Diwali

An Indian Feast to Celebrate the Festival of Lights

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October 25, 2014
2 Comments

Today: Gather your string lights and your friends -- we're celebrating Diwali this weekend with a spicy feast.


Today marks the last night of Diwali, the biggest and brightest holiday in the Hindu calendar. Also known as the festival of lights, it’s an ancient five-day festival that takes place every year in October or November, depending on the Hindu calendar. It celebrates getting rid of evil and welcoming good and is observed with plenty of fireworks, sparklers, candles, and of course, lots of good food.

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This weekend, light whatever candles you have lying around and gather your friends to celebrate the festival of lights. You could succumb to greasy takeout from your favorite Indian joint, but instead, raid your spice drawer and whip up a spicy feast at home. Just be sure not to forget dessert -- sweets are an important, and delicious, part of Indian holidays, and Diwali is no exception. 

Ultimate Chicken Tikka Masala by kevin.townsley

 

Sweet Potato Chana Masala by MrsWheelbarrow

 

Saag Paneer by Merrill Stubbs

 

A Simple, Homey, Coconut-y Red Lentil Dal by Nicholas Day

 

Homemade Naan by Carey Nershi

 

Cilantro Coconut Chutney by A Brown Table

 

Dirty Chai Toddy by gingerroot

 

Masala Spiced Pear Pie by janeofmanytrade

What is your favorite Indian dish to make?

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Sheela Prakash
Sheela Prakash is a food and wine writer, recipe developer, and the author of Salad Seasons: Vegetable-Forward Dishes All Year and Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. Her writing and recipes can be found in numerous online and print publications, including Kitchn, Epicurious, Food52, Serious Eats, Tasting Table, The Splendid Table, Simply Recipes, Culture Cheese Magazine, Clean Plates, and Slow Food USA. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy, holds Level 2 and Level 3 Awards in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), graduated from New York University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, and is also a Registered Dietitian.

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2 Comments

Angela G.
Angela G. October 25, 2014
Butter Chicken!! You kind of need to set aside a whole afternoon to make it, but it's so worth it. Those deep flavors give me the chills, they're just that fabulous : )
 
Shantha G.
Shantha G. October 25, 2014
It difficult to pin down one dish but I'm going with Bhel puri, although masala dosa is a close second & Kerala parotta is third.