PEAKLIFE

Let’s revisit the real taste of Holi.

There’s unlikely to be a more beautiful welcoming of spring than the festival of Holi. Not just the flowers, roads, and clothes color in pinks, greens, yellows and reds, Holi also brings with itself a lineage of delicious and mouth watering dishes so often notorious for being just too good.
This 2020, how about going back to the basics? Take a look at the 10 best traditional Holi dishes perfect for completing your fun festivities:

GUJIYAS

Look what is at the top of the list, the super sweet of Holi. Belonging to Rajasthan, Gujiyas are sweet dumplings made from maida or flour and packed with a tasty khoya and dry fruits mixture. You can make a healthy version of this by baking it rather than frying and also instead of maida going for whole wheat flour.

MALPUA

Malpua is also a traditional Indian sweet – a pancake kind of an Indian dessert fried in ghee and dipped in sugar syrup. Usually made on festivals such as Diwali and Holi, Malpua has delicate flavors, made simple with easily available ingredients. Some of the variants of Malpuas are paneer and Ragi. Healthy malpua can be made using whole wheat and air fry it. You can replace the sugar syrup with jaggary and cardamom syrup.

GOL GAPPA

Gol Gappa is an Indian street food that nobody can let off. Why get to the street food stalls when you can prepare them at home? Small, round-shaped crispy puris, packed with several spices and tangy water. Instead of frying, go with the baked or stir fry preparation method of the same.

DAHI BHALLA PAPDI

Have crisp Papdis and soft, Bhallas inside your homes. This is a delicious item of a recipe from the streets of Delhi. Get yourself submerged in a combination of curd, crisp spinach bakes papdi and a host of tantalizing spices.

THANDAI

A popular Holi drink, Thandai. It has a fennel-fragrant concoction that provides a natural cooling impact on the body. Serve your guests to the aroma of this traditional blend. You can prepare it early, store and serve whenever you wish. Use skim-milk and add dry fruits to make a healthy version of it.

DAL KACHORI

One of the finest snacks in North India. A single bite and you have the answer. Filled with Arhar dal, and spices, this is one snack that you cannot resist. Kachoris have a number of variants, most popular is the Khasta and Dal kachori. To make it healthy you can always air fry it.

PURAN POLI

Tasty Puran Polis are something you would not want to miss. This delicious dish is simple to make and is light as well. Filled with Chana dal and sugar, it has a sweet and savory taste and will mesmerize you. Instead of sugar use jaggery or honey.

RASMALAI

Rasmalai and Holi are an unbeatable combination. Creamy delight with wonderful Chena, this dessert is the example of sweet goodness. You can have your own modifications to the delicacy with Kesar strands or fruit essence and decor your dessert table with this aromatic sweet dish. Please remember moderation should be the key.

BADAM PHIRNI

Phirni is thicker as compared to its counterpart Kheer and has an extra creamy texture. If you are tired of the similar desserts, try out Badam Phirni. Filled with the richness of almonds, this delectable sweet dish is one to have for. Prepare kheer using skim-milk and replace sugar with jaggery or add carrot or fruits to it for the natural sweetness.

HALWA

Halwa are always a treat to sweet tooth. There are easy to prepare and are very traditional. Instead of regular halwa, you can always go for healthier options like lauki or carrot halwa. Lauki and carrot contain lots of water and have a good nutritional profile. Remember to replace sugar with honey or jaggery to any sweet item prepared.

Disclaimer: This article is authored by Ms. Avni Kaul, Nutritionist, Wellness Coach & Certified Diabetes Educator, Founder of NutriActivania. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not represent those of PEAKLIFE.

Picture credits: freepik.com and pixabay.com