Carrot Halvah Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dessert

Carrot Halvah

Carrot Halvah Recipe - Vegetarian Indian Dessert
Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Carrot Halvah
Carrot Halvah

Carrot Halvah is a popular Indian dessert made with grated carrots, sugar, and milk. It is a sweet and rich dish that is often served during festivals and special occasions.

History

Carrot Halvah has been a traditional dessert in India for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Mughal era and has since become a beloved sweet treat in Indian households.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Take the carrot along with half of the Sugar and cook covered on medium-low flame for 15 minutes.
  2. Add the condensed milk, khoya, and the remaining Sugar, and cook uncovered for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Garnish with the cashews and currants, and serve.

Variations

  • Add a pinch of saffron or cardamom powder for extra flavor.
  • Substitute sugar with jaggery for a healthier alternative.
  • Include raisins or chopped almonds for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the carrots on a low flame to ensure they are cooked through without burning.

- Stir the mixture constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot Halvah can be served warm or cold, garnished with additional nuts or a sprinkle of cardamom powder.

Cooking Techniques

Grate the carrots finely for a smoother texture.

- Cook the carrots on a low flame to ensure they are soft and tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond milk instead of condensed milk for a dairy-free version.

- Replace khoya with coconut cream for a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

Carrot Halvah can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Carrot Halvah in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and a drizzle of honey.

Pairing Recommendations

Carrot Halvah pairs well with a cup of chai tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Carrot Halvah in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Carrot Halvah typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Carrot Halvah is a high-carbohydrate dessert due to the sugar and condensed milk used in the recipe.

Fats

The addition of khoya and cashews in Carrot Halvah adds a good amount of fats to the dish.

Proteins

Khoya and cashews also contribute to the protein content of Carrot Halvah.

Vitamins and minerals

Carrots are rich in Vitamin A and other essential nutrients, making Carrot Halvah a somewhat nutritious dessert option.

Alergens

Carrot Halvah contains dairy (khoya and condensed milk) and nuts (cashews), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Carrot Halvah is a sweet and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats, with a moderate amount of protein and some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Carrot Halvah is a delicious and comforting dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Carrot Halvah. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through a dusty old recipe book that my mother had passed down to me. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on the handwritten recipe for Carrot Halvah, a traditional Indian dessert that I had never attempted to make before.

I had always been a curious cook, eager to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen. And the idea of turning humble carrots into a decadent dessert intrigued me. So, without hesitation, I gathered the ingredients and set to work.

The first step was grating the carrots. As I ran the sharp blade of the grater over the vibrant orange vegetables, a sweet, earthy aroma filled the air. I couldn't help but marvel at the transformation that was taking place right before my eyes.

Next, I heated a generous amount of ghee in a large pan and added the grated carrots. The ghee sizzled and popped as the carrots began to cook, releasing even more of their intoxicating scent. I stirred them gently, allowing them to soften and caramelize in the rich, buttery goodness.

As the carrots cooked, I added a mixture of sugar, cardamom, and chopped nuts to the pan. The sugar melted and coated the carrots, creating a sticky, sweet glaze that clung to every strand. The cardamom added a warm, spicy note, while the nuts provided a satisfying crunch.

I continued to stir and simmer the mixture, watching as the carrots transformed from raw, crunchy vegetables into a luscious, golden-hued dessert. The aroma that filled my kitchen was simply intoxicating, a heady blend of sugar, spice, and everything nice.

Finally, after what felt like hours of patient stirring and simmering, the Carrot Halvah was ready. I spooned it into a serving dish and garnished it with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a dusting of fragrant saffron. The dish looked almost too beautiful to eat, a work of art in shades of orange, green, and gold.

But of course, I couldn't resist taking a taste. The first bite was a revelation. The Carrot Halvah was rich and moist, with a delicate sweetness that lingered on my tongue. The cardamom added a subtle warmth, while the nuts provided a satisfying crunch. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of flavors and textures that danced across my palate.

I knew then that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe, one that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. And as I savored each spoonful of Carrot Halvah, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey that had led me to this delicious discovery. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected recipes can yield the most delightful surprises. And that a little curiosity in the kitchen can go a long way.

Categories

| Currant Recipes | Evaporated Milk Recipes | Indian Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients