Recipe in Holi 2025: don’t miss
Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most vibrant and joyous celebrations. While the streets are filled with hues of pink, yellow, green, and blue, the kitchens are equally busy, preparing an array of traditional dishes and sweets that add flavor to this spirited occasion. From sweet treats to savory snacks, the food prepared during Holi is just as colorful and festive as the festival itself. Here’s a look at some of the most beloved recipes that are an integral part of Holi celebrations across India.
1. Gujiya (Sweet Dumplings)
Gujiya is undoubtedly the most iconic Holi sweet. These crescent-shaped pastries are stuffed with a sweet mixture of khoya (reduced milk), coconut, dry fruits, and cardamom, and then deep-fried to perfection. They are crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside, making them a delightful treat during the festival.
Ingredients:
- Refined flour (maida)
- Khoya (or mawa)
- Powdered sugar
- Desiccated coconut
- Chopped dry fruits (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- Cardamom powder
- Ghee or oil for frying
Method:
- Prepare a dough with refined flour and ghee.
- Cook khoya in ghee, add sugar, coconut, dry fruits, and cardamom powder.
- Roll out small discs of dough, place the filling in the center, and fold into a half-moon shape.
- Deep-fry the gujiyas until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow them to cool before serving.
2. Puran Poli
A traditional Maharashtrian delicacy, Puran Poli is a flatbread stuffed with a sweet mixture of chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery, and cardamom. It is typically made on festive occasions like Holi and is enjoyed with a dollop of ghee.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour
- Chana dal (split chickpeas)
- Jaggery
- Cardamom powder
- Ghee
Method:
- Cook the chana dal until soft and mash it.
- Add jaggery, cardamom powder, and cook the mixture until it thickens.
- Prepare a dough with whole wheat flour and roll it into small discs.
- Stuff the discs with the sweet chana dal mixture, seal the edges, and roll it out into a thin flatbread.
- Roast the puran poli on a tawa, applying ghee on both sides until golden brown.
3. Thandai
A refreshing drink often associated with Holi, Thandai is a spiced milk-based beverage made with a blend of almonds, pistachios, saffron, and a variety of aromatic spices. Sometimes, it is also spiked with a hint of bhang (cannabis), making it a popular drink during Holi festivities.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat milk
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Melon seeds
- Peppercorns
- Fennel seeds
- Cardamom
- Rose water
- Sugar
- Saffron
Method:
- Soak the almonds, pistachios, melon seeds, fennel, and peppercorns overnight.
- Grind them into a fine paste with a little water.
- Boil milk, and add the ground paste to it along with saffron, cardamom, and sugar.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes, and then strain the milk.
- Serve chilled, garnished with rose petals or crushed nuts.
4. Dahi Vada
Another favorite during Holi is Dahi Vada — soft, spongy lentil fritters soaked in yogurt and topped with a medley of spices and chutneys. The cool, creamy texture of the yogurt paired with the spicy, tangy chutneys makes it a perfect treat for the festival.
Ingredients:
- Urad dal (split black gram)
- Yogurt
- Tamarind chutney
- Green chutney (made from mint, coriander, and green chilies)
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Salt
Method:
- Soak urad dal for 4-5 hours and grind it into a smooth batter.
- Fry small fritters from the batter in hot oil until golden brown.
- Soak the fritters in warm water for a few minutes, then squeeze out excess water.
- Place the fritters in a bowl, and pour yogurt over them.
- Top with tamarind chutney, green chutney, and spices like roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt.
5. Papri Chaat
Papri Chaat is a crispy and tangy snack that is a crowd favorite during Holi. This dish features crispy fried dough wafers (papri) topped with yogurt, chickpeas, tamarind chutney, and a sprinkle of spices, offering a delicious burst of flavors.
Ingredients:
- Papri (fried dough wafers)
- Yogurt
- Boiled potatoes
- Boiled chickpeas
- Tamarind chutney
- Green chutney
- Roasted cumin powder
- Red chili powder
- Chaat masala
Method:
- Arrange the papris on a plate.
- Add boiled potatoes and chickpeas on top of the papris.
- Drizzle with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and green chutney.
- Sprinkle with roasted cumin powder, red chili powder, and chaat masala.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately.
6. Mathri
Mathri, a crispy, savory snack made from flour and spices, is a popular treat during Holi in northern India. Its crunchy texture pairs wonderfully with a cup of masala chai and is often enjoyed alongside sweets like gujiya.
Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour
- Caraway seeds (ajwain)
- Cumin seeds
- Salt
- Ghee or oil
Method:
- Knead the flour with caraway seeds, cumin, and salt, adding water as needed to form a stiff dough.
- Roll the dough into small, thick discs and prick them with a fork.
- Deep fry the mathris until they turn golden and crisp.
- Allow them to cool and store in an airtight container.
7. Kesari Phirni
For a dessert with a distinct flavor, Kesari Phirni, a creamy rice pudding with a hint of saffron, is a fitting treat for the Holi festivities. Made with ground rice and milk, this dessert is typically flavored with cardamom and saffron, giving it a royal touch.
Ingredients:
- Rice flour (or ground rice)
- Full-fat milk
- Sugar
- Cardamom powder
- Saffron strands
- Rose water
Method:
- Boil the milk and add rice flour to it, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens and add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron.
- Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the pudding reaches a creamy consistency.
- Serve in small bowls, garnished with crushed nuts and a few rose petals.
Also read: Gujiya recipe: Holi special. just get ready in 1 hours – Website news