Holi is an ancient Indian festival, also called the “day of colors” or the” festival of colors”. It is one of the most celebrated festivals of India, with each region having its own special Holi theme to celebrate the radiance and happiness associated with the season. Holi is the second most celebrated festival after the main festive season in the country. In fact, it is the second most popular Hindu festival after Diwali. Just like other major festivals in India, Holi is also incomplete without delicious delicacies. We know that sweet sugar loaded snacks can put a stop on your weight loss but don’t worry you can still enjoy these festivities without sabotaging your weight loss goals. Here are some of the healthier versions of traditional holi delicacies. Try these tasty and simple recipes this Holi and make your occasion memorable.
1. Almond Rose Rabri
This creamy and rich milk dessert definitely surprises your taste buds. By adding the exotic spice, saffron to this dish not only will give it a bright colour but gives a rich flavour and nice aroma too. Dried petals and rose water makes it even more perfect.
Almonds, soaked in water overnight & skin removed – ¾ cup, 1 liter whole milk and 400g of evaporated milk, 3 tbsp of sugar, 2 tbsp chopped pistachio, 1 tbsp of each cardamom, and milk, 2 tbsp of each dried khoya and dried rose petals, 2 tbsp rose water, and 7 to 8 saffron strands.
Preparation Method
- Heat a pan. Add evaporated milk to it and boil it. If you are using whole milk, then cook till the milk is reduced to half.
- Heat a pan, boil the evaporated milk and if you are using the whole milk, then let it cook till it is reduced to half.
- Now reduce the heat.
- Crush the saffron strands with 1 tbsp of milk. Now add this to the milk and let it cook for at least 5 minutes on low heat.
- Then add khoya, almonds, and sugar to it. Mix it well and cook for 3 minutes.
- Now mix the cardamom powder and pistachio to it. Cook for 2 minutes and remove from heat and add rose water. Mix well and let it cool.
- Garnish your almond rabri with dried rose petals and chopped pistachio, and dried rose petals. Serve warm and enjoy!
2. No Fry Dahi Vada
These language dumplings are soft and easily melt in your mouth. Plus, dahi vada contains a good dose of iron, calcium, minerals, etc. Traditionally this dish is made by deep frying the batter. you can try this healthy version with a few drops of oil and without compromising flavours.
To make this recipe you need 2 cups of urad daal, 2 green chilies, 1 inch ginger, 1/2 cup of each tamarind date chutney and sugar, 4 cups plain yogurt, 1 tbsp of each ground coriander and cumin, 2 tbsp of kashmiri red chilli powder, 1 tbsp oil, 1/4 cup thin sev, 2 tbsp kosher salt or pink salt and 1/4 cup diced coriander leaves.
Preparation Method
- First, rinse the urad dal with water 2 to 3 times and soak it in water for 4 to 6 hours.
- Drain the water. Blend urad daal and fresh ginger and green chillies to get a smooth paste and add a few spoons of water. You will get a thick cake batter consistency. To make the vada’s fluffy and light add salt and beat the batter lightly with a hand blender
- Take a paniyaram pan, heat it on medium-low heat. Put a few drops of oil in each section then add 1 to 2 tbsp of batter in each section. Cover the pan with a lid. Cook it for 4 to 5 minutes on low heat until the vadas turn lightly golden. Flip them over and cook from the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Now take a bowl of 3 cups of water. Then put the vadas in it, let them soak for 5 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile in another bowl whisk yogurt, add 1/2 cup of water, sugar, and salt, and make it a smooth, pourable consistency. Now take the vadas from the bowl and squeeze all the water by pressing them. Now keep all the vadas in a serving platter and pour 1 cup of prepared yogurt over them.
- After doing this, refrigerate them for 1 to 2 hours and have them. You can sprinkle a tbsp of tamarind-date chutney, some red chili powder, ground coriander and cumin. You can also sprinkle coriander leaves and crunchy sev. They can be stored in the fridge for a week.
3. Puff Pastry Gujia
This is a healthy and modified version of the famous Indian sweet gujia. This recipe will take only 30 minutes for the preparation and making. To make this tasty recipe: To make khoya you need 1 cup of nonfat milk powder, 1/4 cup of milk, and 1/8 cup of ghee.
To make puff pastry you need 1 tbsp of each cardamom powder, and honey for brushing, 2 tbsp of each chopped cashew and almonds, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/8 cup of raisins, 6 puff pastry sheets, and pistachio for garnishing.
Khoya Preparation:
- In a microwaveable bowl add clarified butter, and milk powder to it and mix well. Then add milk to it and mix it well.
- Cook this in the microwave for 2 minutes. Mix well, cook again for at least 30 seconds.
- Stir again and cook it for 30 more sec. At this point, you will get a thick khoya, now let it cool.
Khoya Puff Preparation:
- Heat a pan, add a tbsp of clarified butter, then add dried milk or khoya to it, and cook it until it turns brown in color.
- Now add cardamom powder, sugar, chopped cashew, sugar, and raisins.
- Mix it again and keep it aside. The khoya mixture is ready.
- Preheat the oven at 180°C.
- Now roll out puff pastry sheets into a square. Now take about the mixture and place it in the center and seal tightly with the help of water or milk.
- Use a clove to seal the edge. Brush the top with clarified butter and repeat this process with the remaining sheets.
- Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes, or till the puff turns into golden brown.
- You can decorate your puffs with silver varq and brush little honey on top. Sprinkle the pistachios on top, and enjoy!
With healthy lifestyle choices and diet, you can enjoy festive times guilt-free. So, this Holi do try these healthy and delicious recipes.
