5 Vegan recipes for Diwali in 2023

Diwali 2023 is here!

It's time to welcome all the joy, traditions, and of course indulgence that the festive season brings.

Diwali, a Hindu festival, is recognised by the lighting of lamps, colourful rangoli designs, and mouthwatering feasts.

If you're a vegan during this festive season, there's no need to miss out on anything. 

In this blog post, we're sharing 5 delectable vegan recipes to help you celebrate Diwali in 2023 the cruelty-free way!

1. Vegan ghee roasted nuts

Diwali is known for the exchange of sweets and snacks, and roasted nuts are a big part of that tradition. This recipe swaps dairy ghee for a rich, flavourful vegan alternative.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts)
• 2 tablespoons One Good ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground jeera
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh curry leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegan ghee in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add the nuts and sauté them until they begin to turn golden brown.

3. Sprinkle in the ground spices (turmeric, jeera, coriander, and chili powder), and salt. Mix well to coat the nuts evenly.

4. Continue to roast for a few more minutes until the nuts are nicely toasted.

5. Remove from heat and let them cool.

6. Garnish with fresh curry leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

These savoury, spiced nuts will be a hit at your Diwali gathering, or really any time of the year! 

2. Vegan milk sweets

It's official, a vegan Diwali feast is incomplete without these dairy-free milk sweets.

Ingredients:

For the vegan milk powder mixture:

• 1 cup almond milk powder
• 1/2 cup One Good mylk
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

For the sugar syrup:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• A few drops of lemon juice

For garnish:

• Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or cashews)

Instructions:

Preparing the vegan milk powder mixture:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond milk powder, vegan milk, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron (if using). Mix to form a smooth dough-like consistency.

2. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls or shape them as you desire.

Making the sugar syrup:

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent crystallisation.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it forms a thick, sticky syrup. To test the consistency, drop a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form a soft ball.

Assembling the sweets:

1. Once the syrup is ready, dip the prepared milk powder balls into it. Allow them to soak for a few minutes.

2. Remove the sweets from the syrup and let them cool.

3. Garnish with chopped nuts.

Done! Now you get to enjoy the same richness and sweetness as anyone else this Diwali.

3. Vegan ghee ladoo

Ladoos are a traditional Diwali sweet, and this vegan ghee ladoo recipe can be a healthier, more compassionate tradition to pass down. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups besan
• 1/2 cup One Good ghee
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped nuts (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegan ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the besan and roast it until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

2. Once the flour is roasted, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

3. Add the powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands to the roasted flour. Mix well.

4. While the mixture is still warm, shape it into small, round ladoos. You can grease your hands with a bit of vegan ghee to make the shaping process easier.

5. Garnish each ladoo with chopped nuts.

You'll find that these vegan ghee ladoos will be the most fragrant and delightful treat this Diwali!

4. Vegan malai kofta

What's Diwali without curries and malai kofta? The vegan version maintains the same creaminess and richness, just without the use of dairy. Plus, it's easy to make at home!

Ingredients:

For the kofta:

• 2 cups boiled and mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup grated vegan paneer (or tofu)
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup One Good ghee
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground jeera
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Chopped nuts and raisins (for filling)

For the creamy tomato gravy:

• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup vegan cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preparing the kofta:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated vegan paneer, bread crumbs, vegan ghee, salt, pepper, and ground spices.

2. Take a small portion of the mixture, flatten it, and place some chopped nuts and raisins in the center. Form it into a ball, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.

Making the creamy tomato gravy:

1. In a separate pan, heat vegan ghee and sauté the ginger-garlic paste until fragrant.

2. Add the tomato puree and cook until it thickens and the oil separates.

3. Stir in the vegan cream, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Simmer for a few minutes.

Assembling the dish:

1. Gently place the koftas into the creamy tomato gravy and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the koftas to absorb the flavors.

2. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

5. Vegan saffron rice pudding

And finally, this comforting Diwali dessert is a great way to end your festive meal. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 4 cups One Good milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• A pinch of saffron strands
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts and dried fruit for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.

2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, combine the soaked rice and vegan milk. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens. This will take about 45-60 minutes.

3. Add sugar, saffron strands, and cardamom powder to the rice mixture. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes until the pudding reaches your desired consistency.

4. Remove from heat and let it cool. The pudding will thicken further as it cools.

5. Garnish with chopped nuts and dried fruit.

We're wishing you a very happy Diwali! 🪔🌱🌟