Holi special: Healthy and tasty treats made easy

Making healthy food for Holi can be both delicious and nutritious! Here are some tips to help you prepare healthier options for your Holi celebrations:Opt for Grilled or Baked Snacks Instead of deep-fried snacks like samosas or pakoras, consider grilling or baking options like tikkas, kebabs, or stuffed vegetables. Baked Gujia is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, offering the same delicious taste with less oil. Incorporate Whole Grains Use whole grain flour or ingredients like quinoa, brown rice, or oats in your recipes. Whole grains provide fiber and nutrients, making your dishes healthier and more filling. Malpuas, a beloved traditional treat, can be made healthier with a few ingredient substitutions. Swap your usual malpua flour for gluten-free oats or ragi flour. Opt for brown sugar over regular sugar, ghee instead of oil, and almond milk in place of regular milk. Hydrate with Healthy Drinks Stay hydrated with refreshing and healthy drinks like coconut water, lemonade, or fruit-infused water instead of sugary sodas or sweetened beverages. Introducing a healthier twist to the traditional Holi Thandai! Swap sugary ingredients for a guilt-free alternative using soy or almond milk. Simply mix your preferred healthy milk with cardamom powder and poppy seeds to achieve that classic Thandai flavor. Sweeten with your choice of refined sugar alternatives such as honey, date syrup, or jaggery powder.Practice Portion ControlEnjoy your favorite Holi snacks and treats in moderation. Pay attention to portion sizes and avoid overindulging to maintain a balanced and healthy diet during the celebrations.Include Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Add plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to your Holi menu. Serve a variety of colorful salads, fruit platters, or vegetable sticks with hummus or yogurt-based dips. These are not only healthy but also add a burst of color to your spread. By incorporating these tips, you can create a delicious and healthier Holi menu that everyone will enjoy while still embracing the festive spirit of the occasion.Read more: Fusion flavours rule Holi party menusHere’s a healthy Broccoli Tikki recipe for you to enjoy with your family.Ingredients:500g broccoli4 medium potatoes, washed with skin on1 tbsp oil2 tsp cumin seeds1 tsp coriander seeds1 tsp salt2 green chillies, finely chopped½ tsp turmeric1 tsp chaat masala3 spring onionsHandful fresh corianderMethod:Place potatoes with the skin on into a pan cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and leave to cook gently until soft. Drain and cool.Once cooled, peel the skin off with your fingers and discard. Grate the potatoes into a bowl and set to one side.Chop the broccoli florets so they are finely shredded.Heat a frying pan and toast the cumin and coriander seeds until they become fragrant, remove and set to one side to cool then grind to a powder.Heat a large frying pan and add 1 tbsp oil add the shredded broccoli. Toss to start it cooking and add the coriander and cumin powder. Add the salt, turmeric, green chilies, and chaat masala.Once the broccoli has softened (about 6-7 minutes), remove the mixture from the heat and leave to cool. Add some of the potatoes in and mix it all add more potatoes until the mixture has combined.Add the fresh coriander and the spring onions. You should end up with a lovely thick mixture. Check the seasoning and adjust if required.Wet your hands, to stop the mixture sticking to your fingers and take a ball mixture. Shape into patties or tikki, roughly 7cm in diameter and about 2cm thick. Repeat until they are all made. Place in the fridge until you are ready to cook them.Heat a frying pan or tava and place the tikki on for 2-3 minutes until they turn a lovely brown color. Turn the tikki and cook the other side too. These are very delicate so be gentle. Remove and place on a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven until you are ready to serve them.By: Mr. Dheeraj Mathur, Cluster Executive Chef, Radisson Blu, Kaushambi