The festive vibe is soaring high all around us. It is common during this time to have unexpected guests over. While we’re happy to see them, last-minute cooking can really dampen our spirits, and since we are already tuckered out from all the preparations, we can’t afford to spend hours in the kitchen. So, keeping all this in mind, we’ve curated a fuss-free 3-course menu for you to serve your guests. No more last-minute rush, we promise.
Also Read: Serve This Unique Almond And Raw Banana Snack At Your Diwali Party
Diwali 2026: Here Are 9 Recipes For A Fully-Planned Diwali Meal Menu:
Starters:
1. Vegetable Pakoda:
Diwali is the time to let go of all your inhibitions and indulge guilt-free. What’s better than piping-hot pakodas served with tea to welcome your guests? Here is a recipe for mixed vegetable pakoda that you can quickly make and serve. Click here for the recipe.
2. Chatpat Chaat
Make this chatpata chaat ‘jhatpat’ when your doorbell rings and your guests surprise you. Potatoes, water chestnuts, lime juice and some spices come together to make this lip-smacking snack. Click here for the recipe.
3. Chicken Hara Bhara Kebab
You can rustle up this mouth-watering kebab in less than 30 minutes. Combine minced chicken, potatoes, blanched spinach, peas, onion, and spices to make full-of-flavours kebabs. Click here for the recipe.
Also Read: Diwali: 5 Mouth-Watering Kalakand Recipes To Sweeten Your Celebrations
Mains:
4. Dal Makhani
Isn’t dal makhani a must in every Indian spread? We are sure you all will agree. While slow-cooked dal makhani is always our preference, it’s not practical during time-strapped festive get-togethers. Here is a dal makhani recipe that will help you achieve similar flavours in much less time. Click here for the recipe.
5. Pashtooni Zarda Pulav
If you want to avoid serving plain rice and have no time to prepare slow-cooked biryani, this pulav recipe is perfect to pick. Flavoured with nuts, saffron, rose water and a whole lot of spices, this pulav will amp up your dinner table. Click here for the recipe.
6. Paneer Korma
A paneer sabzi has to be there in all Indian feasts, and if you want to serve something different from the usual paneer makhani, try this delicious recipe for paneer korma. Click here.
7. Chicken Keema
If you want to serve a non-vegetarian dish but don’t have meat marinating in your refrigerator, make this delicious chicken keema without thinking twice. Click here for the recipe.
Desserts:
8. Shahi Tukda
All you need to do is fry some bread slices and slather them with a thick mixture of milk and nuts. This drool-worthy dessert will surely impress your guests. Click here for the recipe.
9. Seviyaan
If you are not prepared with a dessert and need to rustle up something quickly, this seviyaan recipe can turn out to be your saviour. Click here for the recipe.
This curated menu can make your Diwali party planning a lot easier and will come in handy during last-minute preparations. Enjoy all the Diwali-special get-togethers with your family and friends without wondering ‘what to cook’ every time they visit you. Save it now!
Happy Diwali 2026!
