Diwali Away from Home: 5 Easy Recipes for the Students

The Significance of Diwali:

Diwali, or Deepavali, isn’t just any festival—it is a beacon of hope, a symbol of victory over darkness, and a reminder that goodness prevails over evil. It commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his beloved Sita, and his devoted brother Lakshmana from a 14-year-long exile after defeating the demon king Ravana. The lighting of oil lamps or diyas during this festival isn’t just a tradition; it’s a powerful metaphor for the dispelling of darkness in our lives and the ushering in of hope and positivity. Beyond its religious significance, Diwali is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and the exchange of heartfelt gifts, fostering a profound sense of togetherness and unity. It celebrates joy, prosperity, and the triumph of righteousness, making it an emotionally resonant and cherished occasion for people of all ages.

For students living away from home, celebrating Diwali might mean missing out on the traditional homemade treats and festive meals. However, there’s no need to feel deprived because you can bring the festive spirit into your student abode by preparing some easy Diwali snack recipes. These recipes are not only simple but also a great way to connect with your roots and share the joy of the season with friends. So, let’s get started with some delightful and mouthwatering snacks that are perfect for the occasion.

Namak Para:

Namak Para is a simple and savoury snack that’s easy to make and can be stored for a long time. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp semolina (sooji)
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
• Salt to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

To prepare savoury Namak Para, start by mixing all-purpose flour, semolina, ghee, carom seeds, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually add water while kneading the mixture into a stiff and cohesive dough. This dough will form the foundation of your crispy Namak Para.

Once the dough is ready, divide it into small portions and roll each portion into thin rectangular shapes. Now, it’s time to get ready for frying. Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai. When the oil is hot, gently place the namak para pieces into it. Fry them carefully until they transform into a glorious golden brown colour. These delightful snacks are now ready to be relished and shared with family and friends. Namak Para is not only a delicious treat but also a way to connect with tradition and savour the festive spirit.

Poha Chivda:

Poha chivda is a crunchy and savoury snack made from flattened rice. It’s quick to prepare and delicious. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups thin Poha (flattened rice)
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

To prepare Poha Chivda, start by heating oil in a pan and adding mustard seeds. Allow the mustard seeds to splutter, and then introduce cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves into the sizzling pan. Next, incorporate the peanuts and roast them until they acquire a delightful golden hue. To infuse the chivda with vibrant flavours, add the Poha (flattened rice) along with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and a pinch of salt. Roast the mixture for a few minutes until the Poha attains a satisfying crispiness.

Dates Ladoo (Date Nut Balls):

Date Ladoos are a delicious and nutritious Indian sweet treat that can be prepared quickly. They are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings and providing an energy boost. Here’s a simple recipe to make these delightful Date Ladoos.

• 1 cup pitted dates (Medjool dates work well)
• 1/2 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Desiccated coconut or crushed nuts for coating (optional)

To prepare these delectable Date Ladoos, begin by dry roasting a mixture of your favourite nuts until they attain a delightful golden hue. After removing them from the heat, let the nuts cool before finely chopping them. In the same pan, gently heat a tablespoon of ghee and add pitted dates, allowing them to soften and turn mushy over low heat. You can assist the softening process by gently mashing the dates with a spatula. Next, combine the finely chopped roasted nuts with the softened dates, and introduce a touch of cardamom powder and saffron strands for an exquisite flavour and aroma.

Once the mixture has cooled slightly for ease of handling, shape it into small, round ladoos with the help of a little ghee to prevent sticking. For an optional decorative touch, consider rolling the ladoos in desiccated coconut or crushed nuts. Your delightful Date Ladoos are now ready to be savoured and can be stored in an airtight container for extended freshness. Enjoy these sweet treats that perfectly blend health and indulgence.

Coconut Barfi:

Coconut Barfi is a classic Indian sweet that’s loved for its rich, sweet, and coconutty flavour. It’s easy to make and is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated fresh coconut (you can use frozen coconut as well)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped nuts for garnish (almonds, cashews, or pistachios)

To create delicious Coconut Barfi, start by preparing the coconut mixture in a non-stick pan. Combine grated coconut, sugar, and milk, and stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar melts, resulting in a slightly runny consistency. Continue to cook the mixture while stirring regularly, adding a touch of ghee to prevent sticking. After about 20-25 minutes, the mixture will thicken and begin to leave the sides of the pan. Enhance the flavour by stirring in cardamom powder and saffron strands if desired.

Next, transfer the thickened coconut mixture to a greased plate or tray, spreading it evenly and pressing it down with a spatula to create a smooth surface. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top, gently pressing them into the mixture for a delightful garnish. Allow the Coconut Barfi to cool for a few hours until it sets. Once it has solidified, cut it into your preferred shape, often squares or diamond-shaped pieces. Your homemade Coconut Barfi is now ready to be served and relished as a delectable sweet treat

Chocolate Peda:

Chocolate Peda is a delightful twist on the traditional Indian sweet, combining the richness of chocolate with the creamy texture of Peda. Here’s a simple recipe to make it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup condensed milk
• 1 cup milk powder
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnish (almonds, cashews, or pistachios)

Creating delectable Chocolate Pedas is a delightful journey that starts in a non-stick pan. Here, you’ll combine condensed milk, milk powder, and cocoa powder, gently stirring over low heat until the mixture begins to thicken. As it transforms into a velvety consistency, you’ll continue to cook it, ensuring it leaves the sides of the pan. At this stage, the addition of ghee enriches the texture, making it even more enticing. To elevate the flavour, a pinch of cardamom powder is stirred in.

Once the mixture has achieved a fudge-like consistency, allow it to cool slightly for easy handling. To shape it into small, round Pedas, apply a touch of ghee to your hands to prevent sticking. As a final touch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the Pedas for an appealing garnish. After letting the Chocolate Pedas cool to set, they’re ready to be served and relished, offering a delightful fusion of chocolatey indulgence and the classic Peda.

As living away from home, celebrating Diwali might evoke a sense of longing for the comforting embrace of family and the traditional flavours of home-cooked dishes. However, these easy Diwali Farsan recipes provide not only a taste of home but also an opportunity to recreate the warmth and joy of the festival in your own space. They are more than just snacks; they are a connection to the traditions and values that Diwali represents.

So, as you prepare these delightful treats, remember that Diwali transcends physical distance, and it can illuminate even the farthest corners of your heart. With your culinary creations, you are rekindling the warmth and spirit of Diwali, making it a truly heartwarming experience, no matter how far from home you may be. Happy Diwali, and may your celebrations be filled with the radiance of the season!