Colours magically connect with the emotions and moods of all human beings, and effectually make us jovial and happy. This magic can be felt at no better a time than during Holi, when people, irrespective of colour, sex, caste, creed or religion, get together for an enchanting play with colours. They rejoice with colours, food and drinks to express happiness, and symbolically celebrate life through the victory of good over evil, and spread the message of love, unity and peace.

As with many festivals, Holi too has its fair share of culinary delights. Finger foods are always an indulging delight for our taste buds. Pair them with desi delights like thandaai, jaljeera, masala chaach or traditional masala chai on the festival of Holi as a treat for your tummy.

Serve them light

Snacks are not a full meal. They are essentially appetizers which are created to enhance your hunger and not to fill you up. Potato wedges, fries and onion rings are some foods that can be served.

Make them funky

The appetizers should look appetizing and luscious. Go for neon-rimmed toothpicks and tiny colourful spoons to make the snacks look more interesting.

Avoid messy serves

The dip shouldn't be too watery as it has chances of creating a mess at the table. Also, keep the snacks bite-sized so that they can be easily picked up from the plates, both with hand and toothpicks.

SOME YUMMY RECIPES

Gujiya

How can anyone imagine a Holi bash without some sugar syrup-dripping gujiyas? Native to Rajasthan, gujiyas are sweet dumplings made of maida or flour and filled with a delightful khoya and dry fruits mixture. They are deep-fried in ghee and dipped in a sugary syrup. Gujiyas can also be baked, if you are calorie conscious. Just brush them with some oil before putting them in the oven.

Busy packing gujiyas for a Holi treat

Bhaang and thandai

Bhaang is a popular intoxicating drink prepared during the festival of Holi. Originally made with cannabis leaves, now often other ingredients are used, like whole spices, poppy seeds, water melon seeds and rose petals.

Thandai can be nutritious with ingredients like almonds

Minimum flavours

Strong spices such as chillies and peppers can rob the taste buds of the refined tang of the drink one is having. Keep the snacks simple with just a pinch of salt and mild pepper seasoning.

Timing matters

Snacks should be prepared as close to the serving time as possible to ensure the desired freshness and crispiness, otherwise they might get soggy.

Use frozen foods rightly

Buy products in a good frozen condition. The instructions written on the packets should be carefully followed. They should be used straight from the freezer if thawing is not required. Return the unused product back to the freezer at the earliest.

Parting thought

To practically witness happiness, jovial exuberance, unconditional human spirit and an entire country drenched in fun-smashing colours, accompanied with scrumptious food and drink, no time is better than the festival of Holi.