India is celebrating one of the most colourful and vibrant festivals - Holi. This year, Holi is being celebrated on 29th March, 2021 and Holika Dahan on 28th March, 2021. Holi is said to derive its name from the mythological character Holika, who was the evil sister of the demon king Hiranyakashyap. After the night of Holika Dahan on Choti Holi where a bonfire is lit, people play rang wali Holi with their friends and family. After all, what's Holi without being drenched in a bevy of colours and water! Different regions celebrate Holi in their own special ways; however, what makes all the regions alike is the love for food during this festival. If it's Holi, it is important to prepare savoury delicacies that are handy and easy-to-grab, considering you are drenched in colours and water and wouldn't want any hurdles in munching on your favourite foods.
Holi 2021: We listed down some easy-to-pick and eat savoury items that you'd want to prepare during Holi.
1. Aloo Ka Papad
What's better than a crispy and crunchy snack? Aloo ka papad is popularly prepared during Holi and makes for a simple and quick-to-make yummy snack. All you'd need is potatoes, oil, salt and chili powder to make these delights. If you wish to make it at home, then here's a delectable recipe of aloo ka papad.
(Also read: A Fully Prepared Lunch Menu For Holi)
Holi 2021: What's better than a crispy and crunchy snack?2. Dahi Bhalla
Dahi vade or dahi bhalle are fondly enjoyed by many on Holi. So whip up your favourite street snack at home by making vada using urad ki daal served with fresh yogurt topped with some tangy and zesty chaat masala, sonth and coriander chutney. Slurp! Here's a recipe of dahi vade by Niru Gupta to treat your palates. Try this dahi bhalle recipe with vadas made using urad and moong dal recipe by Chef Marut Sikka.
Holi 2021: Dahi vade or dahi bhalle are fondly enjoyed by many on Holi3. Kachori
Kachori makes an inevitable part of most Indian festivals. After all, these deep-fried delights are to die for! Dal kachori or masala kachori or even khasta kachori is bound to make your friends fall in love with this festival. Choose the fillings you want inside and you are good to go; or just make all of them! Try these recipes and impress your guests this Holi.
Holi 2021: Kachori makes an inevitable part of most Indian festivals4. Kanji Vada
Kanji vada is fried round of lentil batter which is fermented in water, mustard and asafoetida along with other spices. An easy dish to make, kanji vada makes for quite a popular Holi snack. These balls are added into a pot of warm water with rai, salt, red chili powder, whole red chilies and turmeric. This drink cum snack is light on stomach and is best enjoyed when served chilled. Here's a kanji ke vade recipe that you'd love to devour.
Holi 2021: Kanji vada is fried round of lentil batter which is fermented in water5. Chaat
There's no chance you can miss on adding chaat to your table; from gol gappas to paapdi chaat, aloo tikki to bhel puri and sev puri, these are must for celebrating the festival of colours, Holi.
Holi 2021: There's no chance you can miss on adding chaat to your tableThese fired fritters made using dhuli moong along with green chilies, fenugreek, ginger and oil is your perfect Holi food partner and is definitely a piece of cake to make. Here's an amazing recipe by Chef Niru Gupta that you'd want to make.
Holi 2021: These fired fritters made using dhuli moong along with green chilies7. Masala Chana
A bowlful of masala chana topped with some lemon juice, sev and coriander chutney definitely makes for an amazing Holi snack! This Holi, surprise your guests with this chana chaat and enjoy gorging on them. You can also pair them with kulchas if you want to make it a healthy treat. Here's a masala chana recipe that you must try at home.
Holi 2021: A bowlful of masala chana topped with some lemon juice8. Bhaang Ki Pakodi
Crunchy onion and potato pakodas dipped in chickpeas flour batter induced with a hint of bhaang is exactly what you'd need for a perfect Holi celebration. Try this bhaang ki pakodi recipe by Chef Niru Gupta.
Holi 2021: Crunchy onion and potato pakodas dipped in chickpeas flour batter
9. Ajwain Mathri
Mathri makes for an easy-to-grab snack which can be paired with any drink of your choice. This ajwain flavoured semolina mathri is bound to keep your accompanied every time you feel hungry. Here's a recipe by Chef Niru Gupta.
Holi 2021: Mathri makes for an easy-to-grab snack10. Tadka Dahi
Tadka dahi is spicy hung curd tempered with onions, tomatoes, red chilies, masalas, kasoori methi and curry leaves. Here's tadka dahi recipe that you can enjoy on Holi.
Holi 2021: Tadka dahi is spicy hung curd tempered with onions, tomatoesHappy Holi 2021!