GANESH CHATURTHI 2023: No festival is complete without sweets. Sweets play a significant role in festivals, bringing joy and sweetness to the celebrations. They symbolise the festive spirit and are shared as tokens of love and happiness among friends and family. On Ganesh Chaturthi, replacing traditional sweets with vegetable halwa is a delightful option. Vegetable halwa, crafted from ingredients such as carrots, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes, not only presents a unique flavour but also introduces nutritional value to the festivities.
As Lord Ganesha symbolises the removal of obstacles, serving vegetable halwa signifies a commitment to healthier living. The vibrant colours and flavours of vegetable halwa can elevate your celebrations and spark conversations about healthier eating habits. So, this Ganesh Chaturthi, savour the goodness of vegetable halwa for a tastier and healthier festive experience.
Here, we’ll explore five delicious vegetable halwa recipes that are not only nutritious but also surprisingly tasty.
Carrot Halwa (gajar ka halwa)
Ingredients:
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
– 2 cups milk
– 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
– A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan and add the grated carrots. Sauté them on low to medium heat until they become soft and start releasing their aroma.
2. Add the milk and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the carrots absorb most of the milk and turn tender.
3. Add sugar and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the halwa thickens and the sugar is fully incorporated.
4. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using), and mix well.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve hot or cold.
Beetroot Halwa
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated beetroots
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts
Instructions:
1. In a pan, heat ghee and add grated beetroots. Sauté them until they soften and the raw smell disappears.
2. Pour in the milk and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beetroots are tender and the milk reduces.
3. Add sugar and continue cooking until the halwa thickens and the sugar is well incorporated.
4. Mix in cardamom powder and chopped nuts.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Pumpkin Halwa
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated pumpkin
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a pan and add grated pumpkin. Sauté until the pumpkin softens and loses its raw aroma.
2. Add milk and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin absorbs the milk and becomes soft.
3. Add sugar and continue to cook until the halwa thickens, and the sugar is well mixed.
4. Sprinkle cardamom powder and chopped nuts, mix, and remove from heat.
5. Serve warm or chilled.
Lauki (Bottle Gourd) Halwa
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated lauki (bottle gourd)
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts
Instructions:
1. Heat ghee in a pan and add grated lauki. Sauté until the lauki softens and cooks down.
2. Pour in milk and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the lauki becomes tender and the milk reduces.
3. Add sugar and continue cooking until the halwa thickens and the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Stir in cardamom powder and chopped nuts.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Sweet Potato Halwa
Ingredients
- 2 cups boiled and mashed sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts
Instructions:
1. In a pan, heat ghee and add the mashed sweet potatoes. Sauté for a few minutes until they become aromatic.
2. Pour in milk and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, and the sweet potatoes are well incorporated.
3. Add sugar and continue to cook until the halwa thickens further and the sugar is completely mixed.
4. Mix in cardamom powder and chopped nuts.
5. Serve warm or chilled.
Whether you choose carrot, beetroot, pumpkin, lauki, or sweet potato, these vegetable halwa options are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings while adding a healthy twist to your dessert cravings. Give them a try, and you might just discover a new favourite dessert that’s both delicious and nutritious.
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