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The festival of Holi is just around the corner. It is not just about preparing a large food spread, but it is also about shared laughter, colour-playing sessions, dancing on beats, and welcoming guests over. The last thing you would want at such a time is to be stuck in the kitchen while your guests are outside having fun, clicking pictures, applying gulal and enjoying the festival to its fullest. This is where easy, smart lunch ideas make all the difference. When you pick dishes that can be made well in advance, simply reheated, or just assembled quickly, you reward yourself with the biggest Holi gift, i.e. time. Time to sit, eat, laugh, and enjoy with your loved ones, even if no guests are coming over.
Easy recipes do not mean boring food, but they mean fewer utensils, less last-minute mess, and more attention to your guests. You can prepare essential elements well in advance, keep flavours bold and as per the festivities, and still appear like you planned the entire grand Holi lunch spread. Here are some easy ideas that are festive and will not require extensive preparation.
Dahi Bhalla With Sweet & Tangy Chutneys
Mornings during Holi can get chaotic and busy, so the night before, simply soak urad dal and grind it the next day. Fry the bhallas a day before and keep them refrigerated in an airtight box. On the day of Holi, simply take the bhallas out of the refrigerator, squeeze them, plate, and top with some chilled dahi, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, roasted cumin powder, and a garnish of pomegranate and sev. Dahi bhallas taste festive in every bite without you having to rush for last-minute cooking. The cool dahi strikes a perfect balance between the sweetened gujiyas and fried snacks that guests have already eaten. The best part? You just need 10 minutes to assemble by the time everyone settles down.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Bedmi Poori With Aloo Sabzi
This classic North Indian dish appears to be lavish but is surprisingly easy to make. Make the spiced urad dal stuffing and tangy aloo sabzi base a day before. On Holi, simply knead the dough for pooris, roll out the dough and fill each with prepared stuffing and fry, while the guests will be busy gulping the glass of thandai. As the sabzi is prepared a day in advance, it only needs reheating and a garnish of freshly chopped coriander leaves. It is filling, feels traditional with every bite, and is perfect for those who like a wholesome meal instead of small bites. Serve bedmi poori and sabzi with a side of pickle, and it appears as a proper Holi special lunch without involving any complicated prep.
Saffron Pulao With Paneer Tikka
If you want to serve a dish that is full of colour yet graceful, this combination is a must-try. Pressure cook pulao in one pot by mixing basmati rice, saffron milk, nuts, and mild spices. Marinate the paneer cubes in dahi and basic spices for a night before. When its the lunch, simply grill the marinated paneer cubes or air-fry for about 10 minutes. The combination appears to be rich, but only you know that it's a low-key effort. The bright coloured rice and smoky paneer tikka appear to be a perfect Holi lunch when served on the table, and most importantly, you will be free to enjoy with your guests instead of being in the kitchen.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Raj Kachori Chaat Platter
Instead of serving the individual chaats, make a big platter of raj kachori. Arrange the crisp kachoris in a plate and keep bowls filled with boiled potatoes, sprouts, yoghurt, chutneys, and sev with it and let the guests assemble on their own. This will save you from last-minute plating pressure if the guests are waiting after all the colour splashes. The mix of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavours makes the raj kachori a crowd favourite. Apart from this, the dish also matches the playful spirit of the festival. Plus, you can prepare everything well in advance and just plate and refill as required.
Kadhi Chawal With Papad & Salad
If you want to give a comforting end to a colourful morning, adding kadhi chawal will be perfect for your Holi lunch menu. The kadhi can be prepared a day in advance and can simply be reheated, as it actually tastes better after resting, since the flavours have settled. Just make fresh steamed rice before serving. Pair a crunchy papad with it and a simple onion-cucumber salad for that comforting balance. Kadhi chawal feels light on the stomach and is satisfying to have after rounds of sweets and snacks. This meal also does not need any fancy display; just serve it in plates and bowls, and you are good to go.
(Image credit: Freepik)
