While for Indians, Diwali is the most awaited festival, lit up and filled with fun and enjoyment and of course delicious food! Probably the most significant highlight of Diwali is the enormous variety of snacks prepared and, of course, distributed among friends and family. Preparing traditional snack recipes for Diwali at home can be particularly satisfying for Indians in the USA as they keep the spirit of Diwali alive. Here are a few snack recipes that you can easily prepare in your USA kitchen to make it sizzle on the festival of Diwali.

List of top 5 snack recipes that you can easily prepare in your USA kitchen:

Chakli (Murukku)

Chakli is a crispy spiral-shaped snack prepared using rice flour and spices. It is crunchy, savory, and perfect to munch on during the festival of light.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• ½ cup besan (gram flour)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Water for kneading dough
• Oil for frying

To prepare:

Mix together- Rice flour, besan, butter, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
Gradually add water to make dough and knead to finish.
Now use the dough to make shapes from the chakli maker to spirals
Dip the chaklis in the hot oil till it become golden brown color and let it cool. Keep it in an airtight container.

Also Read: Diwali 2024 USA: Easy, Quick Instant Chakli Snacks Recipe

Namak Pare

These namak pare are a simple, delicious savory snack made out of flour and spices, cut into small pieces, and fried perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp semolina (sooji)
• 2 tbsp oil
• ½ tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water (for kneading dough)
• Oil (for frying)

Method:

• Take a bowl and mix flour, semolina, oil, carom seeds, and salt.
• Gradually add water for kneading a firm dough.
• Roll out the dough and cut into thin strips or squares.
• Fry those pieces in hot oil until golden and crisp.

Mathri

Mathri is a popular North Indian teatime snack. Especially, during diwali, this dish can be found on every other table with a glass of buffalo milk. This crispy piece of flaky crackers gets ready with flour and with spices. It tastes a bit different.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all purpose flour (maida)
• ½ cup semolina (sooji)
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water (to knead dough)
• Oil (for frying)

Method

Mix flour, semolina, ghee/oil, carom seeds, and salt in a bowl.
Add water to make the dough stiff.
Roll it out and cut it into round shapes.
Fry mathris in hot oil, on medium heat until the desired golden and crispy color.

Also Read: Diwali 2024 in the USA: Date, History, Significance, and Celebration

Shakarpara

To put your tongue to that saccharine taste of a sweet bite, you can shape Shakarpara; made with bit-sized sweetened fried dough coated with sugar syrup. Very ideal to satisfy all your Diwali sweet tooths.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• Oil (for frying)

Procedure:

Step 1: Mix flour and ghee, add water, and knead to a firm dough.
Step 2: Roll out the dough and cut into small diamond shapes.
Step 3: Fry the pieces until golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare syrup in the pan, by heating sugar and water.
Step 5: Add fried shakarparas to sugar syrup and toss them to get well coated.

Sev

Sev is one crunchy snack made from gram flour besan and can be prepared in spicy or mild as you like it. It is perfect for munching during the festival of lights, Diwali, or even during chaats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups besan (gram flour)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt as needed
• Water (for making dough)
• Oil (for frying)

Method:

Take besan, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
Add water gradually to make soft dough.
Shape sev maker into thin strings.
Deep fry sev in hot oil till crispy.

Where to Find Ingredients in the USA

Most the ingredients can easily be obtained in Indian stores in the USA. Such places as Patel Brothers, Apna Bazaar, and even chains like Walmart and Amazon carry some of these essentials, such as rice flour, besan, and spices in India.
These are not only very luscious but also very easy to prepare at home, even for those staying in the USA. Be it crispy chakli or sweet Shakarpara, you get all authentic Indian snack items that will give a touch of your own home to the festival celebration. Collect all your necessary ingredients and get ready to prepare these delectable snacks for a happy and merry Diwali in 2024.

Diwali-the festival of lights- prosperity, joy, and festivities abound. Well, what are these festivals without delectable food? Among the most popular and much sought-after snacks during Diwali are chakli, crispy, spiral-shaped savory delights. Preparing traditional snacks like these helps Indians living in the USA retain the festive spirit, even miles from home.

If you have not so much time or haven’t tried making chakli so far, don’t worry! Here is the instant chakli recipe that you can easily make for Diwali 2024.

Here is the instant chakli recipe that you can easily make for Diwali 2024:

INGREDIENTS FOR INSTANT CHAKLI

• 1 cup Rice flour
• 1/2 cup Besan (gram flour)
• 2 tbsp butter (softer version)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp Sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder (according to taste) pinch of asafoetida or hing Salt according to taste Water to knead the dough
• Oil for frying

How to prepare Instant Chakli

• Ingredients
• Dough Ingredients
• Rice flour 250 gms.
• Besan 100 gms.
• Butter, softened 60 gms.
• Cumin seeds 1 tsp
• Sesame seeds 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder 1 tsp
• Red chili powder 1 tsp
• Asafoetida 1/2 tsp
• Salt 1/2 tsp

Also Read: Diwali 2024 in the USA: Date, History, Significance, and Celebration

Instructions

• Dough preparation
• In a large bowl, take rice flour, besan, butter, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, asafoetida, and salt.
• Mix all the dry ingredients well using a spatula making sure the butter gets distributed evenly.
• Gradually add water to the mixture and knead it into a soft, smooth dough. Dough should not be too hard or soft; it should be firm enough that it can be shaped.

Shape the Chakli

Take a chakli maker or a piping bag with a star-shaped nozzle. Grease it lightly with oil.
Fill the dough into the chakli maker or piping bag.
On a flat surface (directly into the hot oil if you feel adventurous), begin pressing the dough with fingers in a circular motion to form spirals or chakli shapes.

Also Read: Diwali Snack Recipes 2024 USA: Simple Indian Treats to Enjoy at Home

Fry the Chakli

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• After the oil reaches the recommended temperature, slide the chaklis into it gently.
• Fry the chaklis until they turn golden brown and crispy; for uniform frying, ensure that the flipping of the chaklis is continuous.
• Strain out oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb the extra oil.

Let it cool

When the chaklis become cool, they crunch up. You can store it in an airtight and enjoy them during the Diwali celebrations.

Tips for Ideal Chakli

If dough becomes too dry or hardened, a little water is to be added to make it soft.
If the dough cracks while rolling out the chakli, knead it a little more to make it softer.
Always fry the chakli on middle flame so that they get cooked evenly and get crispy without burning.

Why Make Chakli for Diwali?

Chakli is a traditional Diwali snack that is easy to make, tastes great, and can be stored for several days. It makes for a great crunchy snack to be served with tea or along with other Diwali sweets while having a Diwali party or celebrating the festival with family.

Where to Find Ingredients in the USA

Any Indian grocery shop in the USA will carry all ingredients-one can find rice flour, besan, and spices. Many departmental stores will also carry these items. But all of them are easily available online at shops like Amazon or Walmart.

Making instant chakli is an easy recipe and can be done in no time at all in the kitchen, preparing for Diwali celebrations in the USA. Lets give this simple recipe and enjoy crispy and flavored chaklis at your home. Try it out, have fun, and share this delicious snack with your family and friends!

Karwa Chauth is one of the much-revered festivals in Hinduism, which only married Hindu women celebrate. They keep fast from sunrise to the sighting of the moon, after which they break their fast and offer prayers for the long life and well-being of their husbands. It takes place on Sunday, October 20th, 2024– filled with love, devotion and joy. With it being a wonderful time for people in the USA to keep traditions alive and add that little bit of home with scrumptious food, here are some easy and tasty recipes to enjoy both before and after the fast.

Find the Traditional Indian tasty & easy recipes to enjoy both before and after the fast:

1. Sargi – The Pre-Dawn Meal

Sargi is an essential element of Karwa Chauth, which is taken before sunrise. They are typically prepared by the mother-in-law and comprise all nutritious products for a day-long energy boost.

Ideas for Sargi Platter:-

• Fresh Fruits: Apples, bananas, and berries provide natural energy.
• Dry Fruits: Almonds, cashews, and dates are perfect sources of energy as well as nutrients.
• Seviyan Kheer: Sweet vermicelli pudding- it is light, easy to digest, and keeps full.
• Parathas: Soft paratha enjoyed with yogurt or pickle makes for a filling meal.
• Coconut Water: Keeps the hydration levels intact while fasting, mainly required. Coconut water keeps one refreshed.

Read here: Karva Chauth Sargi 2024 USA: Date, Time, and Thali Ideas for Indians in the USA

2. Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is another favorite appetizer well enjoyed on breaking the fast, something very simple and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer cubed
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Skewers (optional)

Instructions:

• Mix yogurt with all the spices and salt.
• Dip the paneer cubes in the marinade and let it sit for 15 minutes.
• Grill or bake the paneer on skewers until it is golden brown and has a hint of burn.
• Serve with green chutney and lemon slices.

3. Aloo Tikki

Aloo tikki, or crispy potato patties, is the most classic Indian snack that you can break your fast on.

Ingredients:

• 3 boiled potatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional)
• Oil for frying
• Mash the boiled potatoes and mix with spices, salt, and crumbs.
• Make small patties from the mixture.
• Shallow fry in oil till crispy and golden.
• Serve with tamarind chutney or ketchup.

4. Sabudana Khichdi

Sabudana khichdi is a light, filling tapioca pearl dish. It is a nice dish for breaking fast.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sabudana, soaked 2-3 hours 
• 2 tbsp peanuts roasted and crushed
• 1 boiled potato cut into cubicle.
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Lemon juice and coriander for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat oil and fry cumin seeds and green chilies.
• Add boiled potatoes and sauté for a few minutes.
• Stir in soaked sabudana and mix well.
• Add peanuts and salt, and cook until the sabudana turns translucent.
• Garnish with lemon juice and fresh coriander.

Read here: 10 Karva Chauth Mehndi Designs 2024 for USA: Celebrate with Glamour

5. Puri and Aloo Sabzi

Puri and aloo sabzi is a classic dish as a meal after a long day of fasting on their stomachs.

Ingredients of Puri

• 1 cup wheat flour
• Water to knead
• Salt
• Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

• Knead a dough using water and salt till smooth,
• Roll up into small circles and fry in hot oil until golden.

Ingredients of Aloo Sabzi

• 3 boiled potatoes (cubed)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 green chili
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat oil. Fry cumin seeds and green chili.
• Boiled potatoes, turmeric, and coriander powder.
• Mix well, add salt and cook for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with hot puris

6. Gajar Ka Halwa

• No Indian festival ends without a sweet dish, and gajar ka halwa (carrot pudding) is the perfect dessert to round off with.

Ingredients

• Grate 4 medium carrots
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (Cashews, Almonds)
• Cardamom powder

Instructions

• Heat ghee in a pan, add grated carrots and sauté for 5 minutes.
• Add milk and cook on low flame till carrots are tender and milk is absorbed
• Add sugar and cardamom powder again and cook for 5 minutes
• Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm

7. Chole Bhature

Chole bhature is that rich, filling dish that makes it apt for post-fast feast.

Ingredients for Chole

• 1 cup chickpeas overnight soaked
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Pressure cook the chickpeas until mushy.
• Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions and cumin seeds until the onions turn translucent. Add tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
• Add the chickpeas, spices, and salt, and cook for 10 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh coriander.
• Bhature
• Ingredients
• These will be the same as for Bengali-style bhature: 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon yogurt
• Salt to taste
• Water to knead
• Oil for frying

Instructions

• Again, instructions will remain the same as that of Bengali-style: Mix the flour, yogurt, salt, and water to knead the dough
• Roll into large circles and deep fry until golden.
• Serve it with the chole.

Karva Chauth is a festival of love, passion, and delight. Here are some easy and tasty recipes to help you savor the festive season while bonding with your cultural heritage, as one may not get it many times when they are away from home. Whether it’s having sargi in the morning or digging into post-evening feasts with your family, these foods will bring an extra wow factor to your Karva Chauth 2024 celebrations in the USA!