Search
Login
Foodies Only in your inbox
By clicking "Subscribe", you agree to ourPrivacy Policy and to receive marketing emails from Foodies Only
ITC Portal
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
5 min
03/09/2025
This Eid, don’t let the stress of cooking a big feast take away the joy of the festival. Go for a stress-free, flavour-packed appetiser menu. With make-ahead tricks, smart ingredient swaps, and appliance-friendly methods (think: air fryer, oven, zip-lock hacks), you can whip up desi favourites like paneer tikka, chicken pakora, seekh kebabs, and dahi puri without breaking a sweat. Whether you're looking for vegetarian options or going all-out with meaty bites, these appetisers will make your Eid.
Potluck parties were trending for a while on most social channels; some ace it, some fail miserably. But for Eid, save the headache of organising and managing what people get, and instead rustle up an array of appetisers with a little help. Result? A dawat that will have your guests raving. From tikkas to tandoori wings, these dishes keep things light – especially if you prep in advance, use clever ingredient swaps, and intelligent cooking shortcuts. Read ahead for quick appetisers that will light up any Eid party.
A beloved vegetarian classic, paneer tikka is easy to make and the perfect party starter! Marinate store‑bought paneer cubes in yoghurt and spices (a pre-made tikka spice mix works wonders) and use a zip‑lock pouch to save on mess and time. Grill them in an oven or air‑fryer, which takes only about 10-15 minutes, to achieve charred edges with a smoky flavour. One concern here is the drying out of the paneer pieces; for that, you can brush the paneer surfaces with oil and add a pinch of chickpea flour in the marinade for a better crust.
A classic at every party, no matter the occasion, chicken pakoras can be both crispy and quick with a few clever tricks. Opt for boneless thigh pieces – they cook faster and retain juiciness better than breast meat. Marinate chicken briefly, mix gram flour with corn or rice flour for extra crunch, then fry in medium‑hot oil in small batches to keep them crispy. For an ultra‑fast and less oily version, air‑fry for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Pro tip: double‑fry or reheat briefly in the oven to maintain their crispiness, if prepping ahead.
Mini keema samosas are perfect party bites, with the minced mutton stuffing making it a spectacular party treat. But they need a head start to earn their spot on the list of quick appetisers. Assemble and freeze them in advance, then air‑fry or bake just before guests arrive – no deep‑frying, no last‑minute stress. Alternatively, opt for ready‑made frozen samosas for instant service. The spiced meat filling, paired with flaky pastry, delivers that festive, comforting flavour with minimal active prep on the day itself. Any leftover samosas can be transformed into a delicious samosa pie for the next day.
Aloo tikki becomes a breeze when you boil, mash, and season potatoes ahead of time. Shape your patties and refrigerate (or freeze) them, then shallow‑fry straight from the fridge, no waiting here. Use store-bought imli (tamarind) chutneys in tubes or pouches, or from your local dhaba, or prep them in reusable jars well, before the day. To turn it into a chaat, serve the aloo tikkis topped with a whisked curd, chutney, and sev. You can also play around with the ingredients and make something more nutritious, like a sweet potato oats tikki.
Seekh kebabs can be transformed into a fast yet flavorful option with some planning. Mix spiced minced lamb or mutton, mould onto skewers, and freeze ahead for the next day. Then grill or broil them before the party. If time’s tight, most supermarkets and online stores sell quality frozen kebabs. Unlike mutton chelo kebabs that are served with chelo rice and fried eggs, seekh kababs need simple accompaniments. Serve this dish with achari sliced onions, lime wedges, and pudina chutney for that authentic street‑style feel.
Any party is incomplete without a chaat dish, and dahi puri is here to save the day! To make it quick, prep smartly – use store‑bought golgappas, which are already fried, and ready-made dhaniya and tamarind chutneys. Whisk thick, chilled yoghurt with a dash of sugar and roasted cumin in advance. Also, prepare the rest of the ingredients in advance — like boiling the potatoes ahead; all you need to do then is just assemble the ingredients on the day of the event. During serving, assemble in small batches so the puris stay crisp. Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle yoghurt and chutneys with maximum precision and minimal mess.
Tandoori chicken wings can be both simple and irresistibly tasty with a few shortcuts. The prep work begins the night before, because the hallmark of most meat dishes is in their marinade. Marinate the wings overnight using pre‑mixed tandoori masala or make your own tandoori marinade to cut prep time. On the party day, cook them in the oven (30-40 minutes), broiler, or air‑fryer (about 20 minutes) to get charred, juicy wings with minimal effort. Serve with lemon wedges and onion slices for an instant hit appetiser.
Planning an Eid party doesn’t have to mean last-minute chaos in the kitchen. With a little prep and clever shortcuts, these appetisers can turn your gathering into a celebration that feels festive yet effortless. Whether you're marinating a day ahead or reaching for smart store-bought options, each recipe brings classic Indian flavours with a modern, time-saving twist. Impress your guests, enjoy the party, and let your appetisers do the talking.