Holi, the festival of colors, is a time-honored Indian celebration that signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Alongside the playful splashing of vibrant hues, traditional Holi celebrations are incomplete without the indulgence in delicious foods and drinks. This year, why not add a twist to your festivities with Vegan Almond Thandai and Crispy Coriander Bites? These dairy-free delights will not only tantalize your taste buds but also align with your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle.
Vegan Almond Thandai: A Dairy-Free Twist
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almonds (overnight soaked)
- 1/4 cup cashews (overnight soaked)
- 1/4 cup melon seeds (soaked for a few hours)
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds (soaked for a few hours)
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup organic raw sugar or sweetener of your choice
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp rose water
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes for serving
- Chopped nuts and rose petals for garnish
Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the soaked almonds, cashews, melon seeds, and poppy seeds.
- Put them in a blender and churn to a fine paste.
- Combine the soaked nuts and seeds, desiccated coconut, cardamom powder, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, organic raw sugar, rose water, and saffron strands.
- Add 2 cups of water and blend the mixture until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl.
- Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the strained mixture and mix well.
- Refrigerate the drink for at least an hour.
- Serve chilled in a glass over ice cubes.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and rose petals before serving.
Crispy Coriander Bites: A Crunchy Delight
Ingredients:
- Finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 tablespoons rice flour
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
- 3/4 teaspoon besan (gram flour)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon soda bicarbonate
Instructions:
- Combine finely chopped cilantro, oil, rice flour, turmeric, besan, water, grated ginger, and salt in a bowl to form a batter.
- Pour 2 cups of water into a pot or stovetop steamer and place a greased container on it.
- Add soda bicarbonate to the batter and mix well.
- Pour the batter into the greased container.
- Steam for 10 minutes.
- Slice into tiny bites and serve with coriander chutney.
Celebrating Holi with Vegan Delights
As you celebrate Holi with your loved ones, these vegan recipes will not only add a delightful twist to your festivities but also contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly celebration. By embracing veganism, you not only support animal welfare but also reduce your carbon footprint, making this festival of colors even more meaningful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vegan Almond Thandai and Crispy Coriander Bites offer a delicious and dairy-free way to celebrate Holi. These recipes, shared by Dr. Smita Naram, an Ayurveda expert, to Krishi Jagran, combine traditional flavors with modern twists, ensuring a memorable and flavorful celebration. So, this Holi, indulge in these vegan delights and let the colors of joy and happiness fill your day.
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FAQs
- Can I make Vegan Almond Thandai ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare Vegan Almond Thandai ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.
- Are there any substitutes for cashews in the Vegan Almond Thandai recipe?
- Yes, you can use blanched almonds or macadamia nuts as a substitute for cashews in this recipe.
- Can I use regular sugar instead of organic raw sugar in the Vegan Almond Thandai?
- Yes, you can use regular sugar as a substitute for organic raw sugar. However, the flavor may vary slightly.
- Can I freeze the Crispy Coriander Bites?
- Yes, you can freeze the Crispy Coriander Bites. After steaming, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in a steamer before serving.
- Can I add more spices to the Crispy Coriander Bites batter?
- Yes, you can add more spices according to your taste preferences. Consider adding cumin powder, chili powder, or garam masala for extra flavor.
