Just a few years ago, Holi mornings were all about searching for the most worn-out t-shirt and pants suitable for colorful play with friends. Before that, it meant getting hair and face oiled with warnings from mothers and grandmothers to not get too soaked in water. But what about the treats? Yes! The savory and sweet delights without which Holi celebrations have always felt incomplete. Remember sneaking into the kitchen to snag a few gujiyas before anyone noticed? While those moments may not return, the taste of those cherished childhood desserts can still be savored. Here’s a roundup of Holi desserts that remain an essential part of the festivities:
Gujiya
Starting off with the perennial favorite, gujiyas, those pocket-shaped delights filled with dry fruits, khoya, and sometimes ‘Sandesh’. They’re crimped at the edges, deep-fried, and then soaked in sugar syrup. The filling might vary, with some opting for khoya, others coconut, and some even experimenting with chocolate.
Rasmalai
No Holi celebration feels complete without indulging in a plate of ras malai. Spongy, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth, these treats are made from cottage cheese, dipped in a milk-based syrup, and served with chopped dry fruits and a hint of saffron.
Shankarpali
Simple yet delightful, these deep-fried goodies soaked in sweet syrup are made from basic ingredients like semolina, maida, ghee, and sugar. They’re the perfect crispy festive treat, guaranteed to leave you craving for more. Don’t forget to share some with your loved ones.
Puran Poli
A traditional Maharashtrian sweet loved by all, Puran poli is made from flour, jaggery, lentils, and cardamom. Often served with milk and ghee, it’s a must-have during Holi celebrations.
Kheer
Not just reserved for birthdays, kheer is a staple during festive seasons as well. Made from simple ingredients like milk, rice, sugar/jaggery, and a hint of cardamom powder, it’s served with a sprinkling of chopped dry fruits.
Malpua
Ending the list with malpua seems fitting considering its year-round popularity. With a little effort, basic ingredients, and a lot of love, you can whip up a batch of these delicious treats.
In conclusion, while making these desserts at home might require some effort and time, they’re also readily available at various sweet shops, ensuring you can indulge in the flavors of Holi with ease.