Pictured above – Coconut Laddoo. These pink coconut balls are made from fresh shredded coconut and naturally colored with beet.
Happy Dhanteras! Diwali is just a few days away, so here is a concise roundup of sweets and savories that you can prepare ahead. All the recipes featured are vegan (dairy-free, eggless), soy-free and most are gluten-free. Below are the sweet treats to start with.
Pictured below – Kaju Katli – a smooth cashew fudge.
Diwali is a festive period with many associated days: Ahoi Ashtami for children, Karwachauth celebrating the marriage bond (where women traditionally fast for their partner’s longevity), Dhanteras to give thanks for prosperity and well-being, and Bhai Dooj honoring the sibling relationship. Each day has its own stories and regional variations.
Apple Jalebis with Rabri – apple fritters soaked in saffron-scented syrup and served with cardamom-flavored cashew cream.
Pictured below – Sooji Halwa / Sheera. A comforting semolina pudding with cashews and dried cranberries.
Some rituals can feel gendered, but many people view them as celebrations of relationships and shared traditions rather than strict rules. I don’t follow every tradition strictly; I treat these days as an occasion to enjoy familiar rituals, share food, and wish each other health and happiness.
I tried a simple henna/mehendi design for Karwachauth on my left hand — it turned out nicely.
Pictured below – Gulab Jamuns! Traditional Indian doughnuts soaked in cardamom- and saffron-flavored sugar syrup. I have a new and improved vegan version that gets very close to the original.
I brought the new gulab jamun recipe and the apple jalebis with rabri to a Diwali gathering and no one guessed they were vegan — a real compliment to the flavors.
Pictured below – Besan Laddoo – sweet chickpea flour balls made with cocoa butter for richness.
Pictured below – Oil-free Wheat Laddoo and Wheat Choorma – wheat flour balls and a crumbly sweet choorma.
Now for the savory items: festivals always include savory snacks to balance the sweets. Many traditional snacks are fried, but here are healthier baked or roasted options that still taste indulgent.
Gluten-free Potato and Rice Crackers – baked namak pare/murukku-style crackers that are easy to make and very tasty.
Chana Masala Spiced Roasted Nuts – seasoned roasted nuts with chana masala or garam masala, or simply salt and chili for a quick snack.
Gluten-free Chickpea Oat Crackers with Fennel Seeds – chana murmura mathri made with cooked chickpeas, oats and puffed rice for a crunchy, lightly spiced bite.
Chickpea Flour Roll-ups (Khandvi) – gluten-free, soft rolls that can be stuffed with spiced kale, chutneys, or coarse spiced nut fillings.
Chivda – a savory mix of cereal or rice crisps with dried fruit, roasted sprouted chickpeas and nuts for texture and flavor.
Baked Potato French Fries – a must-have for celebrations when you want something everyone will love.
Roasted Garam Masala Chickpeas – crunchy, spiced, and addictive.
Wishing you a safe and joyful festival season. Celebrate with foods that bring people together and suit your preferences—whether traditional or adapted to be vegan and gluten-free.
This collection is being shared at a few seasonal blog hops and community recipe rounds.