Diwali Dishes
Food is a huge part of Diwali, you can expect elaborate feasts, which have often taken days to prepare. It can be an expensive time, with everybody buying the best ingredients that they can afford. Women spend several days preparing the sumptuous sweets and savouries, although now these are often purchased from specialist shops. A wide array of food is offered to guests and they are expected to eat everything that's offered.
Indian sweets, known as ‘Mithai’ are essential in the Diwali feats.
Jalebi: Jalebis are made of sugar and besan (gram four). They are crispy, very sweet and hugely popular.
Kajukatli: Made from freshly ground cashews and formed into a diamond.
Moti Choor Ladoo: This is the most famous of all Indian sweets. Made of besan, cardamom, pistaschio, and a little saffron and shaped into a ball.
Barfi: This has a place in all special occasions. Made with whole milk and sugar, then garnished with cardamom and pistachios.
Gulab Jamun: This is a big favourite for many. It is a round sweet that comes in a pool of sugary syrup. Delicious!
The emphasis is on sweet spices, sugar and beautiful presentation. The giving of sweets is a significant part of the Diwali festival.
Savoury snacks are also eaten in large quantities during Diwali. The famous Bombay mix, crispy poories, samosa and hot kachori to name but a few!
Some of the most popular traditional foods eaten during Diwali are:
Sheera, lapsee and kheer as well as all the sweets and snacks already mentioned.