Quick Dussehra Recipes to Serve as Snacks During the Fest

Dussehra is a time of joy, prayer, and coming together. Here, food plays a big role too. Families cook special snacks after the puja, when everyone gathers to eat. These dishes carry tradition and meaning. 

If you’re short on time this Dussehra, here are simple snacks to get going.

Why Snacks Matter During Dussehra

Dussehra is an important festival in India. It marks the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with devotion and food. The family takes part in the rituals. Following which, it is time for traditional snacks. These can vary depending on the region. Yet, there is one thing that all have in common. Food brings everyone closer.

A lot of these recipes were handed down through the generations. Although life is busy, at least one of them can be made to keep alive the spirit of the festival. That’s why we have gathered some quick Dussehra special recipes. So, you get to enjoy the festival without missing out on flavour or joy.

8 Easy Dussehra Recipes 

Here are the different Dussehra recipes to make at home:

1. Besan Ladoo

Ingredients:

• 2 cups gram flour (besan)
• 1 cup ghee
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

Steps:

1. Heat ghee in a heavy pan on low flame.

1. Add gram flour and roast slowly, stirring to avoid lumps.
2. Cook until golden and fragrant.
3. Turn off the heat, add sugar and cardamom and mix well.
4. Let it cool slightly, then shape into balls.
5. Store besan ladoo in an airtight container.

2. Coconut Laddu

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated coconut
• 1 cup condensed milk
• Cashews or almonds for topping

Steps:

1. Add coconut and condensed milk to a non-stick pan.
2. Cook on low heat, stirring until thick and coming away from the pan.
3. Cool slightly.
4. Roll into small laddus.
5. Press a nut on each for garnish.
6. Serve or store airtight.

3. Instant Jalebi

Ingredients:

• 1 cup maida (all-purpose flour)
• ½ cup curd
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of turmeric
• Oil for frying
• Sugar syrup (prepared separately)

Steps:

1. Mix maida, curd, baking soda and turmeric into a thick batter.
2. Rest for 10 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan.
4. Pipe spirals into hot oil and fry till golden.
5. Dip briefly in warm sugar syrup.
6. Serve the jalebis hot.

4. Fafda with Green Chutney

Ingredients for Fafda:

• 2 cups gram flour
• ½ teaspoon ajwain
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Water to knead
• Oil for frying

Ingredients for Green Chutney:

• 1 cup coriander leaves
• 4–5 green chillies
• 1 inch ginger
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

1. Mix gram flour, ajwain, salt and oil. Add water gradually to make a firm dough.
2. Roll or stretch thin strips.
3. Fry in hot oil until crisp.
4. Blend coriander, chillies, ginger, lemon and salt for chutney.
5. Serve the fafda hot with chutney.

5. Vegetable Pulao

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice 
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 cloves, 1 bay leaf, small cinnamon stick
• 1 cup mixed vegetables 
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• Fresh coriander to garnish

Steps:

1. Wash and soak rice for 15 minutes. Drain.
2. Heat ghee in a pot; add cumin, cloves, bay leaf and cinnamon.
3. Sauté vegetables for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add rice and stir gently.
5. Pour water, add salt, cover and cook till fluffy.
6. Garnish with coriander and serve.

6. Paneer Bread Roll

Crispy rolls with a soft paneer filling that guests love and kids enjoy too.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup paneer, crumbled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander
• Salt to taste
• Bread slices
• Oil for frying or baking

Steps:

1. Mix paneer, onion, chilli, coriander and salt.
2. Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin.
3. Place filling in the centre and roll tightly.
4. Seal edges with a little water.
5. Fry or bake till golden brown.
6. Serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

7. Khaman Dhokla

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups gram flour
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Water as needed
• 1 teaspoon fruit salt (Eno)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• Few curry leaves, slit green chillies
• Grated coconut and coriander for garnish

Steps:

1. Mix gram flour, lemon juice, sugar, turmeric, salt and water into a smooth batter.
2. Just before steaming, add fruit salt and stir lightly.
3. Pour into a greased dish and steam 15 minutes.
4. Cool slightly and cut into squares.
5. Heat oil, add mustard, curry leaves and chillies. Pour over dhokla.
6. Garnish with coconut and coriander.

8. Hara Bhara Kabab

Ingredients:

• 1 cup spinach, blanched
• ½ cup green peas, boiled
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chilli, chopped
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Steps:

1. Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.
2. Mash spinach, peas and potatoes until smooth.
3. Add ginger, chilli, salt and breadcrumbs; mix well.
4. Shape into small patties.
5. Fry in oil till golden and crisp.

Try these Dussehra Recipes Today

Dussehra unites families where even a simple meal can be a bonding opportunity. In that spirit, these snacks give you more time to enjoy festivities. They do not require a long shopping list either. So, give them a try and watch your home echo with happiness.