Gujiya – Holi celebration without gujiya isn’t really Holi. While the outer covering made with refined flour and clarified butter remains, you can go any way you like with the stuffing. Substitute the traditional coconut or mawa filling with chocolate or moong dal or try something savoury if that is what your palate demands. You could also make these crescent shaped treats healthier by baking them instead of deep frying. Try this favourite recipe a baked moongdal karanji and watch the surprised looks on the coloured faces around you when you tell them it’s baked!

Phirni – A classic Indian rice pudding or phirni is something that is open to all kinds of transformation. A staple during Holi, you can add your own twist and flavours to it – this time we recommend saffron and pistachios for the perfect blend of texture, aroma and taste! You could also try your hand at making a Kesar phirni with nutty caramel disks or other variations of a phirni - like orange, strawberry, chocolate or maybe one made with brown rice. You will find recipes galore on sanjeevkapoor.com.

Dahi Bhalle – Dahi bhalla or dahi vadas are served at most holi parties – so how is yours going to stand out. Well for starters you could use three different kinds of lentils to make a teen dal ke dahi bhalle and for the dahi – you could add a spoonful of beetroot puree to it – so your food reflects the colourful mood too! You can also add a crunch with some papdi and arrange some typical chaat ingredients around so your guests can make their own chaat!

Puranpoli – Thin refined flour rotis filled with a melt in the mouth jaggery and lentil mixture – a puranpoli tastes best when served with ghee. While the original recipe is yummy, this time we urge you to try a disco puranpoli – mini whole wheat flour poli’s filled with a puran made with chana dal and served along with thick creamy rabdi! It doesn’t get any better than this! Using crumbled boondi laddoos as the filling in your puranpoli is another tried and tested idea that is worth a shot!

Kachori Sabzi – In the northern parts of India – kachori sabzi is a favourite all year round. For Holi this snack is a must-have. Make do rangi puriyaan or kachoris – with spinach and beetroot puree that adds health and colour to the dish. Serve these up with any sabzi of your choice - a great option is hare lehsun aur aloo ki sabzi!

Thandai – A holi party without thandai is just another party. This refreshing cold milk seasoned with spices and condiments forms the essence of a holi celebration. Add a portion of bhang to the thandai to really get into the Holi fervor but if you want to stay sober through the day go in for a mango or a pichkari thandai which are just as delicious!

Pakode - Disappearing amidst the fun and games during Holi is only justified if you’ve been sneaking out to eat garma-garam crisp pakode! Move over the done to death aloo aur pyaaz ke pakode to try your hand at some more interesting ones like - chawal ke pakore, pasta pakoda, or saem ke pakode - pakoras made with drumstick flowers. Since it is Holi you could add a portion of bhang to your pakoda batter for an intoxicating twist. Don’t forget to serve these with spicy mint chutney!

These are just a few food options to prep things up for a fun Holi party – for a gazillion more such interesting recipes browse through www.sanjeevkapoor.com