12 Dec
Our Delightful Series Kicks Off!
I feel although there are enough choices, alternatives and options when it comes to food. Be it for anyone around the globe; food itself is so versatile and there is a palate out there that caters to everyone’s tastes.
I wanted to look out for ways that would remove this extraneous thought process and just allow me to enjoy food as a whole, I mean it would’ve been perfect like the movie Julie & Julia to have 524 recipes from a cookbook for a year but life is no movie and so here we are, at Eat Mostly Greens where I would gladly recommend and suggest around 300 recipes a year for the lovely audience with all sorts of Desi twists and turns, that fit right in the balance of health and nutrition.
You may be reading this from Pakistan or from Europe or even somewhere far away, but if this blog has reached you; may as well take it’s complete advantage. The very first recipe should be something that’s sweet, don’t you think? So, in order to celebrate and preserve our Desi tradition let’s make a Sweet Desi Delight.
Gajar Ka Halwa
Welcome to a culinary journey where tradition meets health in the heart of Pakistan’s winter season. Gajar ka Halwa, a classic that needs no introduction, is about to take a refreshing turn with a recipe that blends the warmth of tradition with a mindful touch of well-being.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups grated carrots
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1/4 cup jaggery or honey (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- 1 tablespoon raisins (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee.
- Add grated carrots and sauté on medium heat until they soften.
- Pour in the milk and let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the carrots are cooked and the milk has reduced, add jaggery or honey. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
- Continue to cook until the mixture thickens.
- Add cardamom powder and soaked saffron (if using). Mix well.
- In a separate small pan, heat the remaining ghee and roast the chopped nuts until golden brown. Add raisins if desired.
- Pour this mixture over the carrot halwa and mix.
- Garnish with additional nuts and a sprinkle of saffron strands.
- Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Preparation Time
Calories: 150 calories per serving (1/2 cup)
Serving Size: This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
A Symphony of Tradition and Nutritional Precision!
Indulge in the warmth of Gajar ka Halwa, not just as a treat for your taste buds but as a wholesome experience for your well-being. This iconic winter dessert brings together vibrant flavors and a nutritional profile that aligns with a balanced lifestyle.
The science behind this recipe is rooted in the synergy of its ingredients. Beta-carotene-rich carrots, low-fat milk adds calcium and protein, Jaggery, as a natural sweetener, imparts a unique flavor and brings along vitamins and minerals. Ghee enhances taste and ensures the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in carrots. Nuts and saffron introduce antioxidants, healthy fats, and micronutrients.Â
As you savor each spoonful, relish not just the taste but the amalgamation of nutrition and tradition. Embrace the winter warmth, and treat yourself to a dessert that honors the cultural tapestry while nourishing you from within.Â
After all, good food isn’t just a feast for the palate; it’s a celebration of health and happiness!
