5 Delicious Vegan Alternatives for Deepavali

What is Deepavali and how is it celebrated?

Deepavali or Diwali, is the five-day festival of lights that is celebrated by millions of people across the world. At its core, Deepavali is a festival of new beginnings, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Deepavali is a time for vibrant colours, fireworks, lights and of course, delicious food.

In towns that celebrate the holiday, residents will leave their windows and doors open to allow Lakshmi to find her way into their homes. Every home will be lit with diyas, leaving no room for darkness to enter their homes (or lives).

Doorsteps are decorated so as to welcome potential guests with open arms. And many people even choose to wear new clothing during the festival as a way to thank Lakshmi for providing prosperity and good fortune.

Amidst the decorations, light shows and firecrackers, Deepavali also acts as a celebration of good food. Throughout the festival, traditional sweets and savoury items are eaten, along with full meals. These meals typically take place on the third and also final day of the festival.

Who celebrates Deepavali?

Deepavali, having originated in India, is an important religious festival for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Hindus are known to interpret the Diwali story based on where they live. For example, in northern India, they mark the story of King Rama’s return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana by lighting rows of clay lamps.

While in southern India, people celebrate it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. Meanwhile, in western India, the festival marks the day Lord Vishnu, one of the main gods of the Hindu trinity, sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world.

Typical Deepavali Dishes

When it comes to traditional foods, the most popular dishes are sweets or ‘mithai’ like Chirote, Rava Ladoo, Karanji. Of course there are also savoury options served during Deepavali like Samosas, Butter Chicken, Biryani and Poha.

5 delicious Vegan alternative dishes for Deepavali

Veganism shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the best dishes from Deepavali. All you need to do is get creative, know what you are substituting and plan ahead to create your own vegan alternatives. Below are five delicious dishes to get your Deepavali menu sorted.

1. Savoury Breakfast Oats Poha

Poha is a popular breakfast dish in the West and South parts of India. Traditional Poha is made with milk, which can be substituted with coconut or soy milk for richness. For a lighter version, this vegan alternative to traditional Poha mixes a base of oats and vegetables with spices and lemon juice to create a dish packed with flavour and nutritional value.

2. Samosa Stuffed French Toasts

Most Samosas contain eggs or animal oils, which is a shame because they are delicious and a big part of Deepavali. This vegan friendly samosa dish gives a western twist to this indian classic by substituting the baked pastry for two slices of bread, coated in chickpea flour and stuffed with a tasty veggie mix. It’s versatile, nutrient-rich and very easy to create. For some extra protein, use Quorn mince as the base for your Samosa stuffing.

3. Curried Rice with Roasted Vegetables

Inspired by the traditional Indian dish, Biryani- which contains meat and yoghurt- this curried rice with roasted vegetables dish is an aromatic and high-protein alternative. The recipe includes chickpeas as the main protein but you can add Quorn’s breaded fillets for an added crunch and serve of protein.

4. Rava Ladoo

A staple of Deepavali’s culinary delights is sweets and a great way to quench your sweet tooth and still stick to healthy meat-free foods is to make vegan Rava Ladoo. Traditional Ladoos are made using butter, however, by substituting in coconut oil and some nuts and spices, you can create a vegan version that is tasty and bite sized.

5. Vegan Butter Chicken

With Quorn fillets, you can take a traditional dish like butter chicken and make it meat-free. This dish is often served during Deepavali and what better way to join the festivities than with a vegan friendly butter chicken that is packed with warming spices and a delicate cashew-based creaminess!

Benefits of a vegan diet

A vegan diet can be highly beneficial for your body and the environment. Those who stick to a vegan diet are more likely to retain a healthy figure, have good cholesterol and blood pressure levels. With the right substitutions and serving sizes, a vegan diet offers good, well rounded nutrition.

Celebrate Deepavali with Quorn

This year, armed with a handful of great recipes, celebrating Deepavali food in Singapore has never been easier for vegans. By taking classic Deepavali recipes and finding a vegan twist, you can make the most of this festive season. Simply find the nearest grocer that stocks Quorn products and get cooking. Now, all that’s left to say is- have a very happy and healthy holiday season!