Cover Murukku being deep fried in hot oil (Photo: Zera Li on Unsplash)

From crunchy Murukku and fried Gujiya to decadent pink Coconut Candy, here are 10 delicious Diwali snacks

A celebration of light over darkness, Diwali is one of Malaysia’s most loved celebrations, complete with gorgeous Rangoli (patterns on the ground made with colourful rice and sand), stunning saris and of course, scrumptious snacks. With the festival just around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of our favourite Diwali treats for you to munch on this holiday season.

1. Achu Murukku

Also known as ‘rose cookies’, these snacks are sweetened varieties of Murukku made with the addition of eggs and sugar. Lighter and crispier than their savoury counterpart, Achu Murukku is also enjoyed during Christmas.

See also: 5 Classic Pastry Doughs & Their Uses

2. Carrot Halwa

A variety of Halwa (sweet dessert pudding), Carrot Halwa is made from grated carrots, water, milk and sugar. Typically garnished with pistachios and almonds sautéed in ghee, this delicacy can be enjoyed hot or cold.

See also: Not A Sweet-Tooth? Savour These 6 Alternative ‘Cakes’ Instead

3. Coconut Candy

In a stunning shade of bright pink, coconut candy contains ingredients such as butter, coconut and milk. The fudge-like snack is traditionally made from freshly grated coconut, however this can be replaced with dried coconut if fresh coconut is not available.

ICYMI: Sweet Victory For Team Malaysia At The 30th World Pastry Cup In France!

4. Gujiya

Visually reminiscent of a curry puff or empanada, Gujiya is a deep fried packet of dough filled with a sweet filing comprised of khoa (milk solids), grated coconut and dried fruit. It’s exterior is made from semolina or all purpose flour and the snack is typically eaten as a dessert.

See also: 6 Unique Hybrid Pastries, From Cronuts To Mochi Brownies

5. Gulab Jamun

Made from milk solids and sometimes garnished with almonds and cashews, this sweet is melt-in-your-mouth soft. Gulab translates into ‘rose’, as the snack is typically soaked in rose-flavoured syrup before being served.

6. Jalebi

Maida (milled wheat flour) is deep fried and piped into spiral, circular shapes before being coated in a saffron sugar-syrup to make this popular Diwali snack. Sweet and chewy, Jalebi can be savoured warm or cold.

See also: The 6 Must-Buy Snacks When Holidaying In Asia

7. Laddu

Bright orange and spherical, Laddu is made from flour, ghee and sugar, and is often stuffed with nuts, such as pistachios and almonds, or dried fruit. Though less common, Coconut Laddu is made with ground coconut and traditionally fed to warriors to wish them luck on the battlefield.

8. Murukku

Everyone’s favourite Diwali snack, Murukku was popularised in Southern India and Sri Lanka. The spiral twists of dough are made from rice and urad dal or black lentil flour, which is mixed with spices, seeds, salt and water before being shaped and deep fried. Spicy, salty and perfectly crunchy, what’s not to love?

 

9. Nei Urundai

Made from rice flour, butter, sugar and cardamom, these bite-sized delicacies are also known as ‘ghee balls’ or ‘ghee truffles’. Sweet and aromatic, each mouthful packs a punch of flavour.

Check out: 5 Irresistible Truffle-Infused Dishes To Try In The Klang Valley

 

10. Omapodi (Sev)

One of the more common Diwali snacks, Omapodi is made from crispy fried noodle-shaped dough seasoned with carom seeds, turmeric and cayenne. The perfect finger-food, Omapodi is considered one of the easier Diwali snacks to make.

See also: From Pumpkin Pie To Apple Cider: Autumn's Cosiest Recipes

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