Holi Recipes

A cool and lush mango flavored dessert made with creamy yogurt and sweet mangoes, garnished with aromatic saffron. This is my favorite no-cook dessert for Indian festivals as it can be made ahead and is loved by all.

Creamy, lightly sweetened Rice Pudding AKA ‘Kheer’ is infused with fragrant saffron and cardamom. In India, Rice pudding is also known as kheer, phirni or payasam in different states with slight variation but same comforting flavors.

Vermicelli pudding topped with saffron, cashews, raisins and a hint of rose flavor, this Seviyan Kheer is a great last minute dessert to celebrate Holi.

A deliciously creamy dessert made with the healthy, gluten free fox nuts cooked with milk, carrots with the floral essences of cardamom and saffron.

Pineapple Sheera is an exotic, tropical tasting dessert made with sweet and tangy pineapple cooked with ghee roasted semolina garnished with aromatic saffron and nuts.

My mom's signature recipe, this variation of sheera has grated carrots added to the classic recipe made with semolina, sugar and ghee. The carrots add festive color and delicious taste to the creamy sheera.

Gajar ka halwa is a popular Indian dessert made with grated carrots cooked in ghee, milk, aromatic cardamom, saffron and garnished with nuts and raisins. Enjoyed warm or cold, this make ahead dessert is ready in under 30 minutes using the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.

Another popular Indian dessert, Dudhi Halwa is a creamy pudding made with grated bottle gourd also known as lauki. This perfectly sweetened, creamy pudding is traditionally laced with cardamom but feel free to add vanilla extract instead for a surprise twist.

Looking for a more healthier Indian dessert? Try this Sweet Potato Halwa with a delicious coconut crunch that is lightly sweetened with brown sugar or jaggery.

5-ingredient dessert with a soft melt-in-mouth, fudgy texture, this coconut mango burfi has fragrant Alphonso mango pulp that makes this dessert heavenly. This must-try recipe has my favorite ingredients - coconut and mango - if you love them too, make this recipe today!

Besan Ladoo are creamy, melt-in-the-mouth dessert balls. These Laddu or Ladu are made with besan/gram flour, ghee and sugar, laced with aromatic cardamom, nutmeg and saffron.

Another dessert ball recipe made with freshly grated coconut, roasted semolina with the aromatic cardamom & saffron. Check out this recipe with all the tips and tricks to make perfect rava ladoo.

Rose Coconut Karanji or Gujiya is a crispy pastry filled with sweet and delicate rose flavored coconut filling that simply melts in your mouth.

Sweet Coconut Rice is made with rice and coconut and is flavored with cloves, cardamom, and saffron. EASY to make, this lightly dessert rice has delicious tropical coconut flavors.

Shankarpali or Shakarpara is a crispy & lightly sweetened snack prepared using few pantry ingredients. These irresistible bite-sized sugar cookies can be prepared ahead of time and make for a perfect snack that can be enjoyed year around.

Saranachi Puri or Satori, a fried flatbread made with sweet filling is a Maharashtrian delicacy made for special occasions. Try this make ahead recipe for your next Holi celebration and treat your family and friends to a unique dessert they will love.

Lighter than the traditional cheese cake, this perfectly sweetened ricotta cheesecake is laced with delicate notes of rose & cardamom. The buttery pistachio crust will remind you of the nutty baklava and is a must-try recipe that will win everyones heart over.

An ice cream float with aromatic rose syrup, cool sweet basil seeds, thin noodles, and cold milk topped with creamy vanilla ice-cream and nuts of your choice. A Colorful dessert/drink that is a must-have for Holi celebration.

A stunning contrast of colors, Aloo Chaat in Phyllo Cups is a fusion of the all time favorite spiced potatoes, sweet – spicy chutneys and lightly sweetened creamy yogurt. Dressed up in crunchy sev and bright red pomegranate pearls, this snack is a crowd pleaser.

Dahi Vada are soft, melt-in-your-mouth, lentil dumplings dunked in lush yogurt that is garnished with sweet and tangy tamarind-date chutney, red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder and crunchy sev.

No-fry version of the traditional Sabudana Vada this Maharashtrian delicacy that is made with tapioca pearls, mashed potatoes, ground peanuts, chillies and cumin seeds. Served with a sweet, and spicy yogurt sauce these tapicoa fritters are sure to tickle your taste buds!

Popular Indian street-food, Paneer Kathi rolls are warm, layered parathas filled with spicy paneer, mixed peppers and sweet caramelized onions. Whether you make it for a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely gathering, these kathi rolls are sure to be a hit!

A Gujarati delicacy made with grated bottle gourd, fresh fenugreek leaves spiced with green chilies, ginger and turmeric. These irresistible savory dumplings have a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors with golden pan-fried crunchy textures.

Fluffy and soft savory semolina cakes that are lightly spiced with ginger, green chilies and an earthy tempering of black mustard seeds and sesame seeds. Served with fresh cilantro-mint chutney, rava dhokla is a great make-ahead snack or appetizer.

Popular in the state of Maharashtra, these gluten-free and vegan spicy cilantro cakes can be enjoyed as a snack, breakfast or as a side dish in an authentic Thali.

Swiss Chard Aloo Vadi is my take on the Maharashtrian Aloo vadi that is traditionally made with colocasia leaves. These spicy, sweet & tangy vadi’s are pan fried with sesame seeds for a tasty snack.

Handvo is a traditional gujarati savory cake made with rice, lentils and vegetables. Spiced with fresh ginger & green chilies, tempered with mustard seeds, sesame seeds & dried red chillies. This wholesome dish can be enjoyed as a meal by itself or as a snack.

A popular street food in India, Ragda patties is a dish everyone must try once. A spicy white peas curry served over potato patties and dressed up with sweet and tangy chutneys, crispy sev and garnished with diced onions and fresh cilantro. Every bite is a magical explosion of “CHAT-PATA” flavors!

Pav Bhaji is a spicy mashed vegetable dish, served piping hot with a dollop of butter, diced red onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Served with warm buttery pan-toasted rolls, this dish is always a hit!

Misal Pav is a vibrant meal consisting of a spicy sprouted bean curry topped with crunchy farsan, crisp red onions and fresh cilantro that is served with lightly buttered pav.