Holi's nearly here and we assume you're done with all the prep! Holi is probably the most enthusiastically celebrated festival in India, and there's a lot of color, laughter and of course, food and drink! Holi is also when intoxicating drinks and dishes made with such drinks are prepared, but of course, they are strictly only for adults! To indulge the younger population, we've lined up some yummy Holi specials that are more wholesome. These are also ideal for a kiddie Holi party, if you're planning one - they'll go perfectly with some Holi crafts and activities!
With the heat, you need something to cool the kids who've been running around all day, and you won't find anyone who'll say 'No' to these delicious Mango Lassi Ice Pops! This recipe from the Food Network is tangy and spicy and perfect for Holi!
No Holi is complete without Gujiyas, and when they're made of chocolate, you just can't have enough of them! This recipe from Tanu's Healthy Kitchen features Gujiyas stuffed with chocolate chips and nuts - absolutely delectable!
Most kids are fond of regular milk peda, but why not make things colorful for the festival of colors? These multicolored pedas from Instructables use food coloring - opt for organic food coloring since it's safer for kids. Present them in fun shapes and watch them disappear before you can say 'peda'!!
Some recipes last the test of time and are loved through generations. Gajar halwa is one such recipe that doesn't require any modification to make it appealing for kids. Try cutting the halwa and presenting it in a rangoli pattern for a more festive look! Oh, and don't forget the vanilla ice cream!
Phirni is a common dish during most Indian festivals, and generally plain white. Color it up and make it bright pink with this strawberry Phirni recipe from Sailu's food. The recipe uses real strawberries and pistachios for a lovely nutty-fruity taste that kids will love!
Thandai has 'cooling' in its very name and is great for the current weather! Thandai is generally a liberally spiced drink, but you can make it more kid friendly by adapting this recipe by Tarla Dalal that uses vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess. You can also give it a boost by adding some dry fruit powder.
Aloo tikkis are a simple snack, but they're so common, they can end up boring. But this recipe from Cook Click and Devour makes plain aloo tikkis much more interesting in a potato lollipop form! Make several of these and serve alongside tomato ketchup and chutneys - they'll be gone in a second!
Samosas are a famous Indian export, and there are hundreds of varieties today. However, these cute little mini samosas from Cosmopolitan Currymania, stuffed with cream cheese, are sure to be a hit with the kiddie crowd! You can also substitute the chopped candy with chopped dry fruit.
Mathris are generally fried snacks and are commonly served to guests along with tea. For your kids, make these brightly colored baked mathris from My Ginger Garlic Kitchen, colored with the natural pink of beetroots. You can go easy on the spices if you're serving it to younger kids.
Dahi bhallas and dahi vadas or thayir vadas are immensely popular during summer and especially during Holi. Fa's Kitchen has a lovely, cooling dahi vada recipe; make it colorful by garnishing with bright elements like pomegranate seeds and coriander leaves.
There you go, lots of kid friendly versions of traditional Holi favorites. Now you don't have to worry about what the kids will eat while everyone's frolicking; Just lay out this yummy, colorful spread and leave it to them to finish it up! Happy Holi!
Check out our posts on making eco-friendly Holi colors and having a safe Holi with young kids.Lots of Love,
