Holi 2024 is around the corner, and preparations are in full swing to welcome the festival of colours with full gusto. A big part of those preparations is the sweet treats that make the festival of Holi even sweeter.
Like every Indian festival, Holi celebrations are incomplete without delicious food. Rows of fresh fried pakoras, glasses of thandai spiked with bhaang, homemade kanji, chhole kulche, dal kachori and dahi vada line up the tables at every Holi party. But what’s most special about the festivities is the traditional Holi sweets – gujiyas stuffed with khoya and dunked in sugar syrup, stacks of malpua, crispy, bite-sized shakarpara and more.
If we’ve managed to make your mouth water already, then we believe it’s time you check out these desi Holi mithai recipes to make the festivities this year sweeter than ever!
7 Holi sweets you must try
Gujiya
Think Holi, and one of the first sweet treats that comes to mind is the humble gujiya. These pocket-shaped delights have beautifully crimped edges and are generously stuffed with a mixture of khoya, seeds, and nuts. Deep-fried to perfection, they are then dipped in chashni or sugar syrup, resulting in a delicious and satisfying indulgence. Variations of gujiya may include coconut, and many people enjoy putting their spin on the recipe – from baking instead of frying for a healthier option to experimenting with different flour combinations and adjusting sweetness levels in the filling.
In Maharashtra, karanji is popular. Similar to gujiya, this sweet delight features a filling of coconuts, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and nuts. Traditionally made during Diwali, karanji is equally cherished during Holi festivities.
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Rasmalai
Rasmalai, a popular festive Bengali sweet, holds a special place in many hearts, with each person having their favourite spot to indulge in this sweet, yellow delight. The term “Rasmalai” derives from “ras”, meaning juice, and “malai”, meaning cream. It’s a cherished dessert with a slightly sweet, creamy, and luxurious texture that serves as a delightful conclusion to any meal.
To make Rasmalai, chhena or paneer discs are first boiled in sugar syrup, and then soaked in thickened milk or cream infused with saffron and cardamom. The result is a heavenly confection, offering a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth experience to make your Holi celebration a hit. Garnish with rose petals and infuse the soaking liquid with rosewater to take the flavour profile to new heights!
Shakarpara
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Shakarpara, or shankarpali, is a sweet, deep-fried cookie that comes together quickly and makes for a deliciously festive treat. Traditionally made during Holi and Diwali festivities, these treats are particularly cherished when there’s a crispness in the air, and we crave something sweet but not overly indulgent.
Popular in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka, shakarpara often shares the spotlight with its savoury counterpart, namakpara, which is favoured as a tea-time snack. Made from simple pantry staples like sugar, all-purpose flour (though some opt for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist), ghee, a hint of salt for balance, and oil for frying, shakarpara is both simple to make and satisfying to eat. Add crushed cardamom seeds to the dough for an added burst of flavour!
Puran Poli
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The sweet roti from Maharashtra is a popular festive delight, especially favoured during Holi festivities! Made sweet with a filling of jaggery and chana dal, this flatbread pairs delightfully with savouries like dal and pickle, as well as with milk, ghee, and a sprinkle of bura powder.
Making the perfect puran (stuffing) can indeed be a meticulous process, requiring precise cooking to achieve the ideal texture and taste. The chana mixture must be soaked and cooked well to achieve just the right balance of moisture and flavour. Once rolled in maida dough, the stuffing is toasted to a delectably crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, tender interior (like paratha).
Malpua
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Another delectable Holi sweet is malpua. These thin, deep-fried pancakes are utterly irresistible, boasting a crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Drenched in sugar syrup and infused with the fragrant notes of fennel and cardamom, they perfectly complement the traditional Holi beverage, thandai.
Malpuas are typically made with a blend of all-purpose flour, sugar, milk powder or khoya, along with aromatic fennel and cardamom for flavour. Ingredients like coconut and saffron can be added for an extra touch of decadence. Served with rabdi, they make for an indulgent delight best savoured after a lively morning of Holi festivities. With countless recipes available online, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste to enjoy with friends and family.
Kheer
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Kheer, a beloved dessert in India, finds its place in various festivities like Holi, Diwali, weddings, and more. This rice-based pudding, enriched with milk, dry fruits, cardamom, and saffron, captivates with its subtle yet rich flavour.
Each household boasts its own kheer special recipe – while some kheer use jaggery, others incorporate sabudana and makhana. Others elevate it with fragrant additions like rosewater and kewra. Whether served hot or chilled, kheer remains a delightful indulgence for any occasion, including Holi!
Phirni
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Phirni, another popular rice-based sweet treat, graces festive tables across India, including during Holi. Popular in North India, phirni shares similarities with kheer but boasts a distinct, creamier texture owing to its unique preparation method.
While the classic version reigns supreme, variants such as rose phirni, saffron phirni and phirni panna cotta offer delightful twists. However, nothing beats a bowl of traditional phirni during festive gatherings like Holi!
Related: Ringing In Holi 2024: Best Places To Celebrate The Festival Of Colours In India
Feature Image Credit: Prchi Palwe/Unsplash
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