Did you know that only a small percentage of beta carotene is released in raw carrots and more released when you cook or boil the carrots? Carrots are rich in fibre and antioxidants. They can be eaten raw as in salads, boiled and cooked as in soups and various dishes including indian curry dishes.
Juice make with raw carrots or with a combination of ginger, celery and apple makes a very delicious and healthy drink too!!!
The most popular dessert in India is the carrot halwa or Gaajar Kaa Halwa and Carrot Kheer which is generally prepared from grated carrots, milk and sweetened with sugar!!!
Ingredients to serve 10 people
6 Cups Grated Carrot
4 Tbs. Milk
1 ¼ Cups Sugar
200 grams Condensed Milk
½ Cup Water
1 Tsp. Cardamom Powder
¼ Cup Ghee
2 Tbs Cashew nuts (chopped)
2 Tbs Pistachio Nuts
Few Strands Saffron
Carrot Halwa
Preparation
Pressure cook the grated carrots or microwave it on high with the milk for about 8-10 minutes.
Bring the water to the boil on the stove and pour in the sugar
Let it boil till the sugar syrup is reduced to a cup
Add the cooked grated carrot, the condensed milk and keep stirring the entire mixture, till it solidifies on a medium to low flame
(this would take up to an hour or so)
In the meantime, fry the chopped cashew nuts in a tablespoon of ghee till it turns golden brown
Sprinkle the saffron, add the remainder of the ghee and stir it for a further 3-4 minutes till the mixture comes together.
Garnish it with the fried cashew nuts, raw pistachio nuts and cardamom powder
Note: You can reduce the sugar and increase the condensed milk to suit to your taste!! This sweet treat tastes great with a dollop of vanilla ice cream!