Are you worried about balancing festive indulgence with healthy choices this Holi? Do you love celebrating with delicious sweets and snacks but wish to enjoy them without guilt? Holi is not just about colours and joy; it is also about feasting on traditional recipes for Holi festival that bring families together. However, it's easy to get concerned with deep-fried sweets, heavy meals, and sugar-loaded treats. The good news is that you can still enjoy all your favourite Holi delicacies while keeping your meals nutritious and balanced. From protein-rich snacks to low-fat desserts, choosing the right recipes for Holi festival can fill your festive menu with tasty and nourishing flavours.
From light, yoghurt-based Shrikhand to nutritious Bhang, these thirteen must-try recipes for Holi festival will enhance the festive spirit while keeping you energised. We’ll also introduce you to unique regional specialties like Assam’s spicy Ranga Dima to bring vibrant flavours to your Holi feast while keeping your health in check. So, let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
1. What Are The Special Dishes Of Holi? 13 Holi Recipes
2. What Food Preparations Are Made For Holi? 5 Holi Recipes
3. Dietitian’s Recommendation
4. The Final Say
5. FAQs
6. References
What Are The Special Dishes Of Holi? 13 Holi Recipes
Holi treats are all about balance and enjoyment. Consider your body's needs and your celebration's spirit, and try these thirteen delicious recipes for Holi festival to nourish both your body and soul:
1. Gujiya
One of the most loved recipes for Holi festival, Gujiya is a golden, crispy pastry stuffed with a delicious mix of mawa, coconut, and dry fruits. It's rich and flaky texture makes every bite a delightful treat. Traditionally deep-fried and sometimes coated in sugar syrup, this festive sweet symbolises the joy of Holi.
Families come together to prepare Gujiya, making it a heartwarming vegan meal planning tradition that brings sweetness to the celebrations. No Holi feast feels complete without this iconic delicacy perfectly capturing the festive spirit.
Best Served With:
Gujiya tastes best with Thandai, as its creamy, spiced flavour complements the sweetness. It also pairs well with Masala Chai or Kanji, refreshingly contrasting its crunchy texture.
2. Dhuska
A crispy and savoury delight from Jharkhand and Bihar, Dhuska is an air-fried snack made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. It's light, airy texture and mildly spiced taste make it a perfect festive treat.
This beloved dish is an essential part of recipes for Holi festival, offering a satisfying contrast to the festival’s sweet indulgences. Its golden, crunchy exterior with a soft inside makes Dhuska a favourite snack, enjoyed with friends during Holi celebrations.
Best Served With:
Dhuska pairs beautifully with Ghugni, a flavourful black chickpea curry, enhancing its spicy flavours. It also goes well with healthy veg recipes, like Aloo Sabzi, a tangy potato curry, or mint and tamarind chutneys for an extra burst of taste.
3. Puran Poli
A traditional festive treat from Maharashtra, Puran Poli is a soft, sweet flatbread filled with a rich mixture of chana dal, jaggery, and aromatic spices like cardamom and nutmeg. Its slightly crispy outer layer and melt-in-the-mouth filling make it a must-have for Holi celebrations.
Made with whole wheat flour and ghee, Puran Poli is culturally significant and brings warmth and happiness to the festival. Every bite is a perfect mix of sweetness and festive joy.
Best Served With:
Puran Poli tastes best when served with minimal ghee, which enhances its rich flavour and softness. It also pairs well with warm milk, Basundi (a thickened milk dessert), or Amti Dal (a spiced Maharashtrian lentil dish) for a perfect balance of flavours.
4. Thandai
A refreshing drink, Thandai is a must-have in recipes for Holi festival. Made from milk blended with saffron, almonds, fennel seeds, rose petals, and cardamom, this chilled beverage has a cooling effect that soothes the body after a day of celebration.
Thandai is not just a drink but an integral part of Holi traditions, adding a special touch to the festive mood. Its creamy texture and fragrant spices make every sip a delightful experience.
Best Served With:
Thandai goes perfectly with Gujiya, as its spiced, creamy taste balances the pastry’s sweetness. It also complements Shakarpara, or Dhuska, making it an ideal festive pairing.
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5. Namak Pare
A crispy, flaky snack, Namak Pare is a popular savoury treat prepared during Holi. These healthy Indian snacks are light yet flavourful and made from wheat flour, carom seeds, and mild spices, making them a perfect contrast to the festival’s sweets.
Their crunchy texture and mildly spiced taste make them ideal for snacking while enjoying Holi festivities. Simple to make and easy to store, Namak Pare is a favourite for festive gatherings.
Best Served With:
Namak Pare pairs wonderfully with Masala Chai or Thandai, as its crunchy texture complements the rich flavours of these drinks. It also goes well with green chutney or spicy pickles, adding an extra kick to its taste.
6. Masala Mathri
A spicy and crunchy delight, Masala Mathri is a deep-fried snack that is a must-have in recipes for Holi festival. This crispy treat is perfect for those who enjoy savoury flavours, made with refined flour, carom seeds, and an aromatic blend of spices.
Its flaky texture and rich taste make it a favourite during Holi. Mathri offers a delicious balance to the festival’s sweets. It is best enjoyed fresh and makes a great addition to the festive snack platter.
Best Served With:
Masala Mathri pairs best with spicy pickle or mint chutney, enhancing its crispiness with a tangy twist. It also goes well with Masala Chai or Thandai, making it a perfect tea-time snack during Holi celebrations.
7. Malpua
A traditional Indian dessert, Malpua is an air-fried, jaggery-soaked pancake that is especially popular during festive celebrations. Made from a smooth batter of flour, milk, and cardamom, these low-calorie meals are often flavoured with saffron and fennel seeds for a rich aroma.
Soft and fluffy on the inside with a crispy outer layer, sugar-free Malpua adds warmth and sweetness to Holi gatherings. As one of the must-have recipes for Holi festival, it perfectly embodies the joy of the occasion.
Best Served With:
Malpua pairs best with Rabri, a thick and creamy milk-based dessert that enhances its richness. For an extra indulgent treat, it can also be enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or topped with chopped nuts.
8. Dahi Bhalle
Soft, fluffy lentil dumplings soaked in chilled, spiced yoghurt, Dahi Bhalle is a refreshing and flavourful addition to Holi feasts. These melt-in-the-mouth delights perfectly balance sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours.
A staple in North Indian recipes for Holi festival, this dish is garnished with tamarind chutney, fresh coriander, and roasted cumin powder, making it a favourite among all age groups.
Best Served With:
Dahi Bhalle pairs best with crispy Papdi, adding a crunchy contrast to its creamy texture. It also complements Namak Pare or Masala Mathri, creating a complete festive platter of flavours.
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9. Shrikhand
A creamy and aromatic yoghurt-based dessert, Shrikhand is a Maharashtrian and Gujarati favourite enjoyed during festive occasions. Prepared by straining yoghurt and mixing it with saffron, cardamom, and powdered sugar, this chilled delicacy offers a refreshing alternative to fried Holi sweets.
Topped with sliced nuts and dried fruits, its velvety smooth texture and melt-in-the-mouth goodness make it a delightful festive treat.
Best Served With:
Shrikhand pairs best with Puran Poli, balancing its mild spiced sweetness. It also goes well with hot, crispy pooris, creating a wonderful mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
10. Kesari Jalebi
A crispy Holi dessert, Kesari Jalebi is a deep-fried, saffron-infused sweet soaked in aromatic sugar syrup. Its signature golden spirals are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a highlight of recipes for Holi festival.
The combination of fermented dough, saffron, and cardamom gives Jalebi its irresistible taste and festive charm, making it a must-have during Holi celebrations.
Best Served With:
Kesari Jalebi is best paired with Rabri, where its syrupy sweetness meets the rich creaminess of thickened milk. It also goes well with nutritious recipes for Badam milk, offering a perfect festive indulgence.
11. Bhang Pakora
A unique Holi specialty, Bhang Pakora is a deep-fried snack infused with a special herbal ingredient, Bhang, making it a fun and festive treat. These crispy fritters are made with gram flour, spices, and leafy greens, offering a crunchy bite with a flavourful twist. As a highlight of Holi festivities, these pakoras are cautiously prepared, as their effects can be quite strong.
Best Served With:
Bhang Pakora pairs well with green chutney or tamarind sauce, balancing its earthy flavours with a tangy kick. It also goes well with hot Masala Chai or chilled Thandai, enhancing its festive appeal.
12. Ranga Dima
A unique delicacy from Assam, Ranga Dima is a flavourful dish made with boiled eggs that are fried and coated in a spicy red masala. You ca also mix some plant-based foods, like seeds in it. Its vibrant red colour and rich taste make it a perfect addition to Holi feasts.
This simple yet delicious dish reflects Assam’s rich culinary culture and is enjoyed with fried potatoes or as a standalone snack, adding a bold and spicy touch to festive celebrations.
Best Served With:
Ranga Dima pairs best with steamed rice or crispy parathas, allowing its bold spices to shine. It also complements refreshing drinks like Thandai or buttermilk, creating a balanced festive meal.
13. Rasmalai
A delicate and creamy dessert, Rasmalai consists of soft and healthy cottage cheese dumplings soaked in aromatic saffron-flavoured milk. Originating from Bengal, this sweet dish is cherished for its luxurious texture and rich taste.
Often garnished with pistachios and almonds, Rasmalai is a must-have for Holi celebrations, making every bite a smooth and delicious delight.
Best Served With:
Rasmalai pairs best with warm Malpua, combining two classic Holi sweets in a rich, indulgent treat. It also goes well with Thandai or hot milk, enhancing its creamy and fragrant flavours.
Also Read: 10 Delicious Breakfast Recipes For Summer
What Food Preparations Are Made For Holi? 5 Holi Recipes
Imagine a table filled with sweet and savoury recipes for Holi festival, all made with love and a traditional way. From crispy, sweet pastries to cooling, nutty drinks, Holi food is a celebration in itself. So, let's dive into four authentic Holi recipes preparation that will make your celebration even more memorable. Visit Toneop Eats for more such delicious and nutritious low-calorie recipes!
1. Airfried Mawa Gujiya
While Mawa Gujiya is a festive sweet, it does offer nutritional benefits due to its ingredients. The mawa itself provides calcium and protein. It's a special treat for Holi, loved for its crunchy outside and sweet filling. Preparing everything takes about 20 minutes, and cooking takes about 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
For Roasting Nuts
- Ghee - 1 tsp
- Semolina (rava) - ⅓ cup
- Almonds, chopped - 8-10
- Cashew Nuts, chopped - 8-10
For Filling
- Mawa - 1 cup
- Roasted Nuts
- Cardamom powder - ½ tbsp
- Jaggery powder - 3-4 tbsp
For Dough
- Refined flour - 2 cups
- Salt - A pinch
- Ghee - 3 heaped tbsp
- Rose water - 1 tbsp
- Chilled water - as required
For Garnish
- Powdered jaggery - (as needed)
- Rose petals - (as needed)
- Silver varak - (as needed)
Steps To Make Mawa Gujiya In Air Fryer:
Roasting The Nuts
1. Put ghee in a pan and heat it.
2. Add the semolina (rava) and cook it until it turns a light brown colour. Keep the heat medium so it doesn't burn.
3. Throw in the chopped almonds and cashews. Cook them for a few minutes until they turn golden brown.
4. Put the roasted nuts and semolina onto a plate or tray and let them cool down completely.
Making the Filling
1. In the same pan, put in the mawa (it's like dried milk solids) and cook it until it turns golden brown.
2. Add the roasted nuts and semolina from before. Cook everything together for a few more minutes until it's a nice golden brown.
3. Put the mixture on a tray and let it cool completely.
4. Stir in the cardamom powder (for flavour) and powdered jaggery. Mix it all up really well. Now your filling is ready!
Making the Dough
1. In a big bowl, put in the flour, a pinch of salt, jaggery, and ghee.
2. Pour in the rose water and add chilled water little by little.
3. Mix everything together and knead it until you have a soft but not sticky dough.
4. Cover the dough with a clean damp cloth and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Making the Gujiya
1. Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 170°C (about 340°F) for 10 minutes.
2. Take a small ball of mixed dough and roll it out into a small puri. Put it in a gujiya mold (a special tool for shaping them).
3. Wet the edges of the puri with a little water. Put a spoonful of the filling inside and close the mold tightly to seal it. You can make a pretty design on the edges.
4. Put the gujiyas in the air fryer, spray a little water on them to stop them from drying out, and cook for 6 minutes at 170°C.
5. Brush the gujiyas with ghee and cook them for another 6-8 minutes, until they turn golden brown.
6. Put the gujiyas on a plate. Sprinkle powdered jaggery on top, add rose petals, and, if you have it, some silver Burak (edible silver leaf).
2. Sooji Ladoo
Sooji Ladoo, especially with healthier ingredients, is a good energy source due to the semolina (sooji). These Ladoos are a healthy treat, offering a balance of energy, nutrients, and festive sweetness. Preparation time is nearly 30-40 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Semolina (Sooji) - 1 cup
- Ghee (Clarified Butter) - 3 tablespoons (you can use less)
- Dates (deseeded and chopped) - ½ cup
- Jaggery (grated) - ½ cup
- Almonds (chopped) - ¼ cup
- Cashews (chopped) - ¼ cup
- Pumpkin Seeds - 2 tablespoons
- Sunflower Seeds - 2 tablespoons
- Cardamom Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Saffron Strands - a pinch (optional)
- Warm Milk - 2-3 tablespoons (if needed)
Steps to Make Healthy Sooji Ladoo:
Roast the Sooji, Nuts and Seeds:
1. Put some ghee in a pan and heat it on medium-low heat.
2. Add the sooji and roast it, until it turns a light golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once roasted, remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, lightly roast the chopped almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds for nearly 2-3 minutes until they turn slightly golden.
Melt the Jaggery and Dates:
4. In the same roasting pan, add the chopped dates and grated jaggery.
5. Cook on a slightly low heat, stirring continuously, until the jaggery melts and the dates soften, forming a thick paste.
Combine Ingredients:
6. Add the roasted sooji, roasted nuts and seeds, and cardamom powder to the jaggery and date mixture.
7. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add 5 tablespoons of warm milk to bind it together.
Shape the Ladoos:
8. Take a small portion of the Ladoo mixture and roll it between your palms to form a round ladoo. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
9. If you want to add saffron, you can press a few strands into the top of each ladoo while they are still slightly warm.
Cool and Serve:
10. Let the ladoos cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
11. Serve with Thandai and enjoy your healthy and delicious Sooji Ladoos!
3. Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla is a cool and spicy snack for Holi. Soft lentil fritters soaked in yoghurt are a favourite. It takes 20 minutes to prepare and nearly 25 minutes to cook.
Ingredients:
For Vadas:
- Urad dal - 1 katori
- Moong dal - 1 tbsp
- Green chili - 1-2 nos
- Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
- Salt - to taste
- Olive oil - for frying
- water - 1 bowl
For Topping:
- Whisked yoghurt with sugar - 1 bowl
- Tamarind and dates chutney - 1 tsp
- Chaat masala - a pinch
- Roasted cumin powder - a pinch
- Namkeen sev
Steps To Make These Recipes For Holi Festival:
1. Soak urad dal and moong dal for a few hours. Drain and properly grind them into a smooth batter.
2. Add green chili, salt, and cumin seeds to the batter. Mix well and let it rest.
3. Fry small fritters (vadas) in oil until golden brown. Soak them in water before putting them in whipped yoghurt.
4. Top with tamarind chutney, sev, chaat masala, and roasted cumin powder.
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4. Thandai
Thandai is a traditional, nutty, and spicy Holi drink. It's made with nuts, spices, milk, and saffron. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 2 hours to chill.
Ingredients:
- Almonds - 15 g
- Cashews - 15 g
- Pistachios - 15 g
- Melon seeds - ¾ tbsp
- Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
- Cardamom - 1 tsp
- Black pepper - ½ tsp
- Saffron strands - a few
- Dried rose petals - 1 tsp
- Chilled milk - 500 ml
- Jaggery or honey- 1tbsp
Steps To Make Healthy Thandai:
1. Put the almonds, cashews, pistachios, and melon seeds in a bowl. Add enough warm water to cover them properly.
2. Let them soak for at least 2 hours. This softens them and makes them easier to blend.
3. Combine the fennel seeds, cardamom, and black pepper in a small bowl or grinder and grind them into a fine powder.
4. Drain the soaked nuts and seeds. Blend them with the spice powder, saffron strands, dried rose petals and honey or jaggery.
5. Add a little bit of the chilled milk (about ¼ cup) to help the blending process. Blend everything until you have a smooth paste.
6. Pour the blended paste into a large pitcher. Add the remaining chilled milk. Mix very well.
7. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the Thandai for at least an hour to chill completely.
8. Before serving, stir well and sprinkle rose petals on top. Pour into glasses and enjoy!
5. Air Fired Poha Namkeen
When made with healthy ingredients and air-fried, Poha Namkeen is a nutritious snack option during Holi. It's naturally gluten-free. This Poha Namkeen is a great way to enjoy a festive snack without compromising health. Preparation time is nearly 20-25 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Paper Poha - 2 cups
- Peanuts - ½ cup
- Almonds, roughly chopped - ¼ cup
- Cashews, roughly chopped - ¼ cup
- Pumpkin Seeds - 2 tbsp
- Sunflower Seeds - 2 tbsp
- Curry Leaves - 15-20 leaves
- Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
- Red Chili Powder - ½ tsp (adjust to taste)
- Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
- Mustard Seeds - ½ tsp
- Hing (Asafoetida) - a pinch
- Salt - to taste
- A little water to spray.
Steps To Make Healthy Poha Namkeen:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). Mix the peanuts, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds in a bowl.
2. Air-fry them for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crunchy. Remove them and set them aside.
3. Heat a small amount of oil (or ghee, if preferred) in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
4. Once they start to splutter, add hing and curry leaves. Fry for 10 seconds until the curry leaves become crisp.
5. Add poha in a large bowl. Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well, ensuring the poha is evenly coated with the spices.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 150°C (300°F). Spread the seasoned poha in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray a little water over the poha.
8. Air-fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket every 2-3 minutes, until the poha becomes crisp.
9. Transfer the poha to a large bowl once it is crisp. Add the air-fried nuts and seeds and the tempered spices. Mix everything properly.
10. Let the Poha Namkeen cool down completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its crispness.
Also Read: 10 Healthy Salad Recipes For Summer
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Festivals are incomplete without indulging in the delicious special food.. I recommend that you have healthier options of sugary or deepfried delicacies. Also, I recommend you to have detox drinks and a cleansing diet for at least a week after Holi to balance the additional calories intake. These tips will help you enjoy the festival without disturbing your health goals.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
So, whether you're whipping up sweet Gujiya, cooling Thandai, or any of the delicious recipes for Holi festival, remember it's about moderation. Add your little twists to the Holi recipes. Consider your guests' food preferences, dietary restrictions, and the overall vibe you want for your celebration. With a little Holi meal planning, your Holi feast will leave everyone with happy hearts and satisfied meals.
FAQs
1. What do you eat at Holi festival?
You'll find a mix of sweet and savoury treats. Think crispy sweets like Gujiya, soft and syrupy Malpua, and cool, refreshing Dahi Bhalla. Plus, there's the must-have Thandai, a nutty, spiced milk drink. It's a real feast!
2. Which is the famous sweet dish of Holi?
Gujiya is definitely a must-have! It's a sweet pastry filled with a mix of khoya (milk solids), nuts, and sugar. Crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside, it's a Holi favourite.
3. Can we eat non-veg at Holi?
Indeed, but traditionally, many people prefer vegetarian food during Holi. However, in northern India, it's not uncommon to enjoy meat dishes like mutton. It really depends on traditions and personal beliefs. So, yes, non-veg at Holi is acceptable.
References
- https://www.veenaworld.com/blog/holi-special-food
- https://www.clubmahindra.com/blog/food/five-traditional-holi-delicacies-that-you-must-try
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/spiced-saffron-rosewater-milk-thandai
- https://wiproappliances.com/blogs/recipes/traditional-holi-special-food-recipes?srsltid=AfmBOoqqZG1UHm4On1foPb1Ri3TYhjZcDfoCYlJQDzqGCtQHVyQZBkLE
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/delicious-line-up-of-foods-and-drinks-to-enjoy-this-holi-season/amp_articleshow/68438840.cms
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