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The most energetic festival is on its way! With the essence of triumph of good over evil, Holi is among India's most beloved and most awaited festivals. Playing with Gulal, dodging water balloons, throwing coloured water – everyone becomes a walking rainbow.
Can you ever imagine a holy bash without some good food? After all that dancing and colour play, all we crave for are some sweet and savoury delights. Whether homemade goodies or market-bought snacks, traditional holi foods are a must-have in every home.
Here, we have shortlisted some of the best holi dishes to try. Eat and recharge instantly with these lip-smacking delicacies.
1. Gujhiya
Can you really imagine Holi without gujhiya? Synonymous with the festival, it is one of the most popular dishes made on Holi, with a rich and satisfying sweetness. From children to adults, it's everyone's favourite. Gujhiya is a kind of sweet, deep-fried dumpling made with refined wheat flour and filled with a nutty filling.
While the ingredients of the filling vary from one region to another, it typically consists of khoya (reduced milk solids), dry fruits, nuts and sugar. The perfectly crisp exterior and melt-into-mouth filling is what sets it apart from other traditional dishes. Today, there are many types of gujhiyas in the market with flavoured fillings like chocolate, pista or sugar-free gujhiyas. Choose and enjoy your favourite one.
2. Puran Poli
Puran Poli is among the commonly enjoyed traditional Holi food in Maharashtra and in some other southern states too. Whether you're in Mumbai or in any other city in Maharashtra, Puran Poli is a must-try delicacy. It's a kind of chapati which is stuffed with chana dal and jaggery and enjoyed best with a dollop of Ghee (clarified butter). Don’t forget to have it piping hot.
3. Dhuska
Dhuska is the next Holi special dish found in Bihar, Jharkhand and some parts of Uttar Pradesh. This savory treat is eaten as breakfast on Holi to fuel up for the celebrations. Made with dal, rice, chillies, and garlic, it's a deep-fried dish relished with a simple curry made with black chickpeas known as Ghugni. So, if you visit the above states during holi, don't forget to sample dhuska, one of the best holi dishes to try
4. Namak Pare
Talking about Holi traditional foods and not considering Namak Pare is not fair! These are savoury snacks which are extremely popular in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. These are something to eat anywhere and anytime you feel like noshing. Also, they are so easy to make; just refined wheat flour, cumin seeds, carom seeds( ajwain)and salt are needed to make these yummy diamond-shaped bites.
5. Malpua
Elevate your festive mood with rich and gooey Malpua. This is one of the best holi dishes to try for anyone. If you have a sweet tooth, this sweet delight will surely become your favourite. It's made with a batter of flour, milk, and cardamom. The Malpua is then deep-fried and then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. They are just like traditional pancakes. Try these with rabri to indulge in a culinary experience like no other.
6. Dahi Bhalle
If you're not a fan of sugary holi dishes, Dahi Bhalle is perfect for you. These are among the best Holi dishes for anyone seeking savoury culinary delights. It's a yummy, refreshing treat enjoyed throughout the country and has become a symbol of joy and togetherness. These are soft lentil dumplings soaked in yoghurt, drizzled with sweet and tangy chutneys and sprinkled with spices like cumin powder and red chili.
7. Lassi
After enjoying all the Holi dishes, which are mostly savoury and deep-fried, what you crave is a refreshing, thirst-quenching drink. That's where our superhero Lassi comes in. It's a creamy, yoghurt-based drink that can be sweet or savoury, often flavoured with fruit, rosewater, or spices, providing a cooling respite from Holi's vibrancy.
8. Thandai
Holi celebrations aren't complete without a glass of Thandai. Popular mostly in northern states like UP, Rajasthan, and Bihar, and it is a must-have drink during Holi. Made with milk, nuts and aromatic spices, this drink not only soothes but also excites you with its layered flavours.
9. Masala Mathri
A staple Holi traditional food, Masala Mathri is a savoury snack you'll find in every household during Holi. Made with refined flour, carom seeds, and a blend of spices, it's a deep-fried flaky cracker. The best way to enjoy this Holi special dish is to pair it with a cup of tea. Don't miss trying this crunchy delight this Holi. Whether homemade or market-bought, they are very delicious.
10. Ranga Dima
While not as popular as gujhiya or masala Mathri, Ranga Dima is also among the vibrant dishes made on Holi. It's a special savoury delicacy from Assam and is made with boiled eggs. The eggs are fried and coated in a spicy red masala that makes them acquire a distinctive red hue. You can enjoy this colourful, spicy dish with fried potatoes as a standalone snack, it's all up to you.