Introduction
As Indians, the few early memories we have celebrating as a family—preparing Diwali snacks recipes—hold a special place in our hearts. In every region, from bustling cities to quiet villages, the preparation of Diwali palagaram is a ritual that symbolizes sharing joy, prosperity, and good fortune.
Many of the snacks made during Diwali have roots in age-old recipes, passed lovingly from one generation to the next. Especially in South India, favorites like murukku and kozhukattai are shaped by hand and generously shared with neighbors. Today, the health-conscious Gen-Z have embraced these traditions by creating their own healthy Diwali recipe variations, blending wholesome ingredients with classic flavors.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Diwali snacks that are both delicious and nutritious, this is your sign to start. Let’s begin your Diwali kitchen adventure with ten handpicked healthy snacks, each with a unique heritage and step-by-step recipe you’ll be inspired to make, taste, and share.
1. Baked Murukku (Chakli)
Ingredients: Rice flour, urad dal flour, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, butter, salt
Preparation: Mix flours, spices, and butter into a dough. Shape with murukku press, bake at 180°C for 15–20 mins. Brush with oil mid-bake.
Significance: Murukku symbolizes joy and the twists of fortune.
2. Roasted Poha Chivda
Ingredients: Thin poha, peanuts, roasted chana dal, cashews, raisins, curry leaves, green chili, turmeric, oil
Preparation: Roast poha, fry nuts and spices separately, combine, cool, and store.
Significance: Represents the blend of life’s flavors and togetherness.
3. Oats and Ragi Ladoo
Ingredients: Rolled oats, ragi flour, jaggery, cardamom powder, dry fruits, ghee
Preparation: Roast oats & ragi, melt jaggery, mix all, shape into ladoos.
Significance: Symbolizes health, strength, and sweet beginnings.
4. Baked Ribbon Pakoda
Ingredients: Rice flour, besan, omam, sesame seeds, butter, salt
Preparation: Mix and shape dough, bake at 180°C, flip midway.
Significance: Ribbons symbolize family ties and festive bonds.
5. Millet Murukku
Ingredients: Thinai flour, rice flour, fried gram, red chili, ajwain, butter
Preparation: Mix, press into spirals, bake or fry till crisp.
Significance: Represents fertility and wellness through millet traditions.
6. Sweet Potato Cutlets
Ingredients: Boiled sweet potatoes, coriander, green chilies, cumin, breadcrumbs, salt
Preparation: Mash, season, shape, and air fry or pan-fry until golden.
Significance: The sweetness reflects joy; vibrant color adds festivity.
7. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
Ingredients: Makhana, ghee, turmeric, chili powder, salt
Preparation: Roast in ghee, season, and cool.
Significance: Symbol of purity and prosperity.
8. Baked Vegetable Samosas
Ingredients: Whole wheat wrappers, potato, carrot, peas, ginger, cumin, garam masala
Preparation: Make filling, wrap, bake at 200°C.
Significance: Represents abundance and welcome.
9. Moong Dal Sundal
Ingredients: Moong dal, coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chili, coconut oil
Preparation: Steam dal, temper spices, toss with coconut.
Significance: Offered to Goddess Lakshmi for purity and nourishment.
10. Steamed Rice Flour Kozhukattai
Ingredients: Rice flour, coconut, jaggery, cardamom, water
Preparation: Make dough, fill with jaggery-coconut mix, steam till glossy.
Significance: Kozhukattai signifies prayer, prosperity, and tradition.