Holi Food – 100 Holi Recipes For Sweets & Snacks | Holi 2024

Holi, also known as the ‘festival of colors’ is as Indian festival that marks the end of winter and rejoices the arrival of spring. This year Choti Holi or Holika Dahan will be celebrated on March 24, 2024 and rangwali Holi (color celebration) on March 25, 2024. Here’s my exclusive list of special Holi Food which includes 100 Holi Recipes (snacks, sweets, drinks etc) that you can make and relish with your near and dear ones on this special day.

collage of holi recipes with a the text of holi recipes and holi sweets, snacks and drinks listed on image

Significance of Holi

Holi is the ‘festival of colors’ and spring that we celebrate in different ways but with plenty of joyfulness, togetherness and love. This festival also marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and positivity over negativity.

One of the most revered festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm through the length and breadth of the country.

This is also the day when people get together forgetting all their past resentments, begin their relationship in a new way or mend broken relationships. Thus, Holi is sometimes referred to as the ‘festival of love’ as well.

This Hindu festival is celebrated over a day and night, starting in the evening of Full Moon Day or Purnima which is known as Choti Holi or Holika Dahan. The next day is Holi, which includes playing with color as a part of the festivities.

Here, I am sharing 100 Holi Recipes that are made during this spring festival. From the most classic and traditional to the modern ones, these recipes can be easily scaled to feed a large group of people.

Holi Pan India

Holi is known by different names in different regions of India. For instance,

  • Lathmaar Holi in Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsana, Nandgaon, which are also places associated with Bhagwan Krishna and Holi Milan in other parts of Uttar Pradesh
  • Rang Panchami or Shigma in Maharashtra
  • Dulandi Holi in Haryana
  • Hola Mohalla in Punjab
  • Dol Yatra or Basant Utsav in Bengal
  • Shigmo in Goa
  • Kumaoni Holi in Uttarakhand
  • Manjal Kuli in Kerala
  • Yaosang or Yaoshang in Manipur

You will be surprised to know that despite of the ones mentioned above, there are many more ways of celebrating Holi within different communities in cities and villages. Though, each has their unique way of playing Holi, the spirit remains the same.

The traditional food and drinks of Holi is what enhances the celebrations. As I list down my 100 Holi Recipes here, I’m sure you’ll be all set to plan your special menus of this vibrant day.

Eco-Friendly Holi

While playing Holi, it is always better to avoid chemical-based colors and play with plant-based or eco-friendly colors. Chemically processed colors are not only toxic, but also harm the skin and are difficult to wash and clean.

You can also make your own natural colors at home from flowers, leaves, fruit peels or skin and other food ingredients. For example, marigold, turmeric powder, gram flour, pomegranate peels, beetroot, henna leaves, etc. are popularly used to make organic colors.  

A common trick which most of the people use to minimize the effect of the colors is to spread some mustard oil on their skin before going out to play Holi. This thin layer of oil on the skin later helps in getting rid of the color off the skin easily, without much rubbing.

About Holi Food

There are many quintessential snacks and sweets that are synonymous with this ‘festival of colors.’ Like no one can actually imagine Holi without delicious gujiyas and the lovely thandai. These are an absolute must on Holi, especially in North India.

Some pre-planning is good to make things easy and time-saving, so that you can enjoy the day fully. Like for a samosa or kachori, you can prepare the filling or dough a day prior and refrigerate. Same for the thandai paste, which can be prepared a few days before the festival and refrigerated or frozen.

You will find this essential list of Holi Recipes really helpful in planning your Holi menu. Some of these may not be authentic recipes, but still are great for your Holi party. You can do according to what works best for you by adapting the recipes with ingredients that are available in your city or town.

The list features a variety of snacks, sweets and beverages that can be made at home. With this, here’s wishing everyone a Happy Holi. Celebrate this spirit of love, joy, warmth and deliciousness with your family and friends, but be safe.

This is the list of those traditional food dishes, without which Holi is definitely incomplete. Make one, make two or make all, the choice is yours.

gujiya arranged neatly on a white plate placed on a white and blue checkered napkin.
Difficult 1 hour 15 minutes

Gujiya Recipe (Fried and Baked)

Gujiya is a popular and traditional North Indian sweet of a crisp, flaky pastry filled with a sweet khoya (evaporated milk solids) and dry fruits stuffing. They can be fried as well as baked. Get both the fried and baked versions in this recipe.
thandai recipe garnished with rose petals in two glass jars with a small glass jar of milk in the background on a bright blue board
Moderate 1 hour 30 minutes

Thandai Recipe – Traditional Holi Recipe

Thandai is a traditional and popular North Indian drink, made during the Holi festival. A typical Thandai recipe is made with a powder or paste of nuts & seeds like almonds, pistachios, poppy seeds, melon seeds with fragrant spices like green cardamom, fennel seeds, black pepper, saffron and hints of rose. This Thandai powder or paste is further mixed with milk to make the refreshing and cooling Thandai drink.
top shot of assembled dahi vada in a light green rimmed cream shallow plate topped with white curd, reddish tamarind chutney, green coriander chutney, pomegranate arils, chaat masala, cumin powder and coriander leaves
Moderate 8 hours 45 minutes

Dahi Vada Recipe (Authentic)

Fluffy, tender, tangy and sweet Dahi Vada are a combination of all your favorite flavors and textures in one tasty snack. Dahi Vada consist of homemade fried lentil dumpling fritters, dunked in creamy whipped yogurt and topped with both spicy and sweet chutneys.
closeup shot of malpua with rabdi served in a oval plate
Moderate 1 hour

Malpua Recipe (Classic Homemade Sweet)

Malpua is a traditional and popular Indian sweet of pan fried or shallow fried flour pancakes dipped in sugar syrup and served with rabdi or sweetened thickened milk. These crispy and fluffy pancakes are made with all-purpose flour, curd (yogurt), spices, khoya (dried milk solids) and topped with nuts.
dal kachori placed on a wooden platter with fried green chilies and red chili chutney in a bowl.
Moderate 2 hours 45 minutes

Kachori Recipe | Khasta Kachori With Moong Dal

A Kachori Recipe that makes for a truly flaky and crispy homemade Khasta Kachori, filled with a spiced, tangy, savory moong dal stuffing in a perfect dough made from scratch – all bundled up together and fried to perfection.
sweet lassi topped with crushed cardamom powder and saffron in two tall glasses
Easy 10 minutes

Lassi Recipe

Lassi is a cooling, refreshing, probiotic drink perfect for the warm summer months made essentially with curd or yogurt, fragrant spices and sugar or salt. Popular in Punjab and North India, there are many variations of this sweet lassi recipe. Find three easy, energizing and flavorful lassi recipe variations.
closeup image of gulab jamun served in a white bowl on a white napkin.
Moderate 45 minutes

Gulab Jamun Recipe

Delicious Gulab Jamun Recipe made with khoya or mawa (milk solids,) paneer and sugar in the traditional way. Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian sweet and this recipe is the classic traditional method of making these treats.
5 hours 30 minutes

Dahi Bhalla | Dahi Bhalle Chaat

Popular and Tasty North Indian snack of dahi bhalla papdi chaat.
matar kachori recipe, peas kachori recipe
Moderate 1 hour

Matar Kachori

Matar ki kachori is a flaky, crispy deep-fried pastry filled with savory, spiced green peas stuffing. In the Hindi language, matar means green peas and Kachori is a deep-fried and flaky pastry.
overhead shot of papdi chaat in a white bowl
Moderate 9 hours 20 minutes

Papdi Chaat Recipe | Papri Chaat (Street Style)

Papdi chaat is a popular North Indian street food snack filled with a variety of mouth-watering textures, flavors and consists of papdi (fried flour crackers), boiled chickpeas, potatoes, chutneys and curd (yogurt.
paneer tikka
Moderate 2 hours 30 minutes

Paneer Tikka Recipe (Tandoori Paneer Starter Snack)

This Restaurant Style Paneer Tikka is a popular and delicious tandoori starter and snack where paneer (Indian cottage cheese cubes) are marinated in a spiced yogurt-based marinade, arranged on skewers and grilled in the oven.
samosa chaat served on a white plate.
30 minutes

Samosa Chaat

Samosa chaat is a lip-smacking chaat made with samosa, chickpea curry, various chutneys and spices.

Holi Snacks

Snacks are a significant part of Holi get togethers. There are many varieties of Indian snacks that are usually made during this festival. Here, I am also including some modern options that can bring a new twist to your menu of Holi snacks.

This list is categorized into

  • Fried Snacks
  • Pakoda
  • Chaat and Street Food
  • Sandwiches and Pizzas

For healthier options, make sandwiches with whole grain breads and pizzas with whole wheat crust and assorted vegetable toppings.

Fried Snacks

samosa kept in a cream tray with a bowl of green chutney and fried green chillies by the side
Moderate 1 hour 30 minutes

Samosa Recipe | How to make Punjabi Samosa

A Samosa recipe that is your popular and classic Punjabi Samosa (or Aloo Samosa) with a super flaky, crispy crust and a savory, tangy potato and green peas filling. You can also choose to air-fry or bake these samosa instead of deep frying.
three aloo tikki kept vertically on a white plate with a spoon and a splash of coriander chutney on the plate.
Moderate 40 minutes

Aloo Tikki Recipe (Indian Potato Patties)

Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian street food snack of savory, spiced and crispy potato patties. A basic Aloo Tikki Recipe is made with potatoes, spices, herbs, breadcrumbs or a binding flour and can be stuffed with a filling of mashed cooked green peas or cooked chana dal or paneer.
dahi ke kabab on a platter with some sliced onion rounds and a sprinkling of chaat masala
Moderate 8 hours 15 minutes

Dahi Kabab | Tasty Dahi ke Kabab (Yogurt Kebab)

This is a traditional Dahi Kabab recipe that makes for a crisp, soft and tasty kababs. This Dahi ke Kabab are made with curd or yogurt, gram flour, onions, ginger, chilies, coriander leaves and spices.
hara bhara kabab recipe
Moderate 50 minutes

Hara Bhara Kabab Recipe (Pan-fried & Baked)

Hara bhara kabab is made with fresh spinach leaves, green peas and potatoes. So they are nutritious as well as delicious. Hara bhara kebab makes for a good Indian starter or snack. This green kabab can also be stuffed in burger buns or sandwiches can be made from them. 
vada pav
Moderate 50 minutes

Vada Pav Recipe | How to make Mumbai Vada Pav

Vada Pav is a popular and delicious Mumbai street food of fried batter coated potato dumplings sandwiched in a pav (soft dinner rolls), together with sweet tamarind chutney, green chutney and dry garlic chutney.
overhead shot of a bowlful of homemade seasoned french fries with dipping sauces
Moderate 30 minutes

French Fries Recipe (Crispy & Perfect)

Perfectly salted French Fries that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Make these homemade french fries or finger chips recipe easily with a few techniques and customize it with your favorite herbs and spices or toppings.
potato wedges recipe
Moderate 30 minutes

Potato Wedges (Fried and Baked)

These delicious golden brown wedges are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Prepare them in two ways and add rice flour to make them extra crispy and gluten-free. Make in just 30 minutes and serve this tasty vegan dish as a snack or side with your preferred dipping sauce.
bread roll served on a white platter with a side of green chutney and text layover.
Moderate 50 minutes

Bread Roll Recipe (Indian Style)

This is a crispy and tasty recipe of bread roll with a spiced, savory, tangy mashed potato filling. Makes for a delicious evening snack or an after school snack for kids.
batata vada served on a white plate with fried green chilies kept on the left side.
Moderate 45 minutes

Batata Vada Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Aloo Vada

Batata vada is a fried snack of batter-coated potato stuffed fritter dumplings. Making these take some time but absolutely worth it. I share this lip smacking delicious recipe of Maharashtrian style batata vada that you will love.
mathri in a white plate
Moderate 1 hour 10 minutes

Mathri Recipe (Punjabi Mathiya or Mathari)

Mathri also called as mathiya or mathari is a popular North Indian tea time snack of savory, flaky, spiced and crispy crackers made with all-purpose flour, spices and seasonings. I share both fried and baked versions.
urad dal kachori recipe
Moderate 1 hour

Urad Dal Kachori

Urad Dal Kachori are soft as well as crispy lentil stuffed deep fried pastry from the Uttar Pradesh cuisine. This traditionally made kachori is stuffed with a savory, spiced urad dal filling encased in a dough pastry that is deep fried to a golden perfection.

Pakoda

Moderate 30 minutes

Onion Pakoda Recipe | Onion Pakora (Punjabi Style)

Onion Pakoda also called Onion Pakora is a deep fried snack made with plenty of thinly sliced onions, gram flour (besan), and a few spices. This recipe is a classic Punjabi style version which is flavorful, tasty, crispy and tastes best with a side of coriander chutney, mint chutney or ketchup.
bread pakora recipe
Moderate 1 hour 5 minutes

Bread Pakora Recipe (North Indian Style)

Bread pakora is a popular North Indian snack of bread fritters. Bread slices are stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes filling, batter-coated and then deep-fried.
closeup shot of aloo pakora arranged on a plate with slices of wheat bread on a square white plate
Moderate 25 minutes

Aloo Pakora Recipe (Aloo Bajji)

Aloo pakora are soft melt-in-the-mouth fried potato fritters coated in a delicious, golden, crispy gram flour batter. Make this awesome vegan potato snack also known as potato bajji or aloo bajji in less than 30 minutes.
palak pakoda served in a bowl on a wooden board
Easy 30 minutes

Palak Pakoda Recipe (North Indian Style)

Easy Palak Pakoda recipe are a quick savory snack made with finely chopped spinach leaves mixed in seasoned gram flour batter and deep fried.
Easy 25 minutes

Paneer Pakora Recipe (North Indian Style)

Paneer pakora are savory gram flour batter coated Indian cottage cheese fritters. Paneer pakora make for quick evening snack having a lovely crispy texture with a moist, soft paneer from within.
mirchi bajji recipe, mirapakaya bajji recipe, stuffed mirchi bhajiya recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Mirchi Bajji Recipe | Chilli Bajji | Mirapakaya Bajji

Tangy, spiced, crunchy and tasty stuffed Mirchi Bajji. These delicious Chilli Bajji are also known as Mirapakaya Bajji in Andhra and is a well known street food there. 
vegetable pakora in a black wooden bowl placed next to a white striped kitchen linen
Moderate 30 minutes

Vegetable Pakora Recipe (Crispy & Easy)

Make crispy and tasty mixed Vegetable pakora recipe with my easy recipe. Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, this veg pakora has a crispy, crunchy exterior with a soft interior. The recipe is naturally vegan and can be made gluten-free.
moong dal pakoda served in a white platter with tomato ketchup, dry garlic chutney and fried green chilies.
Moderate 4 hours 30 minutes

Moong Dal Pakoda | Moong Dal Bhajiya | Moong Dal Vada

Moong Dal Pakoda also called Moong Dal Bhajiya or Moong Dal Vada are mildly spiced fried fritters made with yellow mung lentils, herbs and spices.

Chaat And Street Food

pani puri served on a white plate
Easy 35 minutes

Pani Puri

Pani puri is a popular Indian street food of crispy, fried, hollow dough balls that are stuffed with boiled potatoes, steamed moong sprouts, spicy tangy water and sweet chutney.
pav bhaji served in a rectangular serving tray with buttered pav and chopped onions, cilantro and lemon wedges on a white table
Moderate 40 minutes

Pav Bhaji Recipe (Traditional & Instant Pot Methods)

Pav Bhaji is a hearty, delightsome, flavorful meal of mashed vegetable gravy with fluffy soft buttery dinner rolls served with a side of crunchy piquant onions, tangy lemon and herby coriander. You will love this pav bhaji recipe for its Mumbai style flavors. I share the traditional method of making Mumbai street style Pav Bhaji recipe and a quick Instant Pot recipe.
raj kachori recipe, raj kachori chaat recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Raj Kachori | Tasty Raj Kachori Chaat

Raj kachori also called as the king of all kachoris is a popular chaat snack from north India.
katori chaat recipe, aloo lachha tokri chaat recipe
Moderate 45 minutes

Katori Chaat Recipe | Tokri Chaat

Katori chaat also known as tokri chaat is a popular chaat snack from north India. Fried potato baskets are topped with cooked chana, boiled potatoes, sweet and spicy chutneys, curd and a few spice powders. 
aloo puri recipe
Moderate 1 hour 15 minutes

Aloo Puri Recipe

This Punjabi Aloo Puri recipe is a traditional dish of a spiced Potato Curry (Aloo Sabzi) served with Puri. Both the Aloo Curry and the Puri (Indian fry bread) served together makes for a filling and satisfying meal.
matar kulcha recipe
Moderate 8 hours 30 minutes

Matar Kulcha | Matar Chaat – Delhi Style Recipe

Matar Kulcha is a popular North Indian street food, especially in Delhi and Punjab. This filling dish is a meal in itself and comprises of the matar curry which is a tangy, spiced dried white peas curry and the kulcha which are soft tender leavened flatbreads.
aloo kulcha in a white plate
Moderate 3 hours 10 minutes

Aloo Kulcha

Aloo Kulcha is a crisp and soft leavened flatbread stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling. The dish is from the North Indian cuisine and is very popular in Delhi as well as Punjab.
paneer kulcha served on a white plate.
Moderate 3 hours

Paneer Kulcha Recipe

Paneer kulcha are leavened flatbreads stuffed with a spiced and savory Indian cottage cheese filling. These flatbreads are made on a skillet or tawa to make for crispy yet soft and tender kulcha.
white plate with sections filled with punjabi chole masala, sliced onions, fresh lemon wedges and bhatura on a marble table-top.
Moderate 9 hours 45 minutes

Chole Recipe | Authentic Punjabi Chole Masala

One of the best Chole Recipe that you can make. This Punjabi Chole Masala is made with freshly powdered spices, onions, tomatoes, herbs making the curry taste like the ones you get on the streets of Delhi. 
Bhatura
Moderate 9 hours

Bhatura Recipe (Naturally Fermented Bhature)

Bhatura or Bhature is a thick leavened fried Indian bread made with yeast or without yeast. These soft and fluffy no yeast bhatura are made with whole wheat flour (atta) and curd (dahi).
closeup shot of dahi sev batata puri sprinkled with sev and coriander leaves on a white plate.
Moderate 45 minutes

Dahi Puri Recipe

Dahi puri also known as dahi batata puri is a delicious, yummy, chatpata chaat snack from Mumbai. It is sweet, sour, tangy, spicy and crispy chaat.
bhel puri served with a side of crisp baked puri in a red rimmed white bowl.
Easy 30 minutes

Bhel Puri | Tasty Bhel Recipe Mumbai Style

Bhel puri is a crispy, sweet, tangy, spicy dish made with puffed rice, onions, tomatoes and assorted chutneys. This bhel recipe is easy to make and includes quick recipes for the three chutneys.
overhead shot of sev puri on a dark purple plate on a a dark blue table
Moderate 45 minutes

Sev Puri

Sev puri recipe is a canapé like snack -where crispy fried flour discs are topped with flavorful condiments, veggies, herbs, ground spices and more. Spicy, sweet, tangy, savory, crunchy, crispy flavors – all bursting in your mouth in each bite. Learn to make this mouthwatering snack with my authentic Mumbai style recipe.
aloo chaat recipe
Easy 15 minutes

Aloo Chaat Recipe (Street Style)

Aloo chaat is fried crisp potatoes tossed in spicy and sweet chutneys, a few ground spice powders and then topped with curd, pomegranate arils and sev. It is a popular street food snack.
two rolled veg frankie on a bed of grated carrots on a square shaped white plate on a burlap
Moderate 1 hour

Frankie Recipe (Veg Frankie)

This Veg frankie recipe is a delicious wrap made with thin wheat rotis stuffed with crisp aloo tikki, veggies and yogurt raita. It makes for a filling and tasty snack.
two paneer rolls wrapped in butter paper and placed on a square white plate.
Moderate 55 minutes

Paneer Roll Recipe | Paneer Kathi Roll | Paneer Wrap

One of the best paneer roll recipe with tasty paneer stuffing paired together with healthy veggie salad and bright green chutney.
burger made with veggie patty, topped with onion, cucumber and lettuce on a white plate
Moderate 50 minutes

Burger Recipe | Veggie Burger

This Burger Recipe covers everything needed to make delightful veggie burgers from scratch, including how to prepare delicious homemade vegetable patties, a spiced mayonnaise dressing with fresh veggie toppings.
aloo tikki burger recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Aloo Tikki Burger (Potato Burger)

Aloo tikki burger recipe where crisp golden potato patties are sandwiched in burger buns and then topped with fresh raw veggies and spiced with chutneys. Good to look at and good to eat too.

Sandwiches And Pizzas

bombay veg sandwich dotted with green chutney and tomato ketchup on a white plate.
Moderate 35 minutes

Bombay Sandwich Recipe (Street Style)

This Bombay Sandwich Recipe is a popular Mumbai street food of flavorful and tasty sandwiches made with mix vegetables like beetroot, potato, tomato, onion and cucumber paired with butter, green chutney and a few ground spice powders. Also famous as the Mumbai Sandwich, this is a sweet, salty, spicy and savory recipe filled with a flavor that will leave you wanting for more!
grilled sandwich with the filling side shown some potato wafers on a white plate
Moderate 50 minutes

Indian Grilled Sandwich Recipe (With Veggies)

This Grilled Sandwich Recipe which also happens to be an Indian street food favorite is filled with spiced cilantro chutney and delicious vegetables, then grilled to perfection. If you’re in the market for a new veggie laden sandwich, try my authentic Indian Veg Grilled Sandwich recipe today!
overhead shot of cheese sandwich triangle slices with cilantro dip on a white plate
Easy 20 minutes

Cheese Sandwich (Grilled & On Skillet)

There’s nothing more simple to make and satisfying to enjoy than a warm, crisp and gooey cheese sandwich. Here I share two ways to prepare an easy grilled cheese sandwich in less than 20 minutes. Try your preferred recipe for a quick and yummy breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.
chilli cheese toast recipe
Moderate 14 minutes

Chilli Cheese Toast

Chilli Cheese Toast is a tasty cheese toast that is spiced with green chilli peppers, ginger and seasonings. An easy breakfast or snack to prepare and serve.
mayonnaise sandwich topped with grated carrots and cheese on a square white plate
Easy 15 minutes

Mayonnaise Sandwich Recipe (Vegetarian)

This is a tasty and easy to prepare Mayonnaise Sandwich recipe made with mix vegetables, eggless mayonnaise and ground spices is a vegetarian take on these classic sandwiches. This Mayo Sandwich make for a hearty snack that can be made quickly.
close up shot of stacked cucumber sandwiches with the visible layers of cucumber and bread placed on a white plate.
Easy 10 minutes

Cucumber Sandwich

This simple Cucumber sandwich recipe is perfect to prepare as a light snack or lunch. It's easy to make and great for customizing with your favorite ingredients, like tomatoes, cheese, and/or herbs.
cheese sandwich recipe | cheese toast sandwich recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Veg Cheese Sandwich (Bombay Style)

Delicious and filling Vegetable Cheese Sandwich made with assorted mix veggies like tomato, cucumber, onion, bell peppers, boiled potatoes topped with grated cheddar and later grilled to perfection.
chutney sandwich recipe
Easy 15 minutes

Chutney Sandwich Recipe

Chutney Sandwich recipe is a quick and four-ingredient recipe to make tasty and flavorful sandwiches. The green chutney is made with coriander leaves (cilantro), coconut, green chillies and seasonings. A no onion and no garlic recipe.
bread pizza recipe on tawa, bread pizza recipe without oven
Easy 15 minutes

Bread Pizza (Easy 15 Minutes)

This bread pizza made on the griddle is a quick, easy and tasty bread snack. The bread base mimics the pizza base with veggie toppings.
Whole round Pizza on a wooden pizza plate with a cut triangular slice on left top side
Moderate 1 hour 30 minutes

Pizza Recipe | Homemade Vegetarian Pizza

Treat yourself to the best homemade Pizza recipe that’s completely customizable to your tastes. Plan your next pizza party using my foolproof recipe for making perfect Veg Pizza from scratch every time!
close up of margherita pizza wedge on butter paper
Easy 1 hour 20 minutes

Margherita Pizza Recipe (Easy & Homemade)

Flavorful Margherita Pizza made with homemade whole wheat pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil, but can also be made using store bought staples and your choice of toppings.
tawa pizza
Easy 45 minutes

Tawa Pizza Recipe | Pizza Without Oven

Easy recipe of a no yeast veg pizza made on a tawa or skillet, and without oven. 
paneer pizza served on a wooden pizza board.
Moderate 1 hour 40 minutes

Paneer Pizza | Paneer Cheese Pizza

Yum homemade Paneer Pizza from scratch made with toppings of Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), pizza sauce, mix veggies on a whole wheat crust.

Holi Sweets

Sweets are a must for any Indian festival, let alone be Holi. This is the list of some popular Indian sweets and desserts which will only level-up your Holi revelries.

kala jamun
Moderate 45 minutes

Kala Jamun | Black Gulab Jamun

This is an easy and delicious recipe of kala jamun made with khoya (mawa) and cottage cheese.
puran poli folded and served on a green color plate.
Moderate 2 hours

Puran Poli Recipe

Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with a sweet lentil filling made from hulled and spilt bengal gram/chana dal, jaggery and ground spices. This traditional recipe is from the Maharashtrian cuisine.
closeup overhead shot of phirni with pistachios and almond slivers garnish on glass bowl on black board
Easy 30 minutes

Phirni Recipe | Firni

Phirni is a classic creamy slow-cooked sweet pudding made with ground rice, sugar, milk, almonds, saffron and cardamom powder. It is a popular North Indian sweet made during festive occasions.
rice kheer recipe
Moderate 50 minutes

Kheer Recipe | Rice Kheer

Rice Kheer is a popular Indian sweet dessert made with basmati rice, whole milk, nuts and saffron. Kheer recipe is easy and is made with a one pan or one pot method. Rice Kheer is basically Indian rice pudding and makes for a creamy delicious sweet dessert. 
seviyan kheer served in a glass bowl with text layover.
Easy 20 minutes

Seviyan Kheer (Vermicelli Kheer North Indian Style)

This creamy seviyan kheer is a North Indian sweet made with wheat vermicelli, milk, sugar, dry fruits and flavored with spices. This incredibly easy recipe of semiya kheer comes together in 20 minutes and makes for an excellent dessert or sweet.
suji halwa recipe
Moderate 15 minutes

Suji ka Halwa Recipe (Sheera Recipe)

Suji ka halwa or Sheera is a classic Indian semolina pudding made with sugar, ghee and dry fruits. The recipe I have shared is a family heirloom recipe. We have been making this suji halwa recipe for decades during family get togethers, special occasions & festivals. The sooji halwa recipe can be easily halved, doubled or tripled.
five karanji pieces on a white plate on a cream doily
Moderate 1 hour 20 minutes

Karanji Recipe (Authentic)

Karanji is a crisp, flaky, fried, moon-shaped pastry stuffed with a sweet filling of desiccated coconut, nuts and dry fruits. It is also one of the sweet snack that is made during Diwali festival.
jalebi in a basket
Moderate 15 hours 45 minutes

Jalebi Recipe | Best Homemade Jalebi Recipe

Jalebi are funnel-cake style fried spirals that are doused in a sweet sugar syrup for a delightful treat. This homemade jalebi recipe makes for crispy, crunchy, syrupy, juicy jalebi and is traditional method.
4 balls of rasmalai in an oblong white serving dish covered with thickened milk and garnished with sliced almonds and saffron threads
Moderate 50 minutes

Rasmalai Recipe | Rasmalai Sweet

Rasmalai is a popular Bengali sweet of Indian cottage cheese (chenna or paneer) balls or discs soaked in thickened, sweetened milk that has been scented with cardamom and saffron. A creamy, melt in your mouth Indian dessert sweet.
overhead shot of two rasgulla with syrup in a glass bowl
Moderate 40 minutes

Rasgulla Recipe | How to make Soft Rasgulla

Rasgulla is a popular Bengali sweet and is also called as rosogolla. This Bengali rasgulla recipe will guide you in making soft and spongy rasgulla.
kaju katli stacked spirally
Moderate 20 minutes

Kaju Katli Recipe | How to make Kaju Barfi

These Kaju Katli are the way they are actually meant to be – thin, smooth, melt in the mouth slices of cashew goodness. A popular Indian sweet made with cashews, sugar and water.
besan ke laddu, besan ladoo
Moderate 30 minutes

Easy Besan ke Laddu Recipe

Besan Ladoo or Besan ke Laddu is a popular Indian sweet made during festivals. These are round sweet balls made with gram flour a.k.a besan, powdered sugar and clarified butter (ghee).
motichoor ladoo recipe, motichur laddu recipe, motichoor ke ladoo recipe
Moderate 30 minutes

Motichur Laddu Recipe (Motichoor Ladoo)

Motichur Laddu are soft, delish melt in the mouth ladoo made mainly with gram flour, sugar, and spices. One of the most popular Indian sweet.
rava ladoo in a circle with lit earthern lamp in center on a bronze plate
Moderate 30 minutes

Rava Laddu Recipe (Suji Ke Laddu)

An easy peasy method to make Rava Laddu for Diwali or any festival. This Rava Ladoo also known as Suji ke Laddu are sweet balls made with rava (sooji or semolina), coconut, powdered sugar, dry fruits, nuts and ghee.
malai kulfi recipe, matka kulfi recipe
40 minutes

malai kulfi

This is an easy and delicious kesar pista malai kulfi made without condensed milk or khoya (mawa).
top shot of rabri in red bowl with nuts and a light sprinkle of saffron powder from top.
Moderate 1 hour 20 minutes

Rabdi Recipe | Rabri Recipe

Rabdi or rabri is a classic, traditional Indian sweet of thickened sweetened milk filled with layers of clotted cream (malai). It is also known as lachha rabdi in Hindi language.
shahi tukda in a white oblong serving plate with a bowl of homemade rabri
Moderate 1 hour 30 minutes

Shahi Tukda Recipe | Traditional Shahi Tukra Sweet

Shahi Tukda is a rich, royal, indulgent and popular dessert from the Mughlai Cuisine. It is made of ghee fried bread slices that are soaked in rose & cardamom scented sugar syrup that are topped with fragrant, creamy, sweetened, thickened milk (a.k.a rabdi) that is flavored with exotic saffron. It is garnished with nuts like almonds, pistachios, cashews and sometimes even edible silver leaf (varak).
7 peda pieces on a red plate placed on white doilies.
Moderate 15 minutes

Peda Recipe | Doodh Peda | Milk Peda

This rich peda recipe is a delightfully sweet fudge-like confection made with khoya (dried milk solids), sugar, nuts and fragrant spices. Make this simple and quick doodh peda recipe (milk peda) for any festival or celebrations.
squares of kalakand laid out on a piece of parchment
Easy 20 minutes

Kalakand Recipe | Kalakand Sweet

This two-ingredient, super fast recipe for Kalakand (a.k.a. Indian Milk Cake) comes together in just 15 minutes thanks to the help of a can of sweetened condensed milk.
puran poli recipe
Moderate 1 hour 30 minutes

Bobbatlu Recipe | Obbattu Recipe | Holige Recipe

Bobbatlu also called Holige or Obbattu is a South Indian festive treat of sweetened flat breads. These flat breads are stuffed with cooked and finely ground mixture of chana dal, jaggery, cardamom powder and ground nutmeg. This Bobbatlu Recipe makes for one of the best Bobbatlu made with a sweet chana dal stuffing. 

Holi Drinks

Here you have a collection of both Indian and global non-alcoholic drinks that are perfect to beat the heat on Holi. These will also help you to rehydrate and instantly get energized after playing with colors.

Beverages like Jaljeera and Nimbu Pani can be made a few days prior to the festival and refrigerated. For the Aam Panna, you can make the mango concentrate a couple of days earlier and refrigerate.

jaljeera recipe, jal jeera recipe
Moderate 20 minutes

Jaljeera Recipe

Jaljeera is an Indian spiced, tangy and savory cooling drink, which is also served as an appetizer. This North Indian, non-alcoholic, vegan beverage is made with water, cumin and other amazing spices and herbs.
closeup shot of shikanji in a glass with mint leaves
Easy 5 minutes

Nimbu Pani Recipe | Shikanji (Indian Lemonade)

Nimbu Pani and Shikanji are the Indian versions of lemonade or limeade made with fresh lemon juice, water, sugar, salt and optionally a few ground spices.
aam panna in glass on a green table.
Moderate 20 minutes

Aam Panna Recipe – With Boiled and Roasted Mangoes

Aam ka panna is a cooling Indian summer drink made with unripe green tart mangoes. It is slightly sour and sweet to taste and is flavored with cardamom, cumin and black salt. This recipe post shows the method of making both aam panna syrup concentrate and the drink using the method of boiling as well as roasting mangoes. 
ginger tea recipe, indian ginger tea with milk, adrak wali chai recipe
Easy 15 minutes

Ginger Tea Recipe (Indian Adrak Chai)

This Indian Ginger Tea recipe or Adrak Chai is a warming, spiced and fragrant hot beverage made with black tea, fresh ginger roots, crushed cardamom, sugar and milk (optional).
side shot of cold coffee in two glasses with a white straw in one glass with coffee beans in a dark orange bowl and some coffee beans on a wooden board
Easy 15 minutes

Cold Coffee Recipe | How to make Iced Coffee

Frosty and satisfying Cold Coffee is a fantastic treat to enjoy on a warm day. This Cold Coffee recipe is a classic for preparing blended ice coffee that are perfectly sweet, creamy and frothy – just like from your favorite cafe!
Pink layered faluda drink with chopped nuts on top
Easy 45 minutes

Falooda Recipe with Ice Cream | Faluda Recipe

Falooda ice cream is a layered summer dessert drink made with milk, rose syrup, sabja seeds (sweet basil seeds), falooda sev (thin vermicelli), nuts, raisins and ice cream. Faluda is a popular Indian summer drink and easy to make. 
mango mastani served in tall glasses
Easy 15 minutes

Mango Mastani

Mango Mastani is a popular dessert-drink from Pune. It is a creamy, thick milkshake topped with vanilla or mango ice cream, mangoes and nuts, dry fruits.
piyush recipe
Easy 5 minutes

Piyush Drink | Piyush Recipe

Piyush recipe is a thick, creamy sweet beverage made with shrikhand, yogurt and milk. Summer cooling drink.
masala milk recipe, masala doodh recipe
Moderate 15 minutes

Masala Milk | Masala Doodh

Masala milk is sweetened flavored milk beverage from the Maharashtrian cuisine. A mix of nuts and a few spices are added which makes the masala doodh aromatic as well as delicious
vanilla milkshake served in a glass. topped with chopped pistachios.
Easy 10 minutes

Vanilla Milkshake Recipe (Cafe Style)

Vanilla milkshake is a classic milkshake recipe that can be made in many ways. This vanilla milkshake recipe gives a thick, rich, creamy, cafe style milkshake. The recipe can be easily adjusted to make a less thick shake or a thin shake. 
strawberry milkshake topped with strawberry slices in 2 glasses on a reddish pink tray.
Easy 10 minutes

Strawberry Milkshake Recipe (Classic & Plant Based)

A sweet and refreshing strawberry shake is the perfect drink for summer. Here I share with you two different but equally delicious ways to make my favorite strawberry milkshake recipe – a classic shake prepared with milk, and a plant-based vegan version made with almond milk.
rooh afza sharbat in three glasses with a bottle of rooh afza syrup
Easy 30 minutes

Rooh Afza Sharbat | Rooh Afza Drink (Ruabja Sharbat)

Rooh Afza Sharbat is a thirst-quenching, energizing, cooling drink for the hot summers and is made with Rooh Afza syrup, water/milk/almond milk, sabja seeds (sweet basil seeds) and ice cubes (optional).
mango milkshake in two tall glasses on white table with a black background
Easy 15 minutes

Mango Shake Recipe (2 Delicious Milkshake)

A sweet and refreshing mango shake is the perfect drink to enjoy when mangos are in their peak of the season. Here I share two equally easy and delicious recipes for making rich and creamy mango milkshakes – one with dairy and a vegan version made with coconut milk.
badam milk recipe, badam doodh recipe, almond milk recipe
Moderate 40 minutes

Badam Milk Recipe (Badam Doodh)

Badam Milk (also called Badam Doodh) is a delicious, sweet, creamy drink made with ground almonds, milk, sugar and spiced with green cardamom powder and saffron. This tasty drink is delightful all year round.
watermelon juice in four glasses or a dark blue table
Easy 20 minutes

Watermelon Juice Recipe (3 Variations)

Refreshing, healthy and cooling Watermelon Juice to quench your thirst on a hot summery day. Learn to make three different versions of this healthy, all natural drink recipe.
closeup shot of mango lassi with mint sprigs filled in a glass on a red and white checkered cloth
Easy 15 minutes

Mango Lassi Recipe

Mango Lassi, an all time Indian favorite summer drink is a creamy, thick, refreshing and delicious variation of lassi. Make this easy Mango Lassi recipe in less than 15 minutes with ripe mangoes, yogurt and your choice of flavorings – cardamom, saffron or rose water.
close up shot of masala chaas or chaas filled in a glass with a few cilantro sprigs
Easy 10 minutes

Chaas Recipe (Mattha Recipe)

The classic Chaas (Chaach/Mattha) also known as the Indian version of buttermilk is a refreshingly cooling summer drink made with creamy yogurt and seasonings. It is an excellent body cooler, digestive and appetizer. Find two easy chaas recipes – Masala Chaas and Pudina Chaas.

This collection of Holi Food recipes from the blog archives first published in March 2020 has been updated and republished on March 2023.

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Meet Dassana

Welcome to Dassana's Veg Recipes. I share vegetarian recipes from India & around the World. Having been cooking for decades and with a professional background in cooking & baking, I help you to make your cooking journey easier with my tried and tested recipes showcased with step by step photos & plenty of tips & suggestions.

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6 Comments

  1. Hi Dassana,
    I have tried and learnt some great recipes from your website.
    I love the revamped website. It looks great.

    1. thank you srishty. i am glad that you mentioned about the revamped look as the feedback on the look and design is rare from readers. it took me some months to redesign the website and thanks again.

  2. Almost many items are very good. Few of them I tried, turned out great. Would like to try more later.
    Thanks for delicious and exact recipes.

  3. hi

    i am really happy to see wonderful recipes. really very useful in every Indian houses. unity and diversify.