Holi Delights: Try These Ayurvedic Recipes for a Flavorful Celebration

As Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, approaches, it's time to embrace the spirit of joy and merriment. Alongside the traditional revelries, tantalizing food and drinks add an extra layer of delight to the celebrations. This year, why not enhance your Holi festivities with a refreshing twist? Indulge in the rich flavors of Vegan Almond Thandai, a dairy-free rendition of the classic festive drink, paired with the irresistible crunch of Crispy Coriander Bites.

Vegan Almond Thandai Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almonds (overnight soaked)

• 1/4 cup cashews (overnight soaked)

• 1/4 cup melon seeds (soaked for a few hours)

• 1/4 cup poppy seeds (soaked for a few hours)

• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut

• 1/2 cup organic raw sugar or sweetener of your choice

• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds

• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns

• 1/2 tsp rose water

• A pinch of saffron strands

• 4 cups water

• Ice cubes for serving

• Chopped nuts and rose petals for garnish

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse the soaked almonds, cashews, melon seeds, and poppy seeds.

2. Put them in a blender and churn to a fine paste.

3. Combine the soaked nuts and seeds, desiccated coconut, cardamom powder, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, organic raw sugar, rose water, and saffron strands.

4. Add 2 cups of water and blend the mixture until smooth.

5. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl.

6. Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the strained mixture and mix well.

7. Refrigerate the drink for at least an hour.

8. Serve chilled in a glass over ice cubes.

9. Garnish with chopped nuts and rose petals before serving.

Crispy Coriander Bites:

Ingredients:

• Finely chopped cilantro

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 2 tablespoons rice flour

• 1/8 teaspoon turmeric

• 3/4 teaspoon besan (gram flour)

• 3/4 cup water

• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

• Salt to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon soda bicarbonate

Instructions:

1. Combine finely chopped cilantro, oil, rice flour, turmeric, besan, water, grated ginger, and salt in a bowl to form a batter.

2. Pour 2 cups of water into a pot or stovetop steamer and place a greased container on it.

3. Add soda bicarbonate to the batter and mix well.

4. Pour the batter into the greased container.

5. Steam for 10 minutes.

6. Slice into tiny bites and serve with coriander chutney.

As you celebrate Holi with your loved ones, elevate the festivities with the delightful combination of Vegan Almond Thandai and Crispy Coriander Bites. The information of recipes provided by Dr. Smita Naram (Ayurveda Expert) to Krishi Jagran. Let the colors of joy and happiness fill your day as you savor these delicious treats. Cheers to a vibrant and memorable Holi!