Healthy Holi treats at home
Try these Guilt-Free & Delicious Recipes!
Holi, the festival of colours, is all about joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious treats! While traditional Holi sweets and snacks are often high in sugar and deep-fried, you can still indulge in festive delights without compromising your health. With a few simple swaps and nutritious ingredients, you can create mouthwatering treats that are both tasty and wholesome.
In this blog, we’ll explore easy and fun ways to make healthy Holi treats at home , ensuring you enjoy the festival guilt-free!
1. Baked Gujiya: A Nutritious Twist to the Classic
Gujiya is synonymous with Holi, but its traditional deep-fried, sugar-loaded version can be quite heavy on the stomach. Instead, try this baked gujiya that retains all the festive flavours while being much healthier. Enjoy the crispy, golden perfection of these gujiyas without worrying about excess calories!
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
½ cup almond flour
2 tbsp ghee
½ cup dates (blended into a paste)
¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
¼ tsp cardamom powder
¼ cup desiccated coconut
½ cup milk (plant-based for a vegan option)
Method:
Mix whole wheat flour, almond flour, and ghee until crumbly.
Slowly add milk to knead into a soft dough.
For filling, mix dates paste, nuts, cardamom, and coconut.
Roll out small circles, place filling, and fold into gujiyas.
Bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
These baked gujiyas are rich in fiber, protein, and natural sweetness!
2. Thandai Chia Pudding: A Creamy & Cooling Delight
Thandai is a Holi essential, but why not give it a superfood upgrade? This Thandai Chia Pudding is refreshing, nourishing, and easy to prepare. Combining the traditional flavours of Holi with the health benefits of chia seeds, this pudding is a delightful twist on the classic drink. Whether you're hosting a Holi party or just indulging in festive flavours at home, this pudding is a must-try treat!
Ingredients:
2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
¼ cup chia seeds
2 tbsp honey or jaggery
Chopped nuts for garnish
Method:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and whisk well.
Let it sit for 2 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator.
Serve chilled, garnished with nuts and saffron.
This fusion dish is high in Omega-3s, fibre, and plant-based protein.
3. Fruit and Nut Energy Ladoos
Ditch sugar-loaded sweets this holi and opt for these naturally sweetened ladoos, packed with all the amazing superfoods.
Ingredients:
½ cup dates
½ cup figs
¼ cup almonds
¼ cup walnuts
2 tbsp flaxseeds
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp ghee
Method:
Blend all ingredients into a sticky mixture.
Roll into small ladoos.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
These ladoos are rich in antioxidants, fibre, and healthy fats, making them a perfect festive snack.
4. Colourful Millet Pancakes
This holi, why not add colours to your festive treats as well? These millet pancakes are vibrant, healthy, and delicious! Serve them with fresh fruits, honey, or nut butter for an extra boost of flavour and nutrition!
Ingredients:
1 cup ragi or jowar flour
½ cup oat flour
1 mashed banana
½ cup almond milk
1 tbsp honey
¼ tsp baking soda
Natural colours: beetroot puree (pink), spinach puree (green), turmeric (yellow)
Method:
Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
Add mashed banana, milk, and honey to make a batter.
Separate into three bowls and add natural colors.
Cook on a non-stick pan until golden.
Serve with honey or fresh fruits.
These pancakes are gluten-free, rich in iron, and packed with essential nutrients.
5. Baked Namak Pare: A Crispy & Guilt-Free Munchie
No Holi celebration is complete without namak pare. Here’s a healthier, baked version!
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
½ cup gram flour
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp carom seeds
½ tsp cumin powder
Salt to taste
Water as needed
Method:
Mix all ingredients and knead into a firm dough.
Roll out and cut into strips.
Bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
These baked namak pare are high in fiber and lower in unhealthy fats.
6. Dahi Bhalla with a Protein Boost
Dahi Bhalla is a must-have for Holi, but deep-frying makes it unhealthy. Try this protein-packed version that swaps deep-frying for baking, retaining the delicious taste while adding a nutritious boost!
Ingredients:
1 cup moong dal (soaked overnight)
½ cup yogurt
1 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp black salt
Tamarind chutney and coriander for garnish
Method:
Blend moong dal into a thick paste.
Spoon onto a greased baking tray and bake at 180°C for 15 minutes.
Soak in warm water, then squeeze and serve with yogurt and chutney.
These bhallas are high in protein and fibre, making them a nutritious alternative.
Bonus Tips for a Healthier Holi Celebration
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or herbal teas to stay refreshed throughout the holi celebrations.
Mindful Eating: Enjoy sweets in moderation and balance them with protein-rich snacks to avoid sugar spikes.
Engage in Fun Activities: Dance, play Holi games, and move around to burn off extra calories while having fun!
Plan Ahead: Prepare your Holi snacks in advance so you don’t resort to unhealthy, last-minute options.
Opt for Sugar Alternatives: Use jaggery, dates, or honey instead of refined sugar for healthier sweetness.
Involve Family & Friends: Cooking together adds fun to the festival and encourages mindful eating.
Go for Air-Fried or Baked Options: If you crave crispy snacks, opt for baking or air frying instead of deep frying.
Conclusion
Holi is a time of joy, colours, and food! But indulging in festive treats doesn’t have to mean compromising your health. With these healthy Holi recipes , you can enjoy guilt-free munching while nourishing your body. From baked gujiya to protein-rich dahi bhallas, these options are delicious, nutritious, and easy to make at home.
This Holi, celebrate with colourful, nutritious, and tasty treats that keep you energized and happy. Try these recipes, share with your loved ones, and enjoy a healthy and vibrant Holi!
