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Holi is just around the corner, and we are busy building an appetite for the same. Don’t get us wrong, we are pretty excited for the festive rituals, the colourful gulals and singing and dancing. But there is something about big festivals like Holi that unleashes the glutton in us. The festival of Holi has also been mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures like Puranas and Vedas. One of the legends associated with Holi, is that of the Holika Dahan. Holika's brother Hiranyakashipu was a king who was so blessed, that he started to view himself as immortal, and an arch-nemesis of Lord Vishnu. He had a boon, that no man could kill him inside or outside of his house. So, Lord Vishnu took an avatar of Narasimha, half-man and half-lion, and killed Hiranyakashipu on his doorstep, in front of his son Prahlad. Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu, when his cruel aunt, Holika, schemed of burning him alive, it was she who ended up immolating herself, despite a boon of walking out of fire unscathed. As per the legends, Lord Vishnu ensured that Prahlad was unharmed in the incident. To date, people set up a bonfire a day prior to Holi as symbolic recreation of the episode.
This year, the festival of Holi falls on 18th March, Friday. The markets, especially up in the North, are filled with Gujiyas, namak pare, shakkar pare and other usual suspects. But if you are planning to throw a Holi bash at home, we suggest you cook a special feast for your friends, and here are some recipes for the same.
1. Dahi Bhalle
It is very common in North India, to sit and relish some chaat items like dahi bhalle, papdi chaat after playing Holi. Spongy gram-flour-based bhallas soaked in curd, slathered over with sweet and spicy chutneys. It does not get more eclectic than this.
2. Paneer Tikki
Paneer cubes coated in a spicy batter, smeared in breadcrumbs, fried until crisp. This snack is so easy, you would be making it again and again.
3. Idli Manchurian
How about some fusion fun this Holi? Roughly chop your idlis, and toss them in a soy-based sauce with diced onions, capsicum and hot spices. This is going to be a hit among all kids and adults alike.
4. Cheese Gol Gappe
Move over regular gol gappe, and try them with this tooth-some cheesy filling. The crisp puris and the creamy cheese and vegetables are a match made in heaven.
5. Soya Capsicum Pouch
These crispy pouches or potlis are deep-fried. The dough is filled with a spicy mixture of soya, capsicum and other spices. You can pair this delish snack with any sauce or dip of your choice.
