8 Ways To Eat Your Way Through Diwali This Week

    Grab your lights and ready your taste buds.

    abrowntable
    by abrowntable

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    We Know You're Wondering: What is Diwali?

    Jasleen Kaur via Flickr/Food52 / Via food52.com

    On the night of Diwali—a word derived from the Sanskrit for “light”—Hindu families clean up their houses, wear new clothes, and light diyas (little oil lamps) made of clay, brass, or silver.

    Diwali Is Known as the Indian Festival of Lights.

    Nicholas Mirguet via Flickr/Food52 / Via food52.com

    These lamps are used to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, who visits and blesses the homes. Diwali is also a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, when the God Ram returned with his family to his kingdom after defeating the demon Ravan, who had abducted Ram’s wife Sita.

    And There's no such thing as a Hindu holiday without a MOUTH-WATERING Indian feast.

    Chitra Agrawal/Food52 / Via food52.com

    There are several delicious vegetarian foods served during Diwali, all of which are rich in flavor and taste.

    Here's How to Make Your Own:

    1. Punjabi Buttermilk Stew with Spinach Dumplings

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    This is a vegetarian meal you'll want to eat all Diwali long. Get the recipe.

    2. Sweet Potato Chana Masala

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    This might not be the most authentic Indian meal, but it sure is satisfying. Get the recipe.

    3. Saag Paneer

    James Ransom/Food52 / Via food52.com

    If you’ve never had saag paneer, you’ve been missing out. Get the recipe.

    4. A Simple Homey, Coconut-y Red Lentil Dal

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    On a weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this creamy, fragrant, and soothing bowl of little legumes hits just the right spot. Get the recipe.

    5. Homemade Naan

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    Mop up all your curry and dal with this easy recipe for homemade naan. Get the recipe.

    6. Cilantro Coconut Chutney

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    Give your Diwali meal a flavor facelift by adding a spoonful of this bright, bold chutney. Get the recipe.

    7. Dirty Chai Toddy

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    This is a drink with purpose and conviction. Get the recipe.

    And Most Importantly, Dessert.

    Sweets are an important, and delicious, part of Indian holidays, and Diwali is no exception.

    8. Chickpea Flour (Besan) Laddu

    Nik Sharma/Food52 / Via food52.com

    Don't know what a laddu is? Just think of it as a ball of sweet goodness. Get the recipe.

    Catherine O'Donnell contributed to this post. For more, visit Food52.