1Peda (Milk Fudge)
LUCY SCHAEFFERPeda is a super-popular mitai (sweet) in Indian households during Diwali. It’s a milky fudge-like confection that is traditionally made from dried evaporated milk solids called khoya, though lots of people use a shortcut method of sweetened condensed milk and non-fat dry milk powder (like we did here).
Get the Peda (Milk Fudge) recipe.
2Butter Chicken
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: LAURA REGE Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3Papdi Chaat
June XiePapdi chaat can take on many variations, but this particular version is a monster of a delight with two chutneys, tender potatoes and chickpeas, tangy yogurt, a medley of eye-catching red onions, pomegranate seeds, diced tomatoes, and finished with a generous snowing of crunchy sev noodles. 😍
Get the Papdi Chaat recipe.
4Homemade Samosas
Joel goldbergHomemade samosas don't need to be intimidating! The spiced potato filling is fast and easy, and the dough comes together quickly using melted ghee. You may need to hunt down some spices and seeds, but it's well worth it for the best, most authentic-tasting samosas this Diwali.
Get the Homemade Samosas recipe.
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5Coconut Burfi Brownie Bites
HETEL VASAVADACoconut burfi is an Indian mithai (sweet) made from shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk with a touch of cardamom. The combo of chocolate and coconut is so magical, and the ground cardamom just makes it even more special.
Get the Coconut Burfi Brownie Bites recipe.
6 Tandoori Chicken
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GOREThe real standout in this timeless recipe is the use of a masala-yogurt marinade that coats the chicken throughout the cooking process, making it exceedingly juicy and extra flavorful. You can marinate the chicken in the morning, then roast it for just 30 minutes (!) when you’re ready to eat.
Get the Tandoori Chicken recipe.
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7Indian Butter Chickpeas
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON 8Mango Chutney
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCEIn India, where chutneys hail from, the word can refer to many different spiced dishes made with fruits, vegetables, and/or herbs. This mango version, which is spiced with fennel, mustard, cumin, and coriander seeds, plus a kick from fresh ginger, is similar to a jam or jelly, and will add flavor to nearly anything you pair it with.
Get the Mango Chutney recipe.
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9Chicken Madras
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS 10Vegetable Biryani
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11Lentil Dal
LUCY SCHAEFFER The term dal refers to both this soup-like Indian dish and the word for split lentils. For this version, red lentils are simmered down in a tomato broth with lots of warm, bold spices. The spiced oil that gets drizzled over top is optional but highly encouraged. The yogurt will help balance out the spiciness and the acidity of the dish.
Get the Lentil Dal recipe.
12Chicken Tikka Masala
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISONChicken tikka refers to chicken that's been marinated in yogurt and then roasted. You can find chicken tikka served on skewers or roasted and served dry. The "masala" in chicken tikka masala refers to the cream sauce that the meat is served in. The more you know!
Get the Chicken Tikka Masala recipe.
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13Khichdi
JUNE XIEThe most basic version of this South Asian dish (also known as kitchari) is made up of just rice, a pulse (like mung beans or lentils), turmeric, and salt, but the variations are endlessly diverse. Our version adds warming spices and garlic, ginger, and tomato, but feel free to make it your own.
Get the Khichdi recipe.
14Rice Pudding
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GOREWe kept this rice pudding (known as kheer in India) pretty simple—though our recipe does include a hack for making it extra decadent—but recommend making it extra special for the holiday by adding in other traditional ingredients, like pistachios, cardamom, rose water, or saffron.
Get the Rice Pudding recipe.
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15Mango Lassi
Kat WirsingLike a cross between a milkshake and a smoothie, mango lassi is a simple pleasure: All you need is about equal amounts of sweet mangoes and creamy full-fat yogurt, a little ice, and a high-powered blender to force the two ingredients into one drinkable treat.
Get the Mango Lassi recipe.
16Bateka Nu Shaak
Lucy schaefferShaak is a Gujarati term that refers to bhajis, or as the Western world would call it, “curry.” Bateka nu shaak is a quick, comforting, homestyle meal made with a handful of spices, tomatoes, and potatoes. If you’re new to Indian cooking or Diwali, this is a great starting-off dish to make.
Get the Bateka Nu Shaak recipe.
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17Chicken Biryani
Parker feierbachFor this recipe, we were inspired by the Hyderabadi-style of biryani, where rice and a curry filled with veggies and/or a protein are cooked separately, then layered and baked into an aromatic, harmonious, and hearty dish. Serve alongside a fresh cucumber raita for a perfectly balanced meal.
Get the Chicken Biryani recipe.
18Masala Chai
JUNE XIEThere are many versions with varying amounts and ratios of ingredients, but at its core, masala chai is black tea brewed with fresh ginger, crushed spices, milk, and sugar. Make a pot to start your Diwali off right this year—it'll keep you feeling cozy and warm all day long.
Get the Masala Chai recipe.
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19Aloo Gobi
Parker Feierbach Aloo gobi is a classic vegetarian Indian dish translating to potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). It's a one-pot, super-simple, comforting dish that's ready quickly—serve it as a side or over rice as a main.
Get the Aloo Gobi recipe.
20Homemade Naan
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORENaan is a traditional South Asian flatbread that is usually cooked in a tandoor oven. The yogurt-based bread quickly bubbles up and yields a soft bread with slightly crisp edges. It's perfect for soaking up all of that extra sauce from chicken tikka masala or served as an Diwali appetizer along with garlic hummus or any of your favorite dips.
Get the Homemade Naan recipe.
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