Gajar ka Halwa

This is the season for fresh vegetables. Carrots is one such vegetable that you find in abundance this season. I learnt this recipe from my MIL. I did not knew the difference between Delhi Gajar and English carrots. I thought they were same. It is only after marriage that i came to know the difference. This is one easy and yet tasty and a traditional dessert. Usually served with ice cream. The hard part of this is grating the carrots but if you have food processor this halwa can be made in half hour to 45 minutes. You can add more sugar if you like it sweet coz I like it little less sweet. Also I used plain khoya. So do try this one, I bet this is really easy... Here is the recipe... happy cooking...

Ingredients:

Carrots - 1 kg( peeled and grated)
Khoya(plain) - 250 gms
Sugar - 8 tbsp
Dry fruits - for garnish

Method:

Wash and peel carrots. Add grated carrots in a pressure cooker. Cook for about 15 minutes on medium flame. Turn off flame and let the steam release on its own

Transfer the content to a kadhai and let it cook for about 10 minutes.

Once the water in the carrots are all evaporated, add khoya and sugar.  Add chopped dry fruits and cook until khoya leaves ghee.

Wash and peel carrots. Add grated carrots in a pressure cooker. Cook for about 15 minutes on medium flame. Turn off flame and let the steam release on its own. Transfer the content to a kadhai and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Once the water in the carrots are all evaporated, add khoya and sugar.  Add chopped dry fruits and cook until khoya leaves ghee. Serve hot. 

Carrot Chutney

My mom makes different varieties of chutneys. She made this just once but i loved it. So the other day when I didnt have coconut to make chutney. So this chutney came to my rescue. Simple and it asks for very few ingredients but high on taste. You too should try this once.
Here is the recipe... Happy cooking...

Ingredients:

Onion - 2 big
Tomato - 1 big
Carrots - 2 Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
Red Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tspSalt to taste
Oil - 2 tbsp

Method:

In a kadhai/pan add 1 tbsp oil. Add cubed onions, tomatoes and carrots.
Add coriander powder and cook till onions are translucent.
Let the mixture cool down and then grind it to a smooth paste.

Now in a kadhai, heat remaining oil. Add cumin seeds and once they splutter, add re chilli powder and the paste. Add salt to taste. Now cook till oil leaves the sides. 

In a kadhai/pan add 1 tbsp oil. Add cubed onions, tomatoes and carrots.
Add coriander powder and cook till onions are translucent.
Let the mixture cool down and then grind it to a smooth paste. 
Now in a kadhai, heat remaining oil. Add cumin seeds and once they splutter, add re chilli powder and the paste. Add salt to taste. Now cook till oil leaves the sides. 
Serve it with hot dosas and idlis.
Tips: You can use coriander seeds instead of powder.

This recipe goes to CCC January