In a Diwali party, if something is served before the main course which is not only tasty but also looks special, then the fun of the party gets doubled.
Tandoori Corn Cheese Cups
Material: Sweet corn 1 cup, mozzarella cheese ½ cup, capsicum ½ cup, onion ½ cup, curd 2 tbsp, tandoori masala 1 tsp, chaat masala ½ tsp, black pepper ½ tsp, salt as per taste, bread slices 6-8.
Method: Mix corn, capsicum, onion, curd, tandoori masala, chaat masala, black pepper and salt. Cut the sides of the bread, roll the slices lightly and press them into the mold of the muffin tray to give them the shape of a cup. Fill them with the prepared corn mixture and add mozzarella cheese on top. 180 cm. Bake in preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns light golden. Add some chaat masala and coriander on top and serve hot.
Masala Potato Pops
Material: Boiled potatoes 3, bread crumbs ½ cup, mozzarella cheese ½ cup, green chilli 1, red chilli powder ½ tsp, garam masala ½ tsp, chaat masala ½ tsp, coriander 2 tbsp, salt as per taste, cornflour 1 tbsp, oil for frying/air frying.
Method: Mash the potatoes and add cornflour, spices, green chillies and coriander to it. Take a small ball of the mixture, place some mozzarella cheese in the middle and make a round ball. Roll them in bread crumbs. Deep fry or air fry and cook until crisp and golden. Place them in small paper cups and serve with a drop of green chutney on top.
Mango Mint Diwali Cooler
Material: Mango pulp ½ cup, lemon juice 1 tbsp, mint 8-10 leaves, sugar syrup 1 tbsp, soda ½ cup, black salt a pinch, ice as needed.
Method: Lightly blend mango pulp, lemon juice, mint, sugar syrup and black salt. Add ice to the glass and pour this mixture. Add soda on top and mix gently. Garnish with mint leaves and small pieces of mango and serve. Well, you can prepare it in advance and keep it in the fridge and when guests arrive, just add soda and ice.
Paneer Potli Bites
Material: Paneer 150 grams, flour ½ cup, cornflour 2 tbsp, finely chopped capsicum 2 tbsp, finely chopped onion 2 tbsp, green chilli 1, chilli flakes ½ tsp, chaat masala ½ tsp, salt as per taste, oil for frying, chives/green coriander for binding.
Method: Mash the paneer and add capsicum, onion, green chilli, chilli flakes, chaat masala and salt. Make small portions and keep the filling ready. Make a thin batter by mixing flour, cornflour and a little salt. Roll out small puri of flour and place cheese filling in the middle and bring the edges up and give it the shape of a bundle. Dip it lightly in the batter and fry it until it turns golden. Garnish with chips or coriander and serve. Make them in small sizes, so that guests can easily eat them in one bite.
Apple Cinnamon Fizz
Material: Apple juice ½ cup, lemon juice 1 tbsp, soda ½ cup, cinnamon powder a pinch, honey 1 tsp, ice as needed, apple slices and cinnamon stick to garnish.
Method: Add apple juice, lemon juice, honey and cinnamon in the glass and mix well. Add ice and top with chilled soda. Mix gently and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon stick.
Saffron Orange Sparkle
Material: Orange juice = cup, soda ½ cup, saffron 5-6 threads, lukewarm water 1 tbsp, lemon juice 1 tsp, honey/sugar syrup 1 tsp, ice as required.
Method: Soak saffron in lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes. Add orange juice, lemon juice, honey and saffron water in the glass. Add ice and top with soda. Mix lightly and serve garnished with orange slices. Special tip: Wet the rim of the glass with lemon and dip it in saffron-sugar.
FAQ
Which starters are best for Diwali party?
Tandoori Corn Cheese Cups, Paneer Potli Bites and Masala Potato Pops are the most popular starters for the party.
Can Masala Potato Pops be made without oil?
Yes, instead of deep frying them, they can be made crispy in the air fryer by using less oil or brushing with butter.
Can you prepare the Mango Mint Cooler before the party?
Yes, you can prepare the mango and mint base in advance and keep it in the fridge, just add soda and ice when guests arrive.
What to use to bind Paneer Potli Bites?
These can be easily pasted by folding them into a ball or bundle of flour, or can be tied with green onion leaves/chives.
How to give saffron orange sparkle a festive look?
Wetting the rim of the glass with lemon juice and dipping it in a mixture of saffron and sugar gives a beautiful look to the drink.