Carrot Halwa or Gajjar ka Halwa is a traditional style confectionary or dessert of Indo Pak region. It is a dish commonly made during winter season and served during both hot and cold season. You can say it is part of the Pakistani lifestyle to make this dessert. It is very nutritious, as it comprises mostly of carrots and many dry fruits. People tend to enjoy them during cold evenings because nuts help protect the body from excessive cold. Besides, they are a great source of carbohydrates and essential fats, especially dry fruits serve as a rich source of healthy fats.
The basic ingredients include carrots, sugar, milk, green cardamom, some vegetable oil or ghee, and dry fruits. Below is a summary of the procedure and measurements you can use. Some people also add ‘khoa’ (milk cheese, commonly used in South Asian cuisines) at the very end to add a creamy and rich taste to the recipe. Note that with the number of servings you want, the quantity of the ingredients will increase in direct proportions.
Benefits of Carrot Halwa or Gajjar Ka Halwa
You may not know this, but eating Gajjar ka halwa or carrot halwa has its unique benefits. Here’s what you need to know:
- Carrots have falcarinol, which is responsible for reducing the risk of lung, breast, and colon cancer.
- Carrots have abundant beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A once it gets into the liver (after metabolism). Moreover, a survey conducted showed that people who eat food with more beta-carotene have 40% lesser risk of senile or macular degeneration.
- Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that helps the body to fight against damage caused by aging.
- Diet rich in carotenoids is also great for controlling cholesterol levels in the body, which prevents heart diseases. You must eat at least six carrots a week.
- Carrots have strong detoxifying properties that cleanse the liver.
- Carrots help remove dirt from the teeth and stimulate the gums to keep them healthy.
History of Carrots
According to historic records, the origins of carrots go back 5000 years, in ancient Afghanistan. Carrot cultivation back then was primarily for the leaves and seeds, because of their aroma, not for the roots (carrots). The cultivation of carrots spread across the Middle East and Mediterranean region, where ancient Romans and Greeks used for herbal properties and natural healing. A 4000 years old Egyptian temple exhibits the use of carrots. There are archaeological findings that show that they used the seeds and carrots for treating diseases.
Because the carrot offers so many benefits, try to add it to your routine so that you can have a healthy lifestyle. Thank you for making time to read this recipe. We hope that you found it helpful and that you will explore this new recipe. When you do, share it with us, also feel free to share your thoughts about it down below because we will sincerely appreciate your comments. Do subscribe to our future blogs too.
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Recipe by Guest Blogger: Juveria Jabeen Zubair.
