Diwali is never just about sweets; savouries bring balance, crunch, and spice to the festive table. From crispy murukku to light aval mixtures, these snacks have been part of Diwali traditions for generations. But in 2025, families are looking for healthy homemade Diwali savouries that combine taste, tradition, and health without long hours in the kitchen.
Here we’ve grouped 10 popular Diwali snack recipes into crunchy classics, light bites, and modern twists, so you can choose what suits your family’s needs.
A. Crunchy Classics (Deep-Fried Must-Haves)
Craving a quick, crunchy snack? Try our Instant Murukku Mix (Thooyamalli) and make traditional taste in minutes!
1. Kambu Millet Murukku
A festive must-have, this spiral murukku is made with desi pearl millet flour. Crisp and golden, it’s healthier than rice murukku, with more fiber and minerals. Perfect for traditional South Indian Diwali savouries gifting boxes.
Recipe:
In a bowl, mix 1 cup millet flour, ½ cup rice flour, 2 tbsp roasted gram flour, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp sesame seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, and salt. Add water little by little to form a smooth dough. Fill it into a murukku press and shape it. Heat wood cold pressed groundnut oil on medium flame and fry the murukku until golden and crisp. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Pearl millet (Bajra) is rich in fiber, protein, and minerals, supporting heart health, digestion, and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
2. Pudina Varagu Ribbon Pakoda
Prepared with Kodo millet flour (Varagu) & aromatic Mint leaves, this crunchy ribbon snack is spiced with green chilli and fried until crisp. A heritage twist on a popular Diwali recipe.
Recipe:
Grind a handful of fresh mint leaves with 2 green chillies and a little water into a smooth paste. Do not add too much water. In a bowl, mix 1 cup Kodo millet flour, ½ cup rice flour, 2 tbsp roasted gram flour, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp of Ajwain (omam), 1 tsp sesame seeds, a pinch of hing, and salt. Add the mint paste and just enough water to form a soft, smooth dough. Fill it into a murukku press with a ribbon pakoda nozzle and shape murukkus. Heat ground nut oil on medium flame and fry until crisp and golden. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. The murukku will have a mild mint flavour and refreshing aroma. Kodo millet is known for its rich fiber and antioxidant properties, and it greatly helps to regulate blood sugar levels, supports digestion, and aids in weight management.
3. Karuppu Kavuni Arisi Thattai
Thin, crispy discs made with Black rice flour & roasted gram. These are crunchy, spicy, and ideal for evening chai.
Recipe:
In a bowl, mix 1 cup black rice flour, ½ cup rice flour, 2 tbsp roasted gram flour, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp sesame seeds, ½ tsp red chilli powder, a pinch of asafoetida, and salt. Add water little by little to form a stiff dough. Mix 2 tbsp of split fried gram with this dough. Pinch small balls, flatten them into thin discs on a greased sheet or banana leaf, and prick lightly with a fork to avoid puffing. Heat groundnut oil or coconut oil on medium flame and fry the thattais until crisp and golden brown. Drain on tissue paper, cool completely, and store in an airtight container. The black rice gives a beautiful colour and earthy flavour to this crunchy snack. And Karuppu Kavuni rice is rich in antioxidants, iron, and fiber, known to boost energy, support heart health, and promote glowing skin.
4. Beetroot Mullu Murukku
Shaped into spirals using a murukku press, this snack uses bridegroom rice flour for a unique earthy flavor. A symbol of festive trays across South India.
Recipe:
Grind ¼ cup chopped beetroot with a little water into a smooth thick puree. In a bowl, mix 1 cup Mappillai Samba rice flour, 2 tbsp roasted gram flour, 1 tbsp butter, 1 tsp cumin or sesame seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, and salt. Add the beetroot puree and a little water as needed to form a smooth, soft dough. The dough should not be too tight. Fill the dough into a murukku press with a star nozzle and shape murukkus. Heat oil on medium flame and fry until crisp and lightly golden. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. The beetroot adds a natural pink hue, subtle sweetness, and extra nutrition to the traditional murukku. Also, Mappillai Samba rice is rich in iron, fiber, and antioxidants, known for improving stamina, strength, and overall vitality.
B. Light & Healthy Bites (Steamed or Roasted Options)
5. Aval Mixture (Poha Chivda)
One of the easiest diwali snack recipes, this light mixture is made by roasting Kambu aval (Bajra poha) with peanuts, curry leaves, and mild spices. Known widely as poha chivda recipe, it’s healthier than fried mixtures and perfect for kids and elders.
Recipe:
Dry roast 2 cups of pearl millet poha (flattened rice / flakes) in a pan. In a large bowl, mix roasted poha (flattened rice) with ½ cup roasted peanuts, ¼ cup roasted chana dal, Then, add 2 tbsp of oil in the pan and fry ¼ cup cashews, 2 chopped green chillies,½ spoon cumin powder, a pinch of asafoetida, 8 – 10 curry leaves, and salt to taste. Pour this seasoning over the poha mixture. Toss everything gently to coat evenly. For an added twist, fry 1- 2 tbsp thinly sliced coconut and fried raisins, mix and let it cool. Serve as a crunchy, flavorful tea-time snack. Pearl millet Poha Chivda is light, nutty, and perfect for snacking anytime.
6. Finger Millet Poha Cutlet
A shallow-fried cutlet made with soaked Finger millet poha, potato, and other ingredients. Crunchy outside, soft inside, and lighter than regular cutlet.
Recipe:
Soak 1 cup aval (flattened rice) in water for 5 minutes, then drain completely and mash lightly. In a bowl, mix the soaked aval with 1 boiled and mashed potato, ¼ cup finely chopped onions, 1-2 chopped green chillies, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 2 tbsp grated carrot, 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves, ½ tsp garam masala, ½ tsp chilli powder, and salt to taste. Combine well and shape into small cutlets. Coat each cutlet lightly with coarsely powdered poha, then shallow fry on medium flame with little oil until golden and crisp on both sides. Serve hot with homemade green chutney – a healthy, filling snack made with a healthy twist.
7. Poongar rice Kara Kozhukattai (Savoury dumplings)
Steamed dumplings made with Poongar Rice flour, grated coconut, and green chilli paste. They’re soft, spicy, and guilt-free compared to fried snacks.
Recipe:
In a pan, heat 2 tsp oil and temper 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp urad dal, 1 tsp channa dal, 1 medium size chopped onions, a pinch of asafoetida, 1-2 chopped green chillies, a few curry leaves, and a handful of grated coconut. Add 1 cup water, salt to taste, and let it boil. Reduce the flame and add 1 cup Poongar rice flour gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Allow it to cool slightly, then shape into small round or oval dumplings. Steam them for 10–12 minutes until firm and cooked. Serve warm with coconut chutney – a wholesome, mildly spiced snack made with the nutrition-rich Poongar rice flour.
C. Modern & Fusion Twists
8. Millet Sev (Omapodi)
Made with barnyard millet flour and gram flour, this thin sev is spiced with ajwain for digestive benefits. Great on its own or as part of a festive mixture.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup barnyard millet flour, ½ cup besan (gram flour), 2 tbsp rice flour, 1 tbsp butter, ½ tsp red chilli powder, ½ tsp ajwain seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, and salt to taste. Add water little by little to make a smooth, soft dough. Fill the dough into a sev press with fine holes and press it directly into medium-hot oil. Fry until the sev turns golden and crisp, then remove and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crush lightly and store in an airtight container – barnyard millet sev makes light, crunchy, and healthy snacks for evening.
9. Ragi Onion Pakoras
Crispy pakoras prepared with finger millet flour, onions, and curry leaves. A unique twist that makes pakoras more nutritious without losing crunch.
In a bowl, mix 1 cup ragi (finger millet) flour, ½ cup besan (gram flour), 1 long & thinly sliced onion, 1-2 chopped green chillies, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, a few chopped curry leaves, 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves, ½ tsp red chilli powder, a pinch of asafoetida, and salt to taste. Add water gradually to form a thick, sticky batter. Heat oil in a pan, drop small portions of the mixture into hot oil, and deep fry on medium flame until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with chutney or tea – a nutritious, crispy snack made with the goodness of ragi. Healthy snacks for kids.
10. Murukku Chaat
A fun fusion idea, take ready-to-eat murukku, crush lightly, and top with onions, tomatoes, chutneys, and curd. A festive chaat-style snack that kids will love.
Prepare Murukku quickly using Ulamart Instant Murukku Flour. Crush a few pieces of crispy murukku into bite-sized chunks and place them in a bowl. Add finely chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and a handful of coriander leaves. Sprinkle red chilli powder, chaat masala, and salt to taste. Drizzle a few drops of lemon juice, then toss everything gently. Top with a spoon of curd (optional) and a handful of sev for added taste & crunch. Serve immediately – Murukku Chaat is a quick, tangy, and crunchy twist to the traditional snack, perfect for evening cravings.
Why These Snacks Work in 2025
- Tradition stays alive: Murukku, thattai, and pakoda remain at the heart of Diwali.
- Healthier methods: Steaming, roasting, and millet flours make snacks lighter.
- Persona fit:
- Kids → enjoy sev and murukku.
- Elders → prefer steamed Kozhukattai.
- Busy parents → save time with Poha Chivda, healthy school snacks for kids.
- Diabetics → millet-based snacks are safer in moderation for diabetic patients.
In 2025, traditional Diwali savouries can be crunchy, festive, and still health-conscious. By swapping refined flours with millets and poha, you can prepare healthy homemade Diwali savouries that delight kids, elders, and even diabetics in moderation.
