Healthy Holi Snacks Apart From Gujiya: 5 Easy and Delicious Recipes for a Festive Treat

Holi, the vibrant festival of colours, is a time of joy and celebration across India. As people come together to play with colours and share laughter, traditional snacks like gujiya are an integral part of the festivities. Dr Izzat Husain, Consulting Chef & Culinary Educator, Lucknow, shares insights into the history and making of gujiya, highlighting its significance in Hindi-speaking regions. Gujiya, similar to the Muslim dessert Siwahiya, is a beloved treat filled with dry fruits and khoya, often made with desi ghee. Beyond the culinary delights, Holi also offers a chance to explore colour therapy, which influences our mental health by elevating mood and reducing stress.

Understanding Gujiya and Its Significance

Gujiya is more than just a dessert; it symbolises community and tradition. Dr Izzat Husain explains that gujiya's design, with its pocket-like structure, is both aesthetically pleasing and practical for filling with sweet ingredients. The use of khoya, made by reducing milk, provides a rich source of energy, which was essential for people engaged in physical labour in the past. This traditional dessert is not only delicious but also a testament to the resourcefulness of our ancestors.

5 Easy and Delicious Healthy Holi Snacks

Another expert, Sakshi Singh, Nutritionist, Dietetic Place, Lucknow, suggested a few easy and delicious healthy Holi snacks that can impress your guests. 

1. Holi Rainbow Fruit Chaat

A vibrant and refreshing fruit chaat, perfect for celebrating Holi with a healthy twist! Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness, this colourful dish is both nutritious and delicious.

Benefits of Holi Rainbow Fruit Chaat

• Rich in Antioxidants: Pomegranate, kiwi, and grapes help fight free radicals and boost immunity.
• Supports Digestion: Papaya and mango contain enzymes that aid digestion and improve gut health.
• Hydrating and Refreshing: The high water content in fruits keeps you hydrated during Holi celebrations.
• Natural Energy Booster: Provides instant energy with natural sugars, making it a great festive snack.
• Good for Skin and Hair: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, which promote glowing skin and healthy hair.

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine ½ cup diced mango, ½ cup diced papaya, ½ cup diced kiwi, ½ cup pomegranate seeds, and ½ cup grapes.
• Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of chaat masala and drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the fruits.
• Toss everything well to coat the fruits evenly with the spices and citrus flavour.
• Serve fresh and enjoy a colourful, tangy, and healthy Holi treat.

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2. Oats & Jaggery Malpua

A healthy twist on the traditional malpua, this oats and jaggery version is fibre-rich, naturally sweetened, and packed with nutrients. It’s a delicious yet guilt-free festive treat!

Benefits of Oats & Jaggery Malpua

• Rich in Fibre: Oats aid digestion, promote gut health and keep you full for longer.
• Natural Sweetness: Jaggery is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, providing iron and boosting energy.
• Heart-Friendly: Oats help regulate cholesterol and support heart health.
• Low in Unhealthy Fats: This recipe uses minimal oil or ghee, making it a lighter dessert option.
• Good for Immunity: Jaggery and spices like cardamom enhance metabolism and strengthen immunity.

Instructions to Make Oats & Jaggery Malpua

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats (blended into fine flour)
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup jaggery (grated or melted in warm water)
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• ½ cup milk (or water, as needed)
• 1 tablespoon grated coconut (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ghee (for shallow frying)

Steps:

• Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix oats flour, whole wheat flour, fennel seeds, cardamom powder, and grated coconut.
• Add sweetness: Dissolve jaggery in warm milk or water and add it to the flour mixture. Mix well to form a smooth, lump-free batter. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
• Cook the malpua: Heat a pan with a little ghee. Pour a small ladle of batter and cook on low-medium heat until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side.
• Serve warm: Enjoy your malpua as is or drizzle with a little honey or nuts for added flavour.

3. Thandai Chia Pudding

A modern, nutritious take on the traditional Thandai drink, this pudding is packed with protein, fiber, and festive flavours.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk (or regular milk)
• 3 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp honey or jaggery syrup
• ½ tsp thandai powder
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Benefits:

• Chia seeds are rich in fibre, omega-3, and protein.
• Thandai spices support digestion and cooling.
• Natural sweeteners keep it refined and sugar-free.

Recipe:

• Mix chia seeds with almond milk, honey, and thandai powder.
• Let it sit in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
• Stir well and garnish with chopped nuts before serving.

4. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts) with Spices

A crunchy, flavourful, and protein-rich snack that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups makhana (fox nuts)
• 1 tsp ghee
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp black salt
• ½ tsp roasted cumin powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Benefits:

• Makhana is low in calories and a great source of plant protein.
• Turmeric and cumin add anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Ghee provides healthy fats and enhances nutrient absorption.

Recipe:

• Heat ghee in a pan and roast makhana for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
• Add turmeric, black salt, cumin powder, and black pepper. Toss well.
• Let it cool and store it in an airtight container for snacking.

5. Besan Chilla (Savory Gram Flour Pancakes)

A protein-packed, fibre-rich snack perfect for a Holi brunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 1 chopped green chili
• ¼ tsp black salt
• 1 tsp ghee for cooking

Benefits:

• Besan is high in protein and fibre, making it filling.
• Cumin and turmeric aid digestion and reduce bloating.
• Low in fat compared to deep-fried snacks.

Recipe:

• Mix gram flour, water, and spices to form a smooth batter.
• Heat a pan, grease it with ghee, and pour a ladleful of batter.
• Cook on both sides until golden brown. Serve with mint chutney.

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Colour Therapy and Mental Health

Holi's vibrant colours are not just for fun; they also play a role in colour therapy, which can positively impact mental health. Colours like red, orange, and yellow can elevate mood and reduce stress. Dr Izzat Husain notes that natural colours, such as those found in flowers and fruits, have therapeutic effects. For instance, the red colour of apples can stimulate energy and vitality. During Holi, the use of gulaal (coloured powders) can enhance mood elevation, contributing to overall well-being.

Conclusion

Holi is a celebration of colours, community, and delicious food. By incorporating healthier versions of traditional snacks and embracing the therapeutic effects of colours, we can make this festival even more enjoyable and beneficial for our well-being. Dr Izzat Husain's insights into gujiya and the importance of traditional foods highlight the value of preserving cultural heritage while adapting to healthier lifestyles. Along with him, the recipes by Sakshi Singh should be your pick to offer the guests something healthy as a Holi snack for their irresistible festive treat.