WINTER SPECIAL: FUSION WAYS WITH GAJAR HALWA By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

The Carrot is a root vegetable, typically orange in color, though purple, black, red, white, and yellow cultivars exist, all of which are domesticated forms of the wild carrot, Daucus carota, native to Europe and south-western Asia. Carrots are richest source of beta-carotene. The human body turns beta-carotene into vitamin A. The name “carrot” comes from the French word “carotte.” Carrots originated in the Mediterranean. Originally, carrots were only used for medicinal purposes rather than as food. Ancient Greeks used carrots to treat stomach-aches.

Around the first century, Greek doctors used carrots as a stomach tonic. They were used as food during the 13th century in Europe. The vegetable is great for eyesight and you skin, it also boosts the immune system. Cooked carrots are better for you than raw. The fiber in carrots can help keep blood sugar levels under control. And they’re loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, which there’s evidence to suggest can lower your diabetes risk. They can strengthen your bones. Carrots have calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health.

“Gajar Ka Halwa, a heavenly concoction of a popular Indian sweet is a warm welcome not only to the winter season but also our dessert bowls which crave not only for the classic versions but are open to getting filled up with creative concepts as well” – Chef Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Here are a few health benefits of Carrots:

1.Pectin is the main form of soluble fiber in carrots soluble fibres can lower blood sugar levels by slowing down your digestion of sugar and starch. They can also feed the friendly bacteria in your gut, which may lead to improved health and decreased risk of disease.

2. Carrots are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, especially biotin, potassium, and vitamins A (from beta carotene), K1 (phyllo Quinone), and B6.  Vitamin A: Carrots are rich in beta carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A. This nutrient promotes good vision and is important for growth, development, and immune function. Carrots offer many plant compounds, including carotenoids.

These are substances with powerful antioxidant activity that have been linked to improved immune function and reduced risk of many illnesses, including heart disease, various degenerative ailments, and certain types of cancer. Beta carotene, the main carotene in carrots, can be converted into vitamin A in your body.

However, this conversion process may vary by individual. Eating fat with carrots can help you absorb more of the beta carotene.

The main plant compounds in Carrots are:

• Beta carotene: Orange carrots are very high in beta carotene.
• Alpha-carotene: An antioxidant that, like beta carotene, is partly converted into vitamin A in your body.
• Lutein: One of the most common antioxidants in carrots, lutein is predominantly found in yellow and orange carrots and is important for eye health.
• Lycopene: A bright red antioxidant found in many red fruits and vegetables, including red and purple carrots, lycopene may decrease your risk of cancer and heart disease.
• Polyacetylenes: Recent research has identified bioactive compounds in carrots that may help protect against leukaemia and other cancer.
• Anthocyanin’s: These are powerful antioxidants found in dark-coloured carrots.

Here are a few of my favorite Fusion Style Recipes using Gajar Ka Halwa:

CARROT HALWA AMBROSIA SWEETIngredients:

Gajar ka halwa- 1 and a half cup, slightly warm.

For the fusion recipe ingredients:

Motichoor ladoo- 1 no, crumbled

Saffron rabdi- 1 cup

Dried rose petals- 2-3 tsp

Assorted dry fruits- 2- 3 tbsp. chopped

Sponge cake- ½ cup crumbled

Sweetened fresh cream-1/2 cup whipped

Assorted fresh fruits- ½ cup chopped

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the fusion dessert recipe.

2. Choose small dessert glasses/ bowls etc to set it in layers.

3. Start by placing a little saffron rabdi at the base of the glasses/cups and then continue with the gajar halwa, cream, sponge crumbs, motichoor ladoo, fruits, nuts, rose petals and layer it all the way to the top.

4. Garnish the dessert as desired and allow to chill for 30- 45 mins at least and then serve it.

Rasila Gajrela PuddingIngredients:

Gajar ka halwa- 1 and a half cup, chilled

For the fusion twist ingredients:

Crushed digestive biscuits- 5-7 no

Fresh cream- ½ cup sweet and whipped

Vanilla flavoured Custard- 1 and a half cup, chilled

Assorted fresh fruits- 1 cup cut into small pieces

Assorted dry fruits-2-3 tbsp. chopped

Dates- 2-3 tsp chopped

Rose water-1 tsp

Gulkhand- 2-3 tsp

Jalebi- 4-6 no crumbled up

Mint/ cherries/ nuts/ rose petals for garnish

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the fusion twist dessert.

2. Crush the digestive biscuits and mix them with rose water, Gulkhand and keep aside.

3. As an optional choice I also used chocolate brownies laced with Gulkhand and rabdi to layer the same dessert with gajar halwa.

4. Select a choice of glasses/ dessert bowls to set this sweet dish. Start up by setting a base of the chilled custard followed by gajar halwa, the digestive biscuit mixture, fruits and nuts, dates, cream.

5. Repeat the layers till the top and add a scoop of ice-cream as well if desired and serve it garnished with praline/ nuts/ cherries/ berries etc.

GAJAR HALWA HIDDEN SURPRISEIngredients:

 Gajar ka halwa- 2 cups, chilled

For the fusion hidden surprise:

Crumbs of chocolate brownie- 1 cup

Chocolate sauce-2-3 tbsp.

Date puree- 2-3 tsp

Assorted chopped nuts- 1-2 tsp

Chocolate chips- 1-2 tsp

To serve the dessert bites:

Nutty rabdi dip/ sauce:

Rabdi- 1 cup chilled

White chocolate -2-3 tbsp. melted

Raisins- 2 tsp chopped

Dried rose petals- 1-2 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the fusion sweet recipe.

2. Start up by preparing the stuffing for the gajar halwa bites, in a mixing bowl combine together the brownie crumbs with the remaining ingredients and mix well ensuring it all comes together, chill for 20 mins.

3. chill the gajar halwa as well and then divide them equally apply little melted butter or ghee on the hands/finger tips while doing this.

4. flatten up the halwa mixture a little and stuff it with the prepared brownie balls and shape it back into roundels and allow to chill on a butter paper for 1 hour.

5. decorate them with melted white chocolate and nuts/ rose petals and arrange them on a serving plate/platter and serve, prepare the dip separately and chill for 30 mins before serving.

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based food- health & lifestyle consultant. With around 25 years of quality experience with hotels, airlines, consultancy – training & development he is a recipient of several national awards & global recognitions. Chef Kaviraj is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and loves fusion cooking, creating new recipes and sharing his experience with foodies around the globe. He has also been featured on star plus & colors television on several food shows. He may be contacted via email: chefkaviraj249@gmail.com / WhatsApp- 9820939336.