Holi Recipes

The word “Holi” immediately springs up the images of colors and the childhood memories of balloons filled with water, colorful faces, bonfire night, sweets and Gujiyas. If I refer to mythology, the word “Holi” originated from the word “Holika”, who was the evil sister of the demon king Hiranyakashyap. A bonfire is lit on the eve of Holi, signifying the “Holika Dahan” and that’s when the celebrations kick off. People would have collected all old dried branches of tree, old junk and create this bonfire. Again, India being such a diverse country, the way a festival is celebrated will vary slightly. In Mathura (where my roots are), the festivities may last more than week. It is known as the ‘lath mar Holi‘, where women beat men with sticks and sing songs. All in all, its fun! Talk about Holi celebrations and we can think of sweet gujiyas. Food is integral to every festival in India. This Holi, eat to your heart’s content! Whether it’s an intimate affair or an elaborate gala, lay out an impressive spread with some of these Holi recipes, from things to eat and drink.

1. Gulab Jamun

One of the most popular and loved dessert in India. Best described as an Indian version of a donut immersed in a sweet syrup.

2. Dry Fruit Gujiya

This gujiya has got dry fruit stuffing instead of khoya stuffing. The outer crust with a glazing of sugar syrup and filling of dry fruits.

3. Kala Jamun

From the family of Gulab Jamun, a perfect black beauty with delicious core.

4. Khoya Gujiya

A fried crispy  pastry stuffed with sweet filling made from khoya, powdered sugar, dry fruits  and desiccated coconut.

5. Papdi Chaat

It is a popular Mumbai street-food, though  hails from North India mainly Delhi. So popular it is that you can find it easily on any eatery. Papdi chaat comprises of crispy flat deep fried puris (crisply fried dough wafers) made from ‘all purpose flour’ or maida served with chilled sweetened yogurt, boiled potatoes and chickpeas/sprouts, ‘date & tamarind chutney’, ‘mint coriander chutney’, and sev topped with some dry spices.

6. Masala Shikanji

A sweet and salty lemony drink  which differs from normal lemonade. It has got many health benefits as its a rich source of vitamin C thereby helps you feel refreshing, re-energised and also helps in digestion. Oh well, very handy after eating during holi 🙂

7. Mathri / Namak Paray

A great starter to serve to your guests this Holi. Equally loved by Kids and adults.

8. Kaju Pista Roll

It is an indian sweet / mithai recipe prepared from powdered cashews and pistachios, perfect for Holi.

9. Samosa

Any occasion for food is incomplete with Samosa. This globally travelled food is loved by all and comes in various variants, including chicken and lamb Samosa. You can try changing the filling of this samosa as per your wish. Here is my Punjabi / North Indian Samosa.

10. Rasmalai

The lip smacking, rich rasmalai with fragrance of saffron, oh, this is one to have any time, be it Holi or normal function. Your guests have to love this Rasmalai.

11. Dahi Vada

Dahi vada is a must have in many north-indian families during Holi / Diwali. These deep fried lentil dumplings coated with yogurt served cold is perfect savoury to accompany your sweets.

12. Virgin Mojito

If we are talking about things to eat, be it sweet or savoury, how can we not think of drinks? Try out the popular mock tail, which will leave your guests refreshed.

13. Badam Burfi

If you love treating guests with sweets, this badam burfi is one sweet that you can make in advance and will remain fresh for week. Goodness of fresh almonds will leave your guests asking for more this Holi season.

14. Fresh Coconut Burfi

For those who like fresh coconut, here is the super hit recipe for fresh coconut burfi flavoured with fragrant rose, it is far simpler to make than it seems. Let your guests shower praises on you for your skills this Holi.

15. Rasgulla

Queen of bengal! Juicy and soft, this will make your guests drip out saliva 🙂 Let this Holi be memorable for you and your guests. As soon as a bite of this super juicy and soft rasgulla will go in mouth, it will melt away leaving your guest craving for more.

16. Chocolate Gulab Jamun Give your nomal Gulab Jamun a twist and I believe this one will be super hit between kids and adults alike.