Vegan Gajar Halwa

Source: SHARAN.  By the way, mine looked much better than this picture but I forgot to take one.  The carrots were redder and the almonds were toasted.

Makes 1 big bowl

Ingredients:
3 carrots, 1/4 cup of soaked cashews, 1/2 tsp elaichi powder, 5-10 raisins, 2-3 tablespoons jaggery powder or 8-10 soaked dates for sweetening, 1 tbsp toasted almond slivers for garnish.

Method:

Soak the cashews and dates for at least 3-4 hours Make a paste of the soaked cashews in a grinder.  If using dates, take out the pits and add these into the cashews for a combined paste.

Grate 3 carrots and put in kadhai and cover and cook to steam in its own juices over high heat for 10 mins.  Stir occasionally so as not to stick to bottom as we are not using any grease.  If you want it to be very dry, uncover and keep on heat longer till the carrots are dry.  I don't believe in overcooking so am happy to have a moist gajar halwa :).

Add the date syrup or jaggery powder (shakkar), elaichi powder and raisins and mix and stir for another 3-4 minutes.  Mix the cashews into the carrots by stirring and turn off the gas within a minute so as not to cook the cashews/ dates much.

Garnish with toasted almonds and enjoy!

This is not low calorie as nuts are high in calories and so are dates but it has no saturated fat and cholesterol that is found in milk and ghee and you can still taste the carrots since they are not overcooked.  Besides whole cashews, almonds and dates are loaded with nutrients and fibre.  It is much better to consume your calories (if you must) WHOLE vs. refined or through milk... but that is another story ;)