Holi, the festival of colours, is a vibrant celebration observed by Hindus worldwide, typically in March. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. During Holi, people gather to throw coloured powders and water at each other, symbolizing joy, unity, and the shedding of past grievances. Holi parties are incomplete without a collection of festive foods and drinks. Traditional Holi foods like gujiya and dahi vada are popular choices. Special dishes like thandai add a refreshing touch to the festivities. Consider snacks like chaat, pakoras, and samosas for Holi party food ideas. Drinks for Holi include thandai, lassi, and fruit punches. These culinary delights enhance the festive spirit, making Holi celebrations truly memorable. Let’s explore these renowned Holi delicacies worth savouring.

Gujiya

Gujiya is a popular sweet delicacy enjoyed during the festival of Holi and other special occasions in India. It is a crescent-shaped pastry filled with a mixture of khoya, nuts, and sweeteners, then deep-fried or baked to golden perfection. Here’s a recipe to make delicious Gujiya:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Suhana Pure Cow Ghee
• 1 cup khoya (mawa)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ambari Turmeric Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Oil or ghee for frying
• Water for kneading the dough

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and Suhana Pure Cow Ghee. Rub the mixture between your palms until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Gradually add water and knead the mixture into a smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, crumble the khoya and mix it with powdered sugar, chopped nuts, turmeric powder, and cardamom powder to make the filling.
4. Divide the dough into small balls. Roll out each ball into a small disc using a rolling pin.
5. Place a spoonful of the filling in the centre of each disc. Fold the disc in half and seal the edges by pressing with a fork or your fingers.
6. Heat oil or ghee in a deep-frying pan over medium heat. Fry the Gujiyas until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from the oil and drain excess oil on paper towels.
8. Allow the Gujiyas to cool before serving. Enjoy these sweet treats as a delightful addition to your Holi celebrations or any festive occasion.

Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a traditional Indian flatbread stuffed with a sweet filling made from lentils, jaggery, and spices. It is a popular dish during festivals like Holi and Diwali. Here’s how to make Puran Poli:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 1 cup jaggery, grated
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tablespoons Suhana Pure Cow Ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon Ambari Turmeric Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Water, as needed
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Cook the chana dal in a pressure cooker until soft. Drain excess water and mash the dal.
2. Heat a pan and add the mashed dal, jaggery, Suhana Pure Cow Ghee, turmeric powder, and cardamom powder. Cook until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth paste. Let it cool.
3. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into discs.
4. Place a portion of the filling in the centre of each disc and seal the edges to form a ball.
5. Roll out each ball into a flatbread (poli) using a rolling pin.
6. Heat a griddle or skillet and cook the Puran Poli on both sides using ghee or oil until golden brown spots appear.
7. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee. Enjoy the sweet and aromatic flavours of Puran Poli during your festive celebrations.

Thandai

Thandai is a traditional Holi drink from North India, known for its cooling properties and rich flavour. It’s made with milk, nuts, spices, and poppy seeds. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 litre milk
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup pistachios
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 teaspoon Suhana Saffron/Kesar
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Sugar to taste
• Ice cubes for serving

Instructions:

1. Soak almonds, pistachios, and poppy seeds in water for a few hours or overnight.
2. Drain the soaked nuts and poppy seeds, then grind them into a fine paste using a blender or food processor.
3. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it comes to a boil.
4. Add the ground nut paste, Suhana Saffron/Kesar, cardamom powder, and sugar to the boiling milk.
5. Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and strain the mixture to remove any coarse particles.
7. Chill the Thandai in the refrigerator.
8. Serve cold with ice cubes. Enjoy the refreshing and flavourful Thandai during your Holi celebrations.

Chiwada

Chiwada is a popular and delightful snack that can be enjoyed during Holi celebrations and other festive occasions in India. It’s a savoury mixture of crunchy ingredients like flattened rice (poha), nuts, spices, and sometimes dried fruits. Here’s how to make Chiwada:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups thin poha (flattened rice)
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons Suhana Chiwada Masala
• 2 tablespoons Suhana Pure Cow Ghee
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste
• Curry leaves (optional)
• Dried coconut slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat Suhana Pure Cow Ghee in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat.
2. Add peanuts, cashews, and raisins to the pan and roast them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the thin poha and roast it until it becomes crisp. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Once the poha is crisp, add Suhana Chiwada Masala, salt, sugar, curry leaves (if using), and dried coconut slices (if using). Mix well to coat the poha evenly with the spices.
5. Add the roasted nuts and raisins back to the pan and mix everything together.
6. Remove from heat and let the Chiwada cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
7. Serve Chiwada as a crunchy and flavourful snack during your Holi celebrations or any festive gathering. Enjoy its spicy and tangy flavours with your loved ones.

Dahi Vada

Dahi Vada, also known as Dahi Bhalla, is a beloved snack enjoyed across India, especially during festive celebrations like Holi. This dish offers a refreshing and delightful contrast with its combination of soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yoghurt and topped with tangy and spicy chutneys. Here’s how to make Dahi Vada:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup urad dal (black gram lentils)
• 2 cups yoghurt (curd)
• Pravin Date Tamarind Chutney, for serving
• Ambari Red Chilli Powder for garnish
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak urad dal in water for at least 4-5 hours or overnight.
2. Drain the soaked dal and grind it into a smooth paste using very little water.
3. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan. Shape small portions of the dal paste into small balls or flat discs.
4. Carefully slide the shaped vadas into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the fried vadas from the oil and soak them in warm water for about 20-30 minutes.
6. Squeeze out excess water from the soaked vadas and arrange them in a serving dish.
7. Whisk the yoghurt until smooth and season it with salt to taste.
8. Pour the beaten yoghurt over the vadas, ensuring they are well covered.
9. Drizzle Pravin Date Tamarind Chutney over the yoghurt-covered vadas.
10. Sprinkle with Ambari Red Chilli Powder for a spicy kick.
11. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, tangy, and spicy flavours of Dahi Vada as a delightful snack during your Holi celebrations or any festive occasion.

Holi celebrations are not complete without the mouthwatering delights of traditional Holi foods. From Gujiya to Thandai, each dish brings its own unique flavour to the festive table. And with the addition of Suhana Masala, the authenticity of these special Holi dishes shines through, making every bite a joyous experience.

FAQs

1. What are some traditional foods eaten during Iftar? Some traditional foods eaten during Iftar include dates, samosas, pakoras, fruit chaat, and refreshing drinks like lemonade or Rooh Afza.
2. What is the menu for Holi dinner?The Holi dinner menu typically includes a variety of traditional dishes such as Gujiya, Puran Poli, Dahi Vada, Thandai, and Chiwada, providing a delightful feast for celebrants.
3. Which special sweet is prepared on Holi? Gujiya, a sweet dumpling filled with khoya, nuts, and spices, is a popular and special sweet prepared during Holi celebrations.
4. What food is eaten for Holi? Traditional Holi foods include Gujiya, Puran Poli, Dahi Vada, and Thandai.