It is almost that time of the year in India when winter begins. It is almost that time of the year when the dawn is lightly caressed by the frost. It is almost that time of the year when the golden rays of morning sun passes through the dew drops on the grass making them look like a precious diamonds sewn on the lush green carpets. It is almost that time of the year when the trees sway to the gentle morning breeze in the cool mist. It is almost that time of the year when the soft sun light appears from the distant hills and the birds tweet as they flutter through the dew laden sky! It is almost that time of the year when the summer’s blistering heat and the monsoon’s thundering rains give way to a season of crisp winter months. It is the golden season of Kartik, a season of cool air, chirping birds, dew drops laden fresh grass, the blossoming trees and the time when the entire Indian subcontinent adorns itself in the silky golden hued sunlight to greet the heavenly bodies into welcoming arms!
When the paths are dotted with the carpet of heavenly perfumed dainty paarijata flowers and the air is heavy with the aroma of sugary treats, it is that time of the year... It is the time of Deepavali or Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights!
With the festival of lights just a week away, our house gets busy with preparing for the Diwali. It’s that time of the year when clattering of pots and pans are heard for most part of the day and the evenings as we plan the menu for the festive food. So while planning for the Diwali party menu, I thought it may be useful for my dear blog readers to have a compilation of some simple, quick and easy snacks recipes for Deepavali. I hope you will find this post useful in deciding what to cook for your friends and family and make this Diwali a special one for your loved ones.While you are at it, don't forget to check the list of Simple and Easy Sweet Recipes for Diwali to sweeten your taste buds!
May the festival of lights be the harbinger of joy and prosperity. As the holy occasion of Diwali is here and the atmosphere is filled with the spirit of mirth and love, here's hoping this festival of beauty brings your way, bright sparkles of contentment, that stay with you through the days ahead. Wishing all my dear readers and friends, a very happy and prosperous Deepavali!
Warm Regards
Sia
http://monsoonspice.com
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
From Home (Udupi-Mangalorean)
- Aloo/Batate Bonda - Deep fried spicy mashed potato and mixed veg fritters coated with spicy gram flour batter
- Chattambade or Masala Dal Vada - Spicy split chickpeas/Bengal gram or chana dal fritters
- Goli Baje (Mangalorean Speciality) - Deep fried fritters made using plain flour and buttermilk
- Jeegujje Podi/Pakoda - Deep fried spicy fritter made using thinly sliced breadfruit
- Khara Avalakki - Spicy flat/beaten rice
- Khara Kaddi (Spicy Sev) - Deep fried spicy chickpea or gram flour sticks flavoured with cumin, carom seeds and asafoetida
- Kodubale - Deep fried rice and roasted gram savoury rings from Karnataka
- Mangalore Aloo Bonda - Fritters made using spicy mashed potato and coated with spicy gram flour batter and then deep fried
- Mangalore Buns - Sweet deep fried banana and whole wheat puffed bread/poori from Udupi-Mangalore
- Microwave Masala Kadle/Peanuts - Simple and quick recipe for crunchy and spicy gram flour coated roasted peanuts cooked in a microwave in less than 15 minutes
- Moong Dal Vada - Spicy fritters made using spicy green gram mixture
- Tukkudi - Deep fried savoury plain flour diamonds
