Delicious Desi Party Food Ideas

Asians love to celebrate any and every occasion with as much food as they can muster.

From gram pakodas and spicy keema samosas, to plentiful aloo tikkis and succulent gulab jamuns.

Party food and snacks are best done the Indian way, and you can be sure your guests won’t leave hungry or disappointed.

With that in mind, DESIblitz has compiled a list of delicious and unusual tasting Desi party food for you to serve and enjoy.

1. Salmon Tikka

Chicken tikka is a party classic, but for a more creative snack, try salmon tikka instead. Fish and spices are a perfect combination, and chillies can really infuse well with delicate fish and not be too overpowering.

For your tikka marinade, use yoghurt, fresh coriander, tomato paste, ginger, lemon, brown sugar and a selection of masala spices.

Alternate salmon chunks and green and red peppers onto skewers before coating in the marinade. You will need to leave them to soak for at least an hour before putting on the grill or barbecue.

Try this delectable recipe here.

2. Mirchi Bada

Mirchi Bada or Chilli Fritters pack a lot of heat. Popular in Rajasthan and North India, they consist of big chillies stuffed with potatoes and spices and deep fried in gram flour batter just like pakoras.

Desis usually opt for big green chillies, otherwise you can also go for other large chilli varieties, like banana peppers or jalapeño peppers.

The stuffing usually contains potatoes, white cumin, red chilli and coriander. Serve with mint or tamarind chutney.

Here is a brilliant recipe to try courtesy of Simple Indian Recipes.

3. Mini Masala Dosa

Dosas are a South Indian delight enjoyed the world over. Crunchy and stuffed with succulent fillings, this Desi party food will go down a treat.

Usually dosas (Indian pancakes) are pretty big and make up a full meal serving, but mini dosas are perfect to snack on.

For the dosa batter, use rice, urad dal, and channa dal. After combining the ingredients, you will need to leave overnight to allow the batter to ferment. So, if you do plan to recreate this Desi party food, prepare well in advance.

Alongside the spicy potato filling, spread the dosa pancake with a refreshing and sweet coconut and coriander chutney.

Try this Food Network recipe here.

4. Prawn Rava Fry

These mouth-watering snacks are a certain crowd pleaser. Prawn Rava Fry consists of marinated prawns covered in breadcrumbs and fried.

For the marinade, use ginger and garlic paste, turmeric, red chilli, coriander and salt.

Try Chef Aditya Bal’s delicious recipe here.

5. Sweet Potato and Goat’s Cheese Samosa

A brilliant alternative to the traditional Desi samosa, sweet potato and goat’s cheese samosas are really easy to make and super easy to make.

Rather than be fried, these samosas are instead baked using filo pastry, making it much healthier.

If goat’s cheese is too strong for your guests to handle, you can swap with mozzarella or halloumi instead.

Try out Reza Mahammad’s recipe here.

6. Mirchi Peanuts

There’s nothing like addictive spicy peanuts to snack on amidst great conversation and flowing drinks.

Taking dry, unsalted roasted peanuts, mix with egg whites whisked with sugar, salt, cumin, chilli and garlic powder.

Spread the coated peanuts on a baking tray and cook for 45 minutes, until slightly golden.

Garnish with extra red chilli for an extra kick.

Try Food Network Kitchen’s recipe here.

7. Lamb Sausage in Puff Pastry

For a Desi take on pigs in blankets, try spicy lamb sausage rolled in puff pastry.

All you need is some Dijon mustard and lamb sausages of your own choice.

Add more red chilli, garlic, and black pepper for a Desi adaptation.

Try Ina Garten’s recipe here.

8. Mozzarella Gobi Koftas with Sweet Potato Raita

This beautifully tasty snack is a healthy vegetarian alternative to mince Koftas or meatballs.

Mix cauliflower, cheese, chickpea flour and yoghurt together with spices and roll into balls. Shallow fry the Koftas for several minutes, turning regularly until golden brown.

For the raita use boiled sweet potatoes, sour cream, milk, chives and onion.

Try this incredible recipe by Bal Arneson here.

9. Momo

Momos are Indian steamed dumplings containing meat or vegetable filling.

Popular in East India and East Asia, the varieties with Momos are almost endless.

You can use any type of mince or ground meat like beef or chicken, or even go full vegetarian with mushrooms or tofu.

Serve with pickles or some spicy chutney.

Try Simple Indian Recipes’ method here.

10. Bread Pakoda Sandwich

Bread Pakoda Sandwiches are a fun treat for any party.

A Desi interpretation of a western snack, Bread Pakodas consist of mashed potatoes mixed with onions, green chillies, and diced garlic, and day-old bread.

Spread the potato mixture between slices of bread and dip into gram flour batter. Deep fry until golden. Serve with mint and coriander or tamarind chutney.

Try Petrina Verma Sarkar’s brilliant recipe here.

All of these amazing Desi party food ideas are ideal for any Asian gathering and festivity.

The creative and innovative combinations are sure to be a hit with your guests.