Diwali Dinner Ideas

Diwali’s right around the corner and if you’re overwhelmed with what to make, I got you! Below are some of my most popular appetizers, mains, sides and desserts — you’ll find a mix of traditional Indian recipes, fusion recipes and some solid recipes from my cookbook.

If you want to go a more traditional route, you can start with chaat and papdi no lot for apps followed by my mom’s dal fry, my paneer makhani, jeera rice, raita and paratha for your main course.

If you’re leaning towards a more modern/fusion menu, you can do my crostini dip, corn dip and Mexican papdi chaat for apps. For mains, my paneer bhurji shells, poblano enchiladas and spicy eggplant parm are always a crowd-pleaser.

Be sure to bookmark this, so you can refer back and tag me @thechutneylife, so I can see all the deliciousness you whipped up!

APPETIZERS

• Sweet Potato Tikki Chaat
• Mexican Taco Bowls (aka Mexican Bhel)
• Masala Corn Toasties
• Paneer Corn Jalapeno Taquitos
• Peanut & Cheese Chaat
• Veg Masala Puffs 
• Mom’s Papdi No Lot 
• Mexican Papdi Chaat 
• Samosa Chaat Pizza
• Crostini Dip
• Hot & Cheesy Corn Dip
• Taco Dip
• Pizza Dip
• Cranberry Salsa
• Black Bean Tostadas with Chipotle Slaw
• Edamame & Avocado Tostadas

• [BOOK] Paneer & Amul Cheese Spring Rolls [page 97]
• [BOOK] Chaat [page 183]
• [BOOK] Kasturi Onion Bhajiya [page 186]
• [BOOK] Tandoori Onion Tart [page 238]
• [BOOK] Masala Cashews [page 245]

VEGETARIAN MAIN COURSE IDEAS:

• Veggie Tikka Masala Stuffed Shells 
• Paneer Bhurji Stuffed Shells 
• Pav Bhaji Pasta 
• Paneer Masala 
• Desi-fied Chimichangas with Spicy Queso
• Paneer Bhurji
• Veggie Hakka Noodles
• Mom’s Dal Fry
• Instant Pot Chickpea Pulao
• Paneer Naan Pizzas
• Spicy Eggplant Parmesan
• Taco Pizza
• Poblano Enchiladas
• Mexican Lasagna Roll Ups

• [BOOK] Masala Pot Pies [page 121]
• [BOOK] Mom’s Falafel [page 146] 
• [BOOK] Paneer Makhani [page 156]
• [BOOK] Bharela Ringhan & Bataka [page 160]
• [BOOK] Sev Ussal [page 171]

THE PERFECT SIDES:

• Schezwan Mushrooms 
• Tandoori Air Fryer Potatoes 
• Air Fryer Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Masala Fries
• Masala Fried Rice
• [BOOK] Classic Paratha [page 174]
• [BOOK] Cilantro Chutney [page 193]
• [BOOK] Spicy Garlic Chutney [page 195]
• [BOOK] Achari Stuffed Mushrooms [page 245]
• [BOOK] Classic Raita [page 259]
• [BOOK] Chaat Onions [page 260]

DESSERTS:

• Indian Style Fruit Salad
• Naan Khatai
• Spiced Nanaimo Bars

If you end up making any of my recipes, I’d love to see — tag me @thechutneylife! Hope you and your family have a Happy Diwali!