Holi Recipes: Delicious Dishes to Celebrate the Festival

Holi isn’t just about vibrant colors, music, and dance—it’s also a time to indulge in some mouthwatering treats! From sweet to savory, the festival is celebrated with an array of delicious dishes that bring families together. Whether you're in the mood for traditional treats or want to add a modern twist to the festivities, we've got you covered. Here are some iconic Holi recipes, along with a few new takes on these classics, to make your celebration even more special.

1. Gujiya (Sweet Dumplings)

A Holi favorite, gujiya is a sweet, deep-fried dumpling stuffed with a mixture of khoya (reduced milk) and dry fruits. It's crispy on the outside and filled with a rich, sweet filling that melts in your mouth.

Traditional Recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup khoya, crumbled
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup cashews and almonds (chopped)
• Cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron (optional)

Instructions:

1. For the dough, mix flour and ghee and knead into a smooth dough with a little water. Set aside.
2. In a pan, heat ghee and sauté khoya with chopped dry fruits, sugar, and cardamom powder until the sugar melts and the mixture thickens.
3. Roll out small portions of dough into discs, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and fold the dough to make a half-moon shape.
4. Seal the edges and deep fry until golden brown.
5. Let them cool, and enjoy this sweet treat with family and friends!

Modern Twist: For a healthier version, try baking the gujiyas instead of deep-frying, or use coconut and jaggery as a filling for a more traditional Indian flavor.

2. Thandai (Spiced Milk Drink)

Thandai is a refreshing, aromatic drink made with a blend of milk, nuts, and aromatic spices. It’s typically flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose petals, making it the perfect drink to cool down after a day of dancing and playing with colors.

Traditional Recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 2 cups milk (or almond milk for a vegan option)
• ½ cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, and melon seeds)
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp rosewater
• Sugar, to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the nuts, poppy seeds, and fennel seeds in water overnight.
2. Blend the soaked ingredients into a smooth paste.
3. In a pan, boil the milk and let it cool.
4. Add the nut paste, cardamom, rosewater, and sugar to the milk and stir well.
5. Strain the drink and serve chilled, garnished with crushed pistachios or rose petals.

Modern Twist: For an extra punch, add a splash of rum or vodka to the thandai for an adult version that pairs well with the festival vibes!

3. Puran Poli (Sweet Flatbread)

Puran Poli is a traditional Maharashtrian and Gujarati dish, made with a soft dough stuffed with a sweet lentil filling. It's often served with ghee and is perfect for a festive occasion like Holi.

Traditional Recipe:

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 1 cup jaggery (or sugar)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp ghee
• Cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Cook the chana dal in water until soft, then drain the water and mash the dal.
2. In a pan, cook the mashed dal with jaggery and cardamom until it thickens into a sweet, sticky filling.
3. Make dough from the flour and ghee, and divide it into small portions.
4. Roll out the dough and place a spoonful of the puran filling in the center. Seal the edges and roll it out again into a flatbread.
5. Cook the puran polis on a griddle with a little ghee until golden brown on both sides.

Modern Twist: For a twist, you can replace chana dal with sweet potato or pumpkin to create a naturally sweet filling and add a dash of cinnamon for a new flavor profile.

4. Dahi Puri (Savory Snack)

While sweets are a big part of Holi, you can't go wrong with some tangy and spicy savory treats. Dahi puri is a perfect snack—crispy puris filled with tangy yogurt, chutney, and a variety of spices.

Traditional Recipe:

• Ingredients:
• Puri shells
• 1 cup yogurt (whisked)
• Tamarind chutney
• Mint chutney
• Cumin powder, chaat masala, and black salt

Instructions:

1. Hollow out the puris carefully, and fill them with a spoonful of yogurt.
2. Drizzle with tamarind and mint chutney, and sprinkle with cumin powder, chaat masala, and black salt.
3. Garnish with sev (crispy noodles) and pomegranate seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Modern Twist: Try making these puris with quinoa instead of regular flour for a healthier, gluten-free alternative. You can also add a drizzle of coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.

5. Kesar Malai Cake (Saffron Cream Cake)

For a modern dessert that will wow your guests, try a saffron-infused cake with creamy layers. This cake combines the richness of saffron with the sweetness of cream, making it a perfect post-Holi treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1/2 cup milk
• Saffron strands soaked in warm milk
• Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a cake tin.
2. Mix flour, sugar, ghee, and saffron-infused milk to make a smooth batter.
3. Pour the batter into the tin and bake until golden.
4. Let the cake cool, then layer it with whipped cream and a few saffron strands on top.

Modern Twist: You can add some crushed pistachios or almonds on top for added texture, and even infuse the cake with a hint of rose water to give it an extra festive feel.


Conclusion

Holi is all about bringing people together, celebrating vibrant traditions, and enjoying delicious food. Whether you’re indulging in traditional sweets like gujiya and thandai, or trying a modern twist on puran poli or kesar malai cake, the joy of cooking and sharing these treats makes the festival even more special. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and enjoy these delightful dishes that will fill your hearts (and stomachs) with happiness.

Happy Holi and happy eating!