Gajar ka halwa is a perennial winter favourite. Let’s explore why it is an essential addition to your winter menu.
There is nothing better than spending a winter evening in the company of friends and family, hearing familiar but still-funny stories, and holding a bowl of steaming hot gajar ka halwa in your hands. This carrot dessert is the ultimate recipe for banishing the winter blues, and it is so comforting and satisfying that you will want to have it again and again!
Why is gajar ka halwa a winter staple?
Though carrots are available all year round and you can make this dessert whenever you want, it holds a special significance in the cold winter months. It is traditionally made using khoya and pure ghee, apart from raisins, cashews and almonds. All of these provide warmth to the body after consumption, and the rich gajar ka halwa keeps you fuller for longer. Since it takes a little longer to digest, it actually provides an interesting counterpoint to the overactive metabolism during winter.
Besides, there is nothing quite so comforting as a bowl of hot gajar ka halwa when you’re feeling cold, or blue, or just in the mood for a delicious sweet snack. Whether you make it for your child studying late into the night, or for an ailing parent, or just as a cheerful end to your meal, it is a must-have in the winter season for many delicious reasons.
The benefits of gajar ka halwa
Calorie-watchers will balk at the calorific content of this tasty Indian dessert. But who can resist its lure, even if you’re the most weight-conscious person around? Besides, you can make it using jaggery or a sugar substitute if you are afraid of consuming too many calories, and it still tastes great.
There are several benefits in consuming gajar ka halwa once a week. The ghee and milk in it provide good fats and lubrication for the joints. Meanwhile, the carrots that form the core ingredient of the recipe offer a world of goodness: carrots are great for skin and hair health, they promote the better vision, the fibre content in them aids digestion, and the nutrients in it improve blood quality and immunity.
Plus, it tastes so great!
Why include carrots in your diet in winter?
Apart from making simple and delicious gajar ka halwa (take a cue from the extremely easy recipe using condensed milk), carrots are an essential part of the diet during winter. They contain several nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, fibers, iron, phosphorus, protein, Vitamins A, B, C, E and K, calcium and water. These are essential to hydrate the skin, hair, and nails which become dry during the cold season. Carrots also promote better digestion, bone, and joint strength when consumed raw, and essential fast-dissolving sugars that do not harm diabetics.
