Diwali Dinner Menu Ideas: What to Cook 🍛🍚

Diwali, the festival of lights, is not just a celebration of good over evil but also a time to indulge in delicious food with family and friends. When planning your Diwali dinner, consider a menu that brings together a variety of vibrant vegetarian dishes that are both festive and satisfying. Here’s a selection of savory recipes that will impress your guests and make your celebration truly special!

1. Appetizers to Kick Off the Celebration 🎉

1. Stuffed Paneer Tikka 🧀

Paneer tikka is a popular Indian appetizer that is loved for its smoky flavor and delightful spices. Stuffing it with herbs and spices elevates it even more!

Ingredients:

• 250g paneer (cubed)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Bell peppers and onions (for grilling)
• Skewers

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, red chili powder, garam masala, mint leaves, and lemon juice. Marinate the paneer cubes in this mixture for at least 1 hour.
2. Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers.
3. Grill on a barbecue or in the oven until the paneer is golden brown and slightly charred.
4. Serve hot with mint chutney.

2. Vegetable Spring Rolls 🥕

These crispy spring rolls are filled with a medley of colorful vegetables and make for a perfect finger food.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, bell peppers, finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• Spring roll wrappers
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan with a little oil and sauté ginger-garlic paste. Add the mixed vegetables and soy sauce, cooking until slightly tender.
2. Take a spring roll wrapper, place a spoonful of the vegetable mixture at one end, and roll tightly, sealing the edges with water.
3. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the rolls until golden and crispy. Serve with sweet chili sauce.

2. Main Course: The Heart of Diwali Dinner 🍽️

1. Palak Paneer 🍃

A rich and creamy dish made with spinach and paneer, Palak Paneer is a crowd favorite!

Ingredients:

• 200g spinach (palak)
• 100g paneer (cubed)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tomato (pureed)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ cup cream
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Blanch spinach in boiling water, then blend to make a smooth puree.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomato puree; cook until oil separates.
4. Stir in the spinach puree, garam masala, and salt. Add cream and mix well.
5. Gently fold in the paneer cubes and cook for a few minutes. Serve with naan or rice.

2. Chole Bhature 🍛

This classic North Indian dish features spicy chickpeas served with fluffy deep-fried bread.

Chole Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpeas (soaked overnight and boiled)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking

Bhature Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp yeast
• 1 tbsp yogurt
• Warm water (as needed)
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Chole Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat oil, add cumin seeds, and then sauté onions until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook.
2. Stir in tomato puree and spices; cook until oil separates.
3. Add boiled chickpeas and some water; simmer for 15 minutes.

Bhature Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, yogurt, salt, and warm water to make a dough. Let it rise for 1-2 hours.
2. Roll the dough into small circles and deep fry until puffed and golden.

3. Side Dishes: Perfect Complements 🥗

1. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower) 🥔🌼

This dry curry is made with spiced potatoes and cauliflower, making it a colorful addition to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium potatoes (cubed)
• 1 small cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for cooking
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Cook for a minute.
3. Stir in potatoes and cauliflower, along with salt. Cover and cook until tender.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

2. Baingan Bharta (Smoky Eggplant Mash) 🍆

This smoky eggplant dish is bursting with flavor and pairs beautifully with flatbreads.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant (baingan)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Roast the eggplant over an open flame until the skin is charred. Peel and mash the pulp.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Sauté onions until golden, then add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes.
3. Cook until tomatoes are soft. Add the mashed eggplant, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with roti.

4. Bread: Essential for Any Indian Meal 🍞

1. Garlic Naan 🧄

These soft, fluffy flatbreads infused with garlic are perfect for scooping up curries.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tsp sugar
• Warm water (as needed)
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
• Butter for brushing

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, yogurt, sugar, and enough warm water to form a dough. Let it rise for 1 hour.
2. Divide the dough into balls, roll out, and sprinkle minced garlic on top.
3. Cook on a hot skillet or tandoor until puffed and slightly charred. Brush with butter before serving.

5. Beverages: Refreshing Drinks 🍹

1. Masala Chai ☕

A warm and spiced tea that is perfect for your Diwali dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tsp tea leaves
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1-2 green cardamom pods (crushed)
• Sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil water with ginger and cardamom. Add tea leaves and let it simmer for a few minutes.
2. Pour in the milk and sugar; bring to a boil. Strain and serve hot.

2. Fresh Mint Lemonade 🍋

A refreshing drink that balances the spices of your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup mint leaves
• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups water
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine mint leaves, sugar, and a little water. Blend until smooth.
2. In a pitcher, mix the mint puree, lemon juice, and remaining water. Stir well and serve over ice.

Conclusion 🎊

Creating a memorable Diwali dinner is all about the flavors and traditions that come together on this special occasion. This vegetarian menu, filled with diverse dishes from appetizers to mains and beverages, ensures that you and your guests will have a delightful experience.

As you prepare these dishes, remember to infuse them with love and joy. Gather your family and friends around the table, share stories, and celebrate the spirit of Diwali with laughter and good food! 🪔💖

Whether it’s the rich Palak Paneer, spicy Chole Bhature, or aromatic Garlic Naan, every bite will remind you of the warmth and togetherness that Diwali brings.