6 Delicious & Healthy Snacks To Try This Diwali

Diwali is not just about lights, rangoli, and decorations; it’s also about gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and enjoying good food. One of the best parts of visiting loved ones during this festival is the snacks that greet you at every home.

This year, if you’re thinking of adding something new to your Diwali table, we’ve put together a list of tasty and easy-to-make snacks. These recipes combine traditional and modern flavors, perfect for impressing your guests and treating yourself.

1. Sweet Potato Kachori

This variation of kachori replaces the usual spiced lentil filling with mashed sweet potatoes and dry fruits. The result is a mildly sweet, soft filling wrapped in a crispy outer layer. Whether served as a tea-time snack or a festive starter, sweet potato kachoris bring a unique flavor to the celebration.

2. Handvo

A healthy and savory option, Handvo is a steamed and baked lentil-rice cake with vegetables. Spiced with turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds, it’s light yet filling. Pair it with green chutney or sweet tamarind sauce for a wholesome Diwali snack that stands out on the table.

3. Garlic Murukku

A twist on the classic murukku, this version adds the rich aroma of garlic. Made with rice flour, gram flour, crushed garlic, and mild spices, these crunchy spirals are a delightful accompaniment to evening tea. The blend of crisp texture and bold garlic flavor makes them a favorite for many during Diwali.

4. Dahi Kebab

Soft inside, crispy outside, Dahi Kebabs are made from hung curd, paneer, and spices. They’re creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. Serve them hot with mint chutney for a melt-in-the-mouth experience that your guests will remember long after the festival.

5. Quinoa and Paneer Samosa

If you want to serve something different from the usual potato filling, try quinoa and paneer stuffed samosas. The quinoa gives a nutty taste and a healthy boost, while paneer adds creaminess and protein. They’re easy to prepare in large batches and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, perfect for festive gatherings.

6. Thattai

Crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor, Thattai is a popular South Indian snack made especially during festivals. It’s prepared using rice flour, urad dal flour, and spices like cumin, curry leaves, and a hint of fenugreek. The dough is rolled into thin discs and deep-fried until golden. They taste great on their own but can also be served with chutney or dips for extra flavor. 

Smart Snacking: How to Keep Your Diwali Treats Healthy

Diwali is a time for indulgence, but it doesn’t have to mean compromising on your health. With a few smart choices in the kitchen, you can prepare snacks that are both delicious and guilt-free. Here are three golden rules for making your festive treats healthier without sacrificing flavor.

1. The "Bake or Air-Fry" Rule

Many traditional Indian snacks like samosas, kachoris, and murukkus are deep-fried. The easiest way to cut down on excess oil and calories is to change your cooking method.

• Baking: For recipes like kachoris and samosas, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them lightly with oil, and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown and crisp. This uses up to 80% less oil.

• Air-Frying: An air fryer is excellent for achieving a "fried" texture with minimal oil. Snacks like kebabs, murukkus, and even thattais turn out wonderfully crisp. A light spray of oil is all you need.

2. Make Healthy Ingredient Swaps

The ingredients you use are just as important as how you cook them. Simple swaps can dramatically boost the nutritional value of your snacks.

• Flour: Instead of using only refined flour (maida), switch to whole wheat flour (atta), chickpea flour (besan), or oat flour. These are higher in fiber and nutrients. For example, using whole wheat flour for your kachori dough adds fiber that aids digestion.

• Sweeteners: If a recipe calls for sugar, consider natural alternatives like jaggery, date paste, or a small amount of honey. These provide sweetness with added minerals.

• Fillings: Pack your fillings with vegetables, lentils, and protein-rich ingredients like paneer or quinoa. For example, adding grated carrots, peas, or spinach to a Handvo batter makes it more wholesome.

3. Practice Mindful Indulgence

Healthy eating during Diwali is also about balance. You can enjoy all the delicious food the festival has to offer with a mindful approach.

• Portion Control: Serve snacks on smaller plates to manage portion sizes naturally. Instead of placing large bowls of snacks on the main table, keep them in the kitchen and bring out smaller batches.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes, our bodies mistake thirst for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking.

• Don't Skip Meals: Have your regular balanced meals. Starving yourself to "save calories" for a party often leads to overeating later. Enjoying a nutritious lunch will make you less likely to overindulge in evening snacks.

Make This Diwali More Delicious

This Diwali, surprise your family and friends with a mix of traditional and creative snacks. From the crispy bite of Thattai to the soft, tangy Dahi Kebabs, each recipe brings its own charm to the festive table. Put on your apron, start cooking, and let your home be filled with both the light of diyas and the aroma of fresh snacks.

Happy Snacking, and Happy Diwali 2025!

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