Diwali is a holy festival observed by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. The five-day event celebrates various symbolic victories, such as good over evil and light over darkness. The word Diwali derives from the Sanskrit (the holy language of Hindu) term for light. Sweets are a key element of every Diwali – no gathering would be complete without delicious homemade, gifted or store-bought offerings. Gifted and eaten abundantly, they act as a goodwill gesture between families, friends, neighbours and strangers.
In preparation for the festival of light, we took to social media to ask if you had any winning Diwali dishes. We’re thrilled to have these four family favourites from Nahid Anwar and Piyali Mutha:
Bengali panch phoran tomato and date chutney
With mild spicing and a sweet-sour flavour, this date chutney can be served on the side of myriad Diwali dishes but works especially well with these Bengali delights.
Like many recipes in Awadhi cuisine, this chaap is rich with saffron and ghee. It’s ideal at the heart of a Diwali spread.
Fierily loaded with chilli and cumin, these little bites are perfect for a crowd.
Serve individually or on the table in a bowl that invites guests to help themselves.
Click here for time-savvy suggestions for ready-to-delight dishes and classic recipes you can create at home, or head to your nearest store where we’ve got plenty of treats available, from spices and tea to minimal-prep curry sauces and the prettiest bounty of Indian sweets.