Holi 2024: Bhang recipes to try during the festival of colours
Holi 2024: Holi is around the corner and people have already started preparing for the festival of colours. Every year, Holi is observed with a lot of pomp and grandeur all over the country.
Several traditions are followed while celebrating Holi. While Vrindavan observes Phoolwali Holi, the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon observes Lathmar Holi. Holi celebrates the eternal love and union of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. The celebration of Holi reinstates the fact that goodness always triumphs over evil. This year, Holi will be celebrated all over the country on March 25. The day before Holi is celebrated as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan.
Holi-special snacks and drinks are prepared during the festivities. While gujia, namakpare and rasmalai reigns over the snacks platter, thandai and bhang are the go-to Holi drink for everyone. Thandai is made with milk, spices and sweeteners. Often the ground paste of the flowers and leaves of the female cannabis plant is mixed with Thandai to prepare Bhang. Even though Bhang is usually consumed for its euphoric effects, it also has a range of health benefits.
Here are two recipes for preparing Bhang. Take a look.
Coconut Bhang
Ingredients:
4 cup Coconut water
1 cup Tender coconut
1/2 teaspoon Bhang paste
2-4 sprigs Fresh mint leaves
4 teaspoons Sugar
1 teaspoon Lemon juice
To taste – rock salt
Method:
In a blender, blend coconut water, tender coconut, bhang paste, mint leaves, sugar, lemon juice and rock salt together, and then serve chilled with crushed ice on top.
Bhang ki Chutney
Ingredients:
Dry red chilli – 2 no s
Cumin – 2tsp
Bhang Seeds (hemp seeds) – 1 cup
Garlic clove – 1 no
Mint leaves – few sprigs
Coriander Leaves – few sprigs
Lemon Juice – 2 tbsp
Salt – to taste
Water – a dash
Method:
In a pan, dry roast the chillies, cumin seeds and bhang seeds. Then in a blender, add the roasted seeds and the rest of the ingredients and grind to a thick paste. Refrigerate for some hours and serve.