Waquar Habib
Gujiya is a sweet dumpling filled with khoya, coconut, dry fruits, and sugar. It is considered to be the ultimate holi dish. The dough is made with all-purpose flour and ghee, and the filling is stuffed into it. After sealing the edges, Gujiya is deep-fried until golden brown.
Thandai is a cold, flavourful drink blending milk, sugar, nuts and aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, and black pepper. The mixture is strained to remove any coarse particles. It has rejuvenating properties and is popular during Holi, a festival celebrating the arrival of spring.
Pakoras are a popular Indian snack made by deep-frying vegetables or paneer in a seasoned batter made from chickpea flour, spices and water. It makes for delicious snacks and is a must on Holi.
Dahi Vada is an Indian snack of lentil dumplings soaked in seasoned yoghurt, and topped with tamarind and mint chutneys. Lentil batter is made by grinding soaked urad dal and then fried into vadas. It is one Holi dish that everybody simply can't get enough of.
Bhang Pakoras are cannabis-infused fritters that coat vegetables with a batter made of chickpea flour, spices, and ground cannabis leaves or seeds. They are associated with Lord Shiva and are consumed in moderation during Holi for relaxation and celebration.
Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread filled with cooked lentils, jaggery, and spices. It's made of whole wheat flour dough and lentils cooked with jaggery until thick. The dough is rolled with the lentil filling and cooked on a griddle with ghee until golden brown. It symbolizes balance and is shared during Holi.
Shakkarpara are sweet diamond-shaped cookies made with flour, ghee, sugar, and cardamom. The dough is rolled out, cut into diamond shapes, deep-fried, and coated with powdered sugar.
Malpua is a sweet pancake made with a batter of flour, milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is fried until golden brown and crispy. It represents the sweetness of life and is served during Holi celebrations.
Moong Dal Halwa is a rich and aromatic dessert made with ground yellow lentils, ghee, sugar, cardamom and saffron. It is garnished with chopped nuts and is considered auspicious during Holi festivities.
Gajar Ka Halwa is a classic Indian dessert with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It is cooked until thickened and caramelised, flavoured with cardamom, garnished with chopped nuts and enjoyed during Holi as a symbol of joy and happiness.