Fast & Flavourful: Easy Diwali Treats To Make In No Time

When the Diwali festivities call for sweets and snacks, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. From instant Sooji Halwa to crispy Masala Mathri, here are some quick and flavourful recipes that bring the spirit of celebration with minimal effort. Here’s a guide to making your Diwali treats easy, delicious, and hassle-free.

Instant Sooji Halwa

A 15-minute dessert that’s rich, flavourful, and perfect for the festive season.

Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

- Ghee – 3 tbsp

- Sooji (semolina) – 1 cup

- Boiling water – 2 cups

- Granulated sugar or jaggery – ¾ cup

- Cardamom powder – ½ tsp

- Raisins – 1 tbsp

- Cashews – 1 tbsp

Method:

In a pan, heat 1 tbsp ghee over medium heat and sauté the raisins and cashews until golden brown. Set aside.

In the same pan, add the remaining ghee and roast the sooji on low heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and aromatic.

Carefully add the boiling water to the roasted sooji, stirring to avoid lumps.

Once the water is absorbed, add sugar and cardamom powder, stirring until the halwa thickens.

Garnish with the sautéed raisins and cashews, and serve warm.

Besan Ladoo

Delicious ladoos that take just a few steps but leave a lasting impression.

Servings: 10-12 ladoos

Ingredients:

- Besan (gram flour) – 2 cups

- Ghee – ½ cup

- Powdered sugar – 1 cup

- Cardamom powder – 1 tsp

- Chopped nuts (for garnish) – as desired

Method:

In a heavy-bottomed pan, roast the besan in ghee on low heat until it turns golden brown and fragrant, stirring continuously.

Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Mix in the powdered sugar and cardamom powder until fully incorporated.

Shape the mixture into ladoos by hand, garnishing each with chopped nuts.

Your ladoos are ready to serve.

Coconut Barfi

This no-fuss sweet takes minimal effort but tastes heavenly.

Servings: 10-12 squares

Ingredients:

- Grated coconut – 2 cups

- Condensed milk – 1 cup

- Cardamom powder – ½ tsp

- Additional grated coconut or chopped nuts (for garnish) – as desired

Method:

In a non-stick pan, combine the grated coconut and condensed milk.

Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and begins to leave the sides of the pan.

Add the cardamom powder and mix well.

Spread the mixture evenly onto a greased tray, pressing down firmly.

Allow it to cool and set for about 30 minutes.

Cut into squares, garnish with extra grated coconut or nuts, and serve.

Crispy Masala Mathri

These crunchy, spiced crackers are a perfect savoury treat for guests.

Servings: Approximately 24 pieces

Ingredients:

- All-purpose flour – 2 cups

- Ajwain (carom seeds) – 1 tsp

- Crushed black pepper – 1 tsp

- Ghee – 4 tbsp

- Salt – to taste

- Water – as needed for kneading

- Oil – for deep frying

Method:

In a bowl, mix flour, ajwain, black pepper, ghee, and salt.

Gradually add water and knead into a stiff dough.

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

Divide the dough into small balls and roll each into a disc (about 2-3 inches in diameter).

Prick each with a fork.

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat and fry the discs in batches until golden brown and crispy.

Drain on paper towels, serve warm, or store in an airtight container.

With these quick and delicious recipes, you’ll have more time to enjoy the Diwali celebrations without sacrificing the festive flavours.