Recipe for a Delicious Diwali Feast: A Festive Treat for Your Taste Buds

Diwali, the festival of lights, is not just about illuminating homes and bursting crackers; it is also a celebration of flavors, traditions, and family gatherings. The food prepared for Diwali is an integral part of the celebration, showcasing a variety of sweet and savory delights. Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for a Diwali feast that will leave your family and friends impressed.

Main Dish: Paneer Butter Masala

Ingredients:
● 250g paneer cubes
● 2 onions (finely chopped)
● 3 tomatoes (pureed)
● 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
● 2 tbsp butter
● 1 tsp red chili powder
● 1 tsp garam masala
● 1 tsp turmeric powder
● 1/4 cup fresh cream
● Salt to taste
● Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:
1. Heat butter in a pan, add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the oil separates.
4. Add garam masala and mix well. Add paneer cubes and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Pour in fresh cream, stir, and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan or rice.

Sweet Dish: Gulab Jamun

Ingredients:
● 1 cup khoya (grated)
● 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
● 1/4 tsp baking powder
● 2 cups sugar
● 2 cups water
● 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
● Oil for frying

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix khoya, flour, and baking powder to form a soft dough.
2. Make small balls from the dough, ensuring they are smooth and crack-free.
3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the balls on low heat until golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, prepare sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water. Add cardamom powder for flavor.
5. Soak the fried balls in warm syrup for 2-3 hours before serving.

Savory Snack: Chakli

Ingredients:
● 1 cup rice flour
● 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
● 1 tsp sesame seeds
● 1 tsp cumin seeds
● 1/2 tsp red chili powder
● 1 tbsp butter
● Salt to taste
● Water as needed
● Oil for frying

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix rice flour, besan, sesame seeds, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and salt.
2. Add butter and mix well, adding water slowly to form a dough.
3. Use a chakli maker to shape the dough into spirals.
4. Deep fry the chaklis in hot oil until golden and crispy.
This combination of rich, flavorful Paneer Butter Masala, sweet Gulab Jamun, and crispy Chakli makes for a perfect Diwali feast. Serve these dishes with love, and watch your guests enjoy every bite!