From Holla Mallah to Holika Dahan, Holi is celebrated across the country with a variety of names. The Bengalis have their own rituals while the Gujaratis and Marathis rejoice in the festival of colours in their own ways. Do you know why Holi is celebrated though? In Mathura, the essence of the festival lies in celebrating the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. Prahlad was the son of a demon king who had the boon of being immortal. This power made him expect everyone around him worship him. However, his son continued to hail to Lord Vishnu. This disobedience led the king’s sister Holika, tricking Prahlad into getting burnt by a fire.
However, the son got saved by Lord Vishnu, who wrapped a cloak around him. This is why Holi is celebrated, to rejoice at the victory of good over evil. The festival of colours also has some really delicious food platters that are quintessential to the day. From gujiyas to kachoris, the day is filled with colours and delicacies. Since you might get busy dunking each other into a pool full of colour and water, you might want to have a quick breakfast bite in the morning.
Being celebrated on 18th March this year, here are some Holi special breakfast recipes that can lift up the mood of your loved ones.
1. Matar Kachori
The crispy snack that is often eaten in the evenings in India is a breakfast favourite too. Kachori, for the unversed, is a deep-fried poori that can be stuffed with anything and everything. For Holi, you can make a fresh matar ki kachori (peas-stuffed) and serve it with a side of tangy tamarind and tomato chutney.
2. Dahi Bhalle
This is a light and easy-to-eat breakfast dish which can also be served as a side dish during meals. Lentil-based fritters are fried to perfection, soaked in water and once they become moist, they are dunked in a bowl of freshly-whipped yoghurt. Garnished with black pepper powder, red chilli powder and salt, the bowl is drizzled with some tamarind chutney.
3. Pakore
The batter-fried fritters of India which are considered to be a quintessential monsoon dish are even savoured on Holi. Dipped in gram flour batter, the potatoes, onions, cauliflower, spinach and many other vegetables are dropped in hot oil. Once golden-brown, they are served with tomato ketchup. You can also make some bhang ke pakore if you like.
4. Kanji
Did you know that kanji is sipped on during Holi? Since it is the time of hot weather making its way towards us, you need something refreshing to keep you active during the festival. For that reason, kanji is served. Made with black carrots, asafetida, red chilli powder and mustard seeds, the water-based drink is seasoned with some black salt.
And definitely, there’ll be gujiya so here’s a recipe for that too.
