20 Festive Holi Special Recipes to Celebrate 2017

1. Gujiya

A quintessential Holi sweet, Gujiya is a delightful pastry filled with a mixture of khoya (dried milk) and nuts. Perfectly deep-fried to a golden brown, this treat is a symbol of celebration.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup khoya, ½ cup powdered sugar, ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews), 1 tsp cardamom powder, oil for frying.
Instructions:
Mix flour with a pinch of salt and enough water to make a smooth dough. Let it rest.
In a pan, heat khoya and mix in sugar, nuts, and cardamom. Cook until the mixture thickens. Let it cool.
Roll out small circles from the dough, fill with the khoya mixture, and fold over to seal.
Deep fry until golden brown and drain on paper towels. Enjoy!

2. Thandai

No Holi celebration is complete without a refreshing glass of Thandai. This milk-based drink infused with spices and nuts is both cooling and invigorating.

Ingredients: 4 cups milk, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp almonds, 2 tbsp cashews, 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tsp cardamom powder, a pinch of saffron.
Instructions:
Soak almonds, cashews, and poppy seeds overnight. Blend with a little milk to make a smooth paste.
In a saucepan, heat milk and add sugar. Once dissolved, add the nut paste, cardamom, and saffron.
Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Serve cold with ice cubes for a refreshing drink!

3. Dahi Bhalla

This savory snack made from lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt is a crowd favorite during Holi. The combination of spices and sweetness makes it irresistible!

Ingredients: 1 cup urad dal, 2 cups yogurt, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp chaat masala, tamarind chutney, salt to taste.
Instructions:
Soak urad dal overnight and blend to a smooth batter. Whip until fluffy.
Fry small balls in hot oil until golden and drain.
Soak the fried balls in water for 30 minutes, then squeeze gently.
Serve in a bowl with yogurt, cumin, chaat masala, and tamarind chutney on top.

4. Puran Poli

A delicious Indian flatbread stuffed with a sweet mixture of jaggery and lentils, Puran Poli is often served during festivals, especially Holi.

Ingredients: 1 cup chana dal, 1 cup jaggery, 2 cups wheat flour, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cardamom powder, ghee for cooking.
Instructions:
Cook chana dal until soft. Drain and mash with jaggery and cardamom.
Make a dough with flour, turmeric, and water. Divide into balls.
Roll out, place filling in the center, fold, and roll again.
Cook on a hot tawa with ghee until both sides are golden. Serve hot!

5. Aloo Tikki

These crispy potato patties are a great snack during Holi, often served with chutneys or yogurt. They are simple to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients: 4 medium potatoes, 1 tsp cumin seeds, ½ tsp red chili powder, salt to taste, oil for frying.
Instructions:
Boil and mash the potatoes. Mix in cumin, chili powder, and salt.
Shape into small patties and fry in hot oil until crispy.
Serve with green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney.

6. Kachori

These spicy, flaky pastries filled with a savory mixture of lentils and spices are a must-have for any Holi gathering!

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup moong dal, 2 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp garam masala, oil for frying.
Instructions:
Soak moong dal for a few hours, then grind to a coarse paste.
Mix with spices and form small balls.
Make a dough with flour and water, roll out, place filling, and seal.
Deep fry until golden brown and serve hot!

7. Malpua

Malpua is a sweet pancake that is crispy on the outside and soft inside, often flavored with cardamom and sometimes served with coconut or rabri.

Ingredients: 1 cup flour, ½ cup grated coconut, ½ cup sugar, 1 cup milk, 1 tsp cardamom powder, ghee for frying.
Instructions:
Mix flour, coconut, sugar, milk, and cardamom to form a batter.
Heat ghee in a pan and pour in the batter to form small pancakes.
Fry until golden brown on both sides. Serve with rabri if desired.

8. Chole Bhature

This North Indian classic is a perfect meal for Holi. The spicy chickpeas paired with fluffy deep-fried bread make for a hearty feast!

Ingredients: 1 cup chickpeas, 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 onion, 1 tomato, 2 tsp chole masala, oil for frying.
Instructions:
Soak chickpeas overnight and cook until soft. In a pan, sauté onions and tomatoes, then add cooked chickpeas and spices.
Prepare the dough with flour, baking powder, and water. Roll into circles and deep fry.
Serve hot with chole and enjoy!

9. Raita

This yogurt-based side dish is perfect for balancing the spicy flavors of the other dishes on the table. Cool and refreshing, it enhances the Holi experience.

Ingredients: 2 cups yogurt, ½ cucumber (grated), 1 tsp cumin powder, salt to taste.
Instructions:
Whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add grated cucumber, cumin powder, and salt.
Mix well and chill before serving. Garnish with mint leaves for an extra touch!

10. Bhang Lassi

Bhang Lassi is a traditional drink that is often enjoyed during Holi. Made with yogurt, it has a unique flavor and is considered a festive drink.

Ingredients: 2 cups yogurt, 1 cup water, ¼ cup sugar, 2 tbsp bhang leaves (optional), cardamom powder.
Instructions:
Blend yogurt with water and sugar until smooth. If using bhang leaves, blend them in.
Add cardamom powder for flavor and serve chilled.

11. Gajar Ka Halwa

This delicious carrot dessert is a perfect end to any Holi feast. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with the goodness of carrots and nuts!

Ingredients: 4 cups grated carrots, 2 cups milk, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup khoya, ¼ cup nuts (almonds, cashews), 1 tsp cardamom powder.
Instructions:
In a pan, cook grated carrots with milk until it thickens. Add sugar, khoya, and cardamom.
Cook until the mixture is dry, then garnish with nuts before serving.

12. Pani Puri

A popular street food, Pani Puri is a fun and interactive dish that is sure to be a hit during your Holi celebrations!

Ingredients: 1 cup semolina, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 cup chickpeas, tamarind water, spices for the puri water.
Instructions:
Make a dough with semolina and baking soda, roll into small puris, and deep fry until puffed.
Serve with a mixture of chickpeas and flavored water for a burst of flavor!

13. Vegetable Pakora

Crispy, deep-fried vegetable fritters are a classic snack for any gathering, especially during Holi. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients: 1 cup besan (gram flour), 1 cup mixed vegetables (potatoes, onions, spinach), spices to taste, oil for frying.
Instructions:
Mix besan with spices and water to form a batter. Dip vegetables in the batter and fry until golden brown.
Serve hot with chutney!

14. Fruit Chaat

This refreshing salad made with seasonal fruits is a healthy way to cleanse your palate after indulging in rich festival foods.

Ingredients: 2 cups assorted fruits (apples, bananas, pomegranate, oranges), 1 tsp chaat masala, lemon juice.
Instructions:
Chop fruits into small pieces and mix in a bowl. Sprinkle with chaat masala and lemon juice.
Toss well and serve chilled for a refreshing touch!

15. Kheer

A traditional rice pudding, Kheer is a comforting dessert that is often prepared during festivals. Its creamy texture and sweetness make it a favorite.

Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 4 cups milk, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup nuts, 1 tsp cardamom powder.
Instructions:
Boil rice in milk until soft. Stir in sugar, nuts, and cardamom.
Cook until it thickens, then serve warm or chilled.

16. Chikki

This nutty, crunchy treat made with jaggery is a perfect snack for Holi. It’s nutritious and delicious, making it an ideal festival food.

Ingredients: 1 cup peanuts, 1 cup jaggery, 1 tsp ghee.
Instructions:
Roast peanuts and remove the skins. In a pan, melt jaggery with water until it reaches a soft ball stage.
Add peanuts and mix well, then pour onto a greased surface to cool and set.
Cut into pieces and enjoy!

17. Bhanjhi

This traditional dish made with lentils and spices is a wholesome addition to your Holi spread. It’s rich in protein and flavor!

Ingredients: 1 cup lentils, 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, spices to taste.
Instructions:
Cook lentils until soft. In a pan, sauté onions and tomatoes, then add the lentils and spices.
Simmer until thick and serve with rice or bread.

18. Pista Barfi

This delightful Indian sweet made from pistachios is a great treat to make for celebrations. Its rich flavor and vibrant color make it a festive favorite!

Ingredients: 2 cups pistachios, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup milk, 1 tsp cardamom powder.
Instructions:
Blend pistachios to a fine powder. In a pan, combine sugar and milk, then add the pistachio powder and cardamom.
Cook until it forms a dough, then set in a greased tray to cool. Cut into squares.

19. Samosa

These crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a popular snack during Holi. Serve them with mint chutney for a delicious appetizer!

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 4 potatoes, spices, oil for frying.
Instructions:
Boil and mash potatoes, mix with spices. Prepare dough with flour and water, roll out, and fill with potato mixture.
Deep fry until golden brown and serve hot!

20. Coconut Ladoo

A sweet treat made from grated coconut and condensed milk, Coconut Ladoo is a simple yet delightful dessert to end your Holi feast!

Ingredients: 2 cups grated coconut, 1 cup condensed milk, ½ cup milk.
Instructions:
In a pan, combine coconut, condensed milk, and milk. Cook until it thickens.
Let it cool, then shape into small balls. Roll in desiccated coconut for a lovely finish!

Conclusion

Holi is a time for joy, laughter, and togetherness, and what better way to celebrate than with a feast of delicious traditional recipes? From sweets like Gujiya and Malpua to savory snacks like Samosa and Aloo Tikki, these Holi special recipes are sure to fill your home with warmth and happiness. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to indulge in these festive delights that will make your Holi celebrations truly special!