Food plays an important part in the festivities of all cultures. Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated by Indians, is no exception hence the preparation of these snacks starts weeks in advance. The umpteen variety of dishes produced in India is a testament to the burgeoning regional culinary skills. Some of the all time favorites that are relished by millions around the world are:
1. Chakri:
These are spirals that are shaped with a hand-held nozzle. Chakri is made from rice flour, chickpea flour, cumin, carom seeds, red chilli powder and turmeric. The south Indian version is known as Murukku.
2. Puris:
These are made from wheat flour and traditionally deep fried in ghee/oil. Puris may be puffed or flat, soft or crispy and can be made from any combination of white flour, chickpea flour, semolina, grated coconut, various spices and fenugreek leaves. They taste best when served with potato or vegetable curry.
3. Vegetable Biryani:
It is a sumptuous India meal made of special basmati rice, vegetables, nuts, and spices and often decorated with gold/silver leaf.
4. Namkin Shakarpara:
These are available in salty/sugary version and are normally diamond-shaped (in some regions ball-shaped).
5. Pakoras:
These are light, ball-shaped fritters made from potatoes, cheese, onions, eggplant, fenugreek leaves or whole chillies dipped in spiced chickpea flour batter and deep fried. These are served with sauce and chutneys.
6. Farsi Puri:
It is crisp deep fried, white flour bread spiced with carom seeds, cracked black pepper and cumin seeds.
7. Samosa:
It is a famous Indian snack and a universal favourite. Samosas (are triangular in shape)are either fried or baked with a savory filling such as spiced potatoes, peas, lentils, vegetables etc. and are served with chutney.
8. Kachori:
Is a crispy, spicy Indian snack that is deep fried and stuffed with lentils, potatoes, onions etc. These are round in shape and served with mint or tamarind chutney.
9. Dahi Vada:
These are lentil (urad) dumplings served with beaten yoghurt and chutney.
10. Sev:
These are deep fried gram flour noodles spiced with black pepper, red chilli powder and carom seeds.