyaram: Indian Sweet Dumplings

Source: Thinai Paniyaram

Thinai Paniyaram by Preeti Tamilarasan is a South Indian dumpling that can be made sweet or savory, depending on the ingredients. This version introduces beets for a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a gorgeous dark pink color. They’re spongy when served hot, with a slightly crispy outer layer. These dumplings are the perfect thing to take to school or work as a snack, or they can be enjoyed with a warm cup of tea.

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