Red Velvet Halwa with Carrots and Roses

The "Red Velvet Carrot halwa" is a variation of very popular "Gajar ka halwa" a famous sweet from India that is relished in winters. Carrot halwa is an excellent source of vitamin A and calcium. Traditionally, this halwa is made by gently heating lots of full cream milk along with carrots and sugar over low flame.

Click Here for a Printable Recipe - My Creative Flavors

In this variation I decided to replace sugar with jaggery and added rose water to make the dish more nutritive and fragrant. Jaggery gives this variation a more Reddish color which is very appetizing.

Ingredients:

Carrots: 2 cups
Dates: 4-5 (optional)
Desi ghee: 5 tsp
Full cream milk : 3 cups
Jaggery powder : 3/4 cup or to taste
Khoa : 1cup
Rose Water: few drops
Saffron strands : few
Cardamom powder: 1/2 tsp
Mixed Nuts: 1/2 cup

Method:
Wash, peel and grate the carrots  by using food processor or electric vegetable chopper.
Heat desi ghee in a thick bottomed skillet and saute the grated carrots for 5 minutes.
Now add full cream milk, sliced dates and cardamom powder into the carrots and let it cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, till the milk is absorbed and carrots are cooked.
At this stage to the mix, add saffron strands dissolved in milk.
Now add jaggery powder (or brown sugar) and khoa to the carrots and mix gently.

Let it cool down for 5 minutes, then add few drops of rose water/rose essence for fragrance in the halwa.

Garnish with mixed sliced almonds, cashews, raisins and shredded khoa.

Lets us start the new year with this sweet preparation, first offer it to the Gods and then share with family and friends......!!!!!!!