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Diwali is just around the corner, and it brings with it the reason to indulge in lip-smacking feasts. This is also the season when people host Diwali parties or gatherings to bond with their friends and family, but food is never far from anyone’s mind. While traditional dishes such as paneer curries and koftas are the real showstopper, blending a mix of some flavourful recipes can level up your spread and delight the palates of guests. From the creamy, melt-in-the-mouth Malai Kofta to fragrant Peshawari Vegetable Biryani, every dish has its own festive charm.
For many people hosting the Diwali get-togethers, making a vegetarian menu guarantees that all guests, including those who avoid non-veg dishes, can relish the spread without a second thought. These carefully chosen vegetarian dishes are rich, enjoyable, and mixed in flavour and texture, which makes them perfect for a Diwali festive get-together. The dishes have a visual appeal, are easy to serve, and are full of flavours satisfying every palate, ensuring every guest leaves happy.
Malai Kofta
This creamy North Indian classic is prepared with soft, fried balls made from a mix of paneer and mashed potatoes, which are then slowly simmered in a creamy, mildly spicy tomato-based gravy. The koftas have a melt-in-the-mouth consistency, whereas the gravy offers a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and aromatic spices such as cardamom and kasuri methi. Perfect for festive feasts, malai kofta pairs wonderfully with naan, roomali roti, or steamed rice. The luxurious texture and flavour of malai kofta make it a highlight at gatherings.
Paneer Pasanda
Paneer Pasanda is prepared by stuffing paneer slices with spicy nuts and raisins, cooked in a rich, creamy tomato-cashew-based gravy. With a slightly sweet and aromatic taste, it is layered with elements from saffron, cream, to a hint of garam masala. This dish is a royal dish served on a plate, ideal for impressing guests. The paneer dissolves in the mouth, whereas the gravy adds creaminess without being too heavy. Served with butter naan or steamed rice, paneer pasanda will surely win you praise.
Bharwan Baingan
Small eggplants or brinjals stuffed with a mix of peanuts, coconut, spices, and herbs are slowly cooked in a tangy, spicy tomato-onion-based gravy. The flavours are bold but balanced. The stuffing delivers crunch, whereas the gravy gives a comforting, little tangy taste. Popular North Indian delicacy, bharwan baingan, is full of flavours and pairs well with rotis or parathas. This dish is still loved by many despite its being common.
Peshawari Vegetable Biryani
An aromatic, saffron-infused biryani which is prepared by mixing rice with seasonal vegetables, dry fruits, and a blend of subtle spices. Peshawari biryani is a little sweet, fragrant, and layered with bold flavours of cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. The vegetables are soft but maintain their texture, forming a satisfying bite with every spoonful. Unlike the regular biryani, this variety highlights the delicate sweetness it gets from raisins and cashews, which makes it festive. Perfect for a Diwali gathering, peshwari biryani goes well with rich gravies such as Malai Kofta or Paneer Pasanda and can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish for vegetarians.
Dhokla Platter
A super soft and spongy snack, Dhokla is prepared by fermenting gram flour batter and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and some green chillies. Little sweet, tangy, and fluffy, it has a melt-in-the-mouth texture, which makes it an excellent starter or snack during a party gathering. Garnished with fresh coriander and some grated coconut, dhokla adds a pop of bright colour and freshness to the Diwali spread.
Bharwan Paneer Capsicum
It is a modern twist to the traditional stuffed vegetables. This dish is prepared by stuffing bell peppers filled with a spicy paneer and nut mixture and cooking them lightly in a blend of aromatic spices. Soft, creamy paneer complements soft and slightly crisp peppers, which gives them a colourful and visually attractive dish for gatherings. Mildly spicy and full of festive flavours, it is perfect for buffet-style Diwali gatherings. It brings a unique regional taste of Rajasthan, balancing rich dishes with light, wholesome textures.
Gujarati Vegetable Handvo
Handvo is a savoury, baked daal and rice cake, a delicacy from Gujarat, loaded with seasonal vegetables and seasoned with mustard seeds, sesame, and curry leaves. It is soft on the inside and has a crispy crust on the outside. Perfect as a party starter or as a snack, Handvo adds variety to the Diwali spread and more options for vegetarian dishes. Its wholesome ingredients and balanced flavours make it filling without being too heavy. Perfect for guests who are looking for healthy but traditional festive options.
