Here are 40+ Indian Vegetarian Recipes to add to your Holi menu including a bonus Indian Cocktail recipe. These recipes include Sweets, Snacks, easy lunch dishes that can be made ahead in your Instant Pot, stovetop, oven or Air Fryer.
What is Holi and Why is it Celebrated?
Holi marks the passing of winter and the arrival of spring and harvest season. Based on the lunar calendar, it typically falls in the month of March.
Often referred to as the festival of color, Holi signifies the triumph of good over evil, and is celebrated with a bonfire the previous night, followed by playful festivities in the morning.
Out of all the Indian festivals, Holi is my absolute favorite! Growing up in India that was one day when everyone could officially go crazy, and get away with it! The day before Holi I used to stock up on colored powder, and get my water guns ready for the big day. I would always wake up before everyone else in the house with sheer excitement of the day ahead!
But let's not forget an important aspect of any Indian festival- Food!
Indian Vegetarian Recipes for Holi
The one thing that is common in all Indian festivals is a variety of amazingly delicious food. Every region in north India has their own spin on holi delicacies.
From flavor-packed snacks to mouth-watering desserts, it is a day spent in food heaven! My personal favorite of all these recipes is Gujiya, milk fudge turnovers. I can just make a meal out of it 🙂
Let's take a look at some delicious choices for Holi this year! The best part is, many of them can be done in under 30 minutes, so that you spend less time cooking, and more time enjoying the festival! Spice Cravings wishes you all a very Happy Holi!
Easy Holi Sweets Recipes
Holi Snacks
Holi Menu for Lunch/ Dinner
Since everyone ends up spending the morning playing holi, meeting friends and family, easy one-pot meals are a norm for lunch.
Unlike the menu on Diwali, which is a huge spread with multiple dishes, Holi menu focuses more on snacks and sweets and a simple main course for lunch. In this section you'll find easy and satisfying 'simpler' meals.
1. Chole Bhature
2. Pav Bhaji
3. Biryani- Vegetable, Paneer or Egg
4. Kadhi Chawal (yogurt curry with rice)
5. Paneer Roll and Curries
6. Vegetable Korma
7. Fusion Recipes for Holi
Bonus Drink Recipes: Jal Jeera Mojito & Mango Lassi
Frequently Asked Questions
Fried or sweet and spicy snacks are often the highlight in holi menu. These include Samosa, Chaat, Pakora or Dahi Bhalla (Dahi vada).
Depending on region, Gujiya, Kheer, Rasmalai and Kalakand are popular sweet recipes that people make on Holi.
Dahi Bhalla, also known as Dahi Vada is a must-have on holi. These are lentil fritters that are soaked in seasoned yogurt, then garnished with tamarind and cilantro chutney, and other toppings like sev, cilantro and pomegranate arils. All over the north, people have slight variations in how they make this delicacy.
If you've watched Bollywood movies with holi songs, you might think "white" is the official color of holi 🙂 In reality, you can wear anything that you're willing to get color on and let go, since once it's stained with holi colors, there's no recovery!
I hope you enjoy this collection and have a wonderful Holi celebration with your loved ones. If you try any of these recipes, leave a comment below or share them on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest by including #spicecravings in your message!
This collection has been updated with more recipes and additional information.
Madhavi says
Beautiful & Colorful collection for Holi. I want to try the pinwheels and the jalapeno poppers. Looks so good.
Aneesha says
Thank you Madhavi, I hope you enjoy both! I'd love to hear your feedback!