While Holi Festival is all about colours, but like every other festival, the celebrations are incomplete without some scrumptious foods that will awaken your senses and keep your mood upbeat, especially during Holi. Can food be far from festivals? Of course not! I love Holi, not only for the bevvy of colours, we love to be immersed with, but also for the mouth-watering dishes unique to this occasion. Different delicacies are prepared in various parts of India to welcome the Holi Festival with great zeal and enthusiasm. So here’s bringing to you the absolutely tasty list of some of the best traditional Holi food recipes that you can give a thumbs-up for a grand and colourful start to the celebrations. Take note, the foods are equally colourful as well as appetizing. Drooling already!
Gujiya
Gujiya
Holi and Gujiya are synonymous with each other; it’s the most special and symbolic Holi recipe. This traditional Holi-special sweet dish is made with thickened milk and dried fruits. Native to Rajasthan, these delicious fried dumplings look like mini English Cornish pasties.
Thandai
Thandai
A delicious concoction of milk, dry fruits and spices, thandai is usually served to guests during Holi. This Holi specialty is a must-have while you drench yourself in various colours of Holi. Mainly found in Rajasthan and the northern parts of India, this refreshment is traditionally served with the addition of bhang (a derivative of marijuana). People play in the sun and enjoy sweet sip of thandai in between. Thandai comes from the word thanda in Hindi, meaning cool, and this refreshment does exactly the same.
Pakodas – Fried Fritter
Pakodas and Bhajiyas
Different types of pakodas (fried fritters) and bhajiyas are usually prepared to keep the guests satiated. The fritters may be combined with onion, meat, spinach, potato, cheese or other vegetables. It’s one of the most customary & popular dish during Holi.
Namak Paare
Namak Paare
Another snack prepared in endless numbers for the endless Holi sessions that will keep you filled. These crispy and crunchy savoury snack will keep you nibbling.
Shakkar Para
Shakkar Paare
It is the sweeter version of its cousin namak paare. Prepared specially at festivals to offer to guests. The sweetness will stay with you!
Malpua
Malpua
Similar to a pancake, the malpua batter includes pulp of banana, coconut, flour and milk, while cardamom is added for the enhanced flavour. This sugar-syrupy sweet item is a winner. Slurping already!
Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla or Dahi Vada
This popular North-Indian chaat (a savoury snack) is a must-have delicacy in most festivals, Holi being no other. It consists of vadas (deep fried flour balls) smeared in sweet, thick curd and sprinkled with spices. Lip-smacking!!
Kanji ke Vade
Kanji ke Vade
A Rajasthani delicacy, specially made for Holi, is prepared from select variety of lentils, which are shaped into round balls, deep fried and immersed in tangy mustard flavoured liquid.
Saffron Rice
Saffron Rice
Saffron rice or Kesar Chawal is easy and quick to prepare and is one of the most common Holi side dishes that you’ll see during the festival. Oh, can you beat that aroma!
Bhang Lassi
Lassi
This Holi food is available all year round. Bhaang lassi is also common during the Holi festival. You’ll never know if you never try!
Kachori
Kachori
Kachoris are widely prepared in every household during Holi Festival, and you cannot miss savoring one of these tasty snacks. These are fried round shaped dough stuffed with spicy ingredients.
Closing Thoughts:
The two F’s – Festival & Food – go hand-in-hand, and that’s the very reason that everybody loves to celebrate festivals, don’t you think so? Food is one of the best way to get a peek into new culture and blend in as you satiate your appetite. So wait no further and join India during Holi celebrations and take home memories (tummy as well) full of colours. Definitely try the Holi dishes when you get the opportunity. Also, we would love to know your food experiences & stories of Holi.
Happy Holi Everyone!
Celebrate Holi in Jaipur with GeTS Holidays on 2nd March 2018
