Popularly known as the festival of colors, ‘‘Holi’’ is the festival that is celebrated all over India to symbolize love and togetherness. What could be more useful than lip-smacking snacks and cuisines to enhance this feeling of oneness and celebration on Holi 2024? Every corner of the country has a special snack reserved especially for the festival of Holi which signifies the festival.
Let’s explore 25 absolutely sumptuous Holi snacks to create an unforgettable festive experience on Holi 2024.
Gujiya
This is the most popular north Indian sweet especially cooked on the occasion of Holi. It is made with refined flour dough which is filled with a sweet mixture of khoya (reduced mixed solid) and dry fruits. Then, it can be both fried and baked as per your preference.
Thandai
Thandai is a north Indian sweet drink made from milk and a special mix called thandai powder. This thandai powder is made up of nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, poppy seeds, pistachios melon seeds, and spices like green cardamom, saffron, pepper, and a hint of rose. It’s one of the most-loved holi snacks.
Shakkarpara
Shakkarpara is a traditional Indian snack that is made with refined flour dough which is rolled and then cut into small squares. These squares are deep-fried in ghee and then coated with sugar syrup to add sweetness. Cardamom powder is sprinkled over the fried and sugar-coated shakkarparas to enhance the sweetness and aroma.
Namakpara
Namakpara is the salty version of shakkarpara. To make namakpara, salt, ajwain, and cumin are added to the dough. The dough is then rolled and then cut into squares. These squares are deep-fried in ghee until golden brown and crispy.
Aloo Papad
Papad is made from various ingredients, but aloo papad is made especially on Holi in northern parts of India. Boiled potatoes are peeled and mashed. During the mashing of potatoes spices like red chilli powder, cumin, salt, and mustard oil are added. This mixture of boiled potatoes is rolled into small circles and is kept for sun drying. After sun drying it is deep-fried until crispy. It’s a super yum Holi snack.
Gulab Jamun
This traditional sweet dish is trendy in all parts of India. It is made by frying khoya balls in ghee and then soaking them in sugar syrup. Gulab jamun is not only a delicious treat but also serves as a symbol of celebration and festivities, making it a perfect addition to any Holi gathering.
Dahi Vada
This popular North Indian festive snack is made from lentil dumplings (vadas) soaked in thick and creamy yogurt. The dish is then topped with spicy green chutney and sweet and sour tamarind chutney along with various spices such as cumin powder, red chili powder, black salt, and chaat masala. Dahi vada is one of the most popular Holi snacks.
Mathari
Mathari is made from a dough of flour, water, and ghee along with spices like ajwain, cumin, and black pepper. This dough is rolled into thin small circles and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. It is often served with chutney and enjoyed with a hot cup of chai.
Aloo Chaat
This Indian Street food adds spiciness and tanginess to the festivities of Holi. It is made from boiled potatoes tossed with spices like cumin, black powder, red chili, black salt, and chaat masala along with lemon juice and tamarind chutney.
Kachori
Kachori is made from dough of flour filled with lentils or pea mixes which is spicy. This dough is rolled into small discs and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. It is often served with yogurt, green chutney, and tamarind chutney topped over it.
Malpua
Malpua is a traditional Indian sweet dish made with all-purpose flour mixed with curd or khoya. This dough is shallow fried in ghee or oil as a fluffy pancake. Then it is dipped in sugar syrup for sweetness and then served with Rabri. Malpua is one of the most preferred dishes that is specially made on Holi to add extra sweetness to the festivities.
Paneer Tikka
It is a popular and delicious tandoori snack where paneer is marinated with yogurt that is mixed with spices such as cumin powder, black pepper, red chili powder, and various other spices. These marinated paneer cubes are arranged on skewers and grilled in a tandoor or grilled in an oven.
Pakoras
Pakoras are deep-fried fritters made with marinating and vegetables such as onion, potatoes, eggplant, spinach, and many more in the gram flour paste. This gram flour paste is flavored with various spices and salt. Paneer (cottage cheese) can also be used in place of vegetables. These fritters are served with tomato ketchup or green chutney as a festive snack.
Kheer
This traditional Indian dessert is made with basmati rice cooked in milk which is flavoured with saffron and nuts. Kheer is a go-to dessert that can be easily prepared at any Holi gathering to add extra creaminess to the snack party of Holi with a touch of tradition.
Potato Chips
Potato chips are made with boiled potatoes. Each boiled potato is grated with the help of a chips grater and then it is spread to sheets for sun drying. Once dried completely, they are deep-fried until crispy. These chips are tossed with salt and spices like black pepper and chaat masala to add extra flavor.
Rasgulla
It is a Bengali dessert made from chenna dumplings that are cooked in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water. Rasgulla is a beloved dessert in Indian cuisine, especially during festive occasions like Holi. It is best known for its delightful indulgence, delicate texture, and subtle sweetness enjoyed by all.
Kulfi
Kulfi is an Indian ice cream made from thickened plant-based milk flavored with saffron, cardamom, sugar, and dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and pistachios. This flavored vegan milk when thickened, is frozen in molds and cones until set. This rich Indian dessert is known for its creamy texture and is enjoyed during Holi as summer strikes in.
Lassi
Lassi is a refreshing yogurt-based drink popular in North India. It can be sweet or savoury depending upon the flavors added. Sweet lassi is made by blending yogurt, water, sugar, saffron, and rose water together until smooth and creamy. Whereas savory lassi is made by blending yogurt, water, salt, cumin powder, and black pepper. Both of them are equally refreshing and flavorful.
Aloo Tikki
Aloo tikki is a popular North Indian Street food made from mashed potatoes. Mashed potatoes are mixed with various spices and herbs such as ginger, green chili, coriander, cumin powder, and chaat masala. This mashed potato is shaped into patties and then shallow fried. It is often served with green chutney, tamarind chutney, and yogurt, and topped with chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.
Dhokla
This popular Gujarati dish is a savory steamed cake made from a fermented batter of rice and chickpea flour. Once it is steamed, it is tempered with the mixture of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies prepared in hot oil. Due to its spongy texture and delicious taste, it is enjoyed by all age groups and it is also a very popular snack during festive seasons like Holi.
Ras Malai
Ras Malai is a delectable Indian dessert enjoyed across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. It is made from soft cheese dumplings soaked in thickened milk flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. It is a rich and luxurious dessert that can satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth at your Holi gathering.
Papdi Chaat
Papdi chaat is a popular Indian street food snack. It is prepared by combining crispy fried dough wafers which are topped with green chutney, tamarind chutney, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, chaat masala, chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, and coriander leaves. It is a perfect snack to add tanginess to your Holi gathering.
Jalebi
Made from fermented batter of flour, yogurt, and water which is piped into hot oil in coil shapes and deep fried until crispy and then soaked into sugar syrup flavored with saffron and cardamom, Jalebi is a very popular dessert enjoyed all over the Indian subcontinent. It is an indulgent sweet that is cherished for its crispy texture and sweet flavor. It is often served with Rabari or Yogurt to balance its sweetness.
Samosas
This Indian Street food consists of crispy pastry filled with a spicy mixture of potatoes and peas. The outer covering which is made up of flour dough is crispy and the spicy filling gives it a soft center. It is served with mint chutney and tamarind chutney. The potato filling can be replaced with paneer or meat to give a twist to the usual samosas. They are utterly flavorful and delicious.
Gajar Halwa
Gajar halwa (carrot pudding) is made by cooking grated carrots in milk until soft and creamy. Sugar syrup, cardamom, and khoya are added while cooking to enhance the richness and aroma of the Halwa. This is a very popular dessert usually prepared in Indian households during winter, and as Holi marks the end of winter, it serves as the best dessert to say goodbye to winter and enjoy the festive vibes with a rich and flavorful snack.
As Holi is around the corner, this article might help you to decide your festive menu and create an unforgettable experience. All these festive snacks and desserts are very popular throughout the country and are especially enjoyed during such huge festivals and celebrations. So, this Holi as you color your faces, do not forget to color your tastebuds with these flavourful and utterly delicious cuisines and take your celebration to another level.
