7 Colorful Holi Recipes for Festive Fun

The festival of Holi is not just a splash of colors but also an explosion of flavors with traditional Indian cuisine taking center stage. Whether you're celebrating Holi in India or around the globe, incorporating colorful recipes into your celebration can enhance the joy and festivity. Here, we dive into seven vibrant Holi recipes that are sure to bring a burst of color, flavor, and cheer to your Holi party.

1. Thandai

Thandai, a creamy milk-based drink infused with a blend of nuts, seeds, and aromatic spices, is synonymous with Holi. Its cool, sweet essence makes it the perfect drink to kick off your celebrations.

• 2 cups of milk
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tbsp melon seeds
• 5-6 green cardamom pods, seeds removed
• 1/4 tsp saffron
• 1/2 cup sugar
• Water
• A pinch of ground black pepper (optional)

Soak almonds, cashews, poppy seeds, fennel seeds, and melon seeds for several hours. Blend into a smooth paste with cardamom seeds, saffron, and milk. Strain through a muslin cloth, mix with sugar and water, and serve chilled, garnished with saffron strands.

🍶 Note: For an extra kick, add a small amount of bhang or cannabis, a traditional Holi ingredient, if legal in your area.

2. Malpua

Malpuas are essentially rich, syrup-soaked pancakes, which make for a sweet delight during Holi.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup semolina
• 1/2 cup milk powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 cup water or milk for batter
• Oil or ghee for frying
• Sugar syrup to soak

Mix dry ingredients, gradually add liquid, and whisk until smooth. Let the batter rest for a few hours. Fry spoonfuls until golden, then soak in warm sugar syrup. Serve with rabri or alone.

3. Gujiya

Gujiya or karanji is a sweet, fried pastry filled with khoya, nuts, and dried fruits, shaped like half-moons, and is a must-have during Holi.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tbsp ghee
• Milk for kneading
• Water for dough
• Filling: Khoya, chopped nuts, sugar, cardamom

Make a firm dough, rest, and roll out into small discs. Fill with the mixture, seal the edges, and deep fry until golden. Allow to cool before serving.

4. Papri Chaat

This vibrant street food will add a pop of color to your Holi celebrations, featuring an assortment of textures and flavors.

Layer papris with potatoes, tomatoes, and yogurt. Drizzle with chutneys and sprinkle with spices and cilantro for that authentic burst of flavors.

5. Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a simple yet heavenly sweet dish made from hung yogurt, sugar, and cardamom.

• 1 kg hung yogurt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• Pistachios for garnish
• Saffron strands (optional)

Stir hung yogurt until smooth, mix in sugar and cardamom. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then serve garnished with nuts and saffron.

6. Dahi Bhalla

This savory treat involves soaking lentil fritters in a sweet and tangy mixture of yogurt, chutneys, and spices, creating a delightful play of textures and tastes.

• 1 cup urad dal
• Oil for deep frying
• Yogurt, green chutney, tamarind chutney
• Roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, chat masala

Soak urad dal, blend to a batter, add spices, and deep fry. Soak fritters in water, then arrange, smother with yogurt, chutneys, and spices before serving.

7. Puran Poli

A sweet flatbread from Maharashtra, this dish is a festive favorite due to its rich stuffing and sweet taste.

• 1 cup chana dal
• 1 cup jaggery or sugar
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Cook chana dal, mix with jaggery, cook until thick. Make dough with wheat flour, stuff with dal mixture, roll out, and cook on a tawa. Serve with extra ghee or warm milk.

The magic of Holi isn’t just in the colors but in the flavors and traditions that come with it. These seven recipes encapsulate the essence of this vibrant festival, from drinks that cool you down after playing with colors to desserts that satisfy your sweet tooth. They not only bring people together but also add layers of joy, tradition, and taste to your festivities. With these recipes, your Holi will be as delicious as it is colorful.

Can I prepare these recipes in advance?

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Yes, many of these recipes like Thandai, Gujiya, and Shrikhand can be prepared in advance. Thandai and Shrikhand can be refrigerated, while Gujiyas can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days or frozen for longer storage. Just ensure to reheat or bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Are these recipes suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

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Most of these recipes can be adapted to dietary needs. For vegan diets, substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free options, use rice flour in place of wheat flour in recipes like Puran Poli. Additionally, for those with nut allergies, you can skip the nuts or replace them with seeds or dried fruits.

How can I make these recipes more colorful to match the spirit of Holi?

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To add more color to your dishes:

• Add a few drops of natural food coloring to the Thandai.
• Include different colored edible flowers in your Shrikhand.
• Use different colors of chutneys for Papri Chaat.
• Garnish your dishes with brightly colored edible petals or vibrant, fresh fruits like mango or pomegranate seeds.