Zero Waste- Vegan Carrot Halwa Recipe

For breakfast, lunch & dinner. The humble Indian Dessert that is prepared for any auspicious occasions or even when guests comes over. ha ha and believe me THAT in the South Asian culture is Auspicious.

It's easy, tasty and guilt free. Also a great way to use up all those carrots that may be looking a bit battered. What is not to love about a Zero Waste meal? 

This makes 3 small ramekins worth of goodness. 

There are a few ingredients you can swap like I did. I swapped the cashews for Almonds. I used Saffron as well but if you don't have any don't worry about it. I am always improvising!

 

Ingredients

4 Grated Carrots

4 Powdered Cardamom Pods

Handful Raisins

Pinch Saffron 

2 Cups Homemade Almond Milk/ Oat Milk ( I added 4-5 Dates to my almond milk so the sweetness comes from them. If you are using shop bought unsweetened Plant Milk, just give it a blend with the medjool dates) 

1 Tablespoon Virgin Coconut Oil

Coarsely Ground Almonds

Edible Rose Petals 

 

Method

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a pan on medium heat and add in the raisins. Sauté gently for about a minute or so until the raisins look a little plump.
  2. Add in the Carrots and sauté until they are soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye so the carrots at the bottom do not get burnt. TRUST ME!
  3. Once the carrots have softened, add int he cardamom powder, saffron and Almond Milk
  4. Give it a stir and let it simmer on low heat for about 7-10 minutes. 
  5. When the liquid has reduced completely and the halwa has reached a thick consistency. Take it off the heat and let it chill. 
  6. Once chilled, top it with the coarse Almonds and Rose Petals. 

You can serve this chilled or warm. 

I love this dessert more so now because it's Vegan and Sugar free. 

There are a few this you can do with the halwa! 

  1. Freeze it for future use
  2. Make Carrot Halwa Energy Balls
  3. Dollop a spoonful as a porridge topper
  4. Add it to your Carrot Cake Batter
  5. Also creating meals with what is left over brings me so much happiness because we aren't adding to the ever growing landfill. Why waste food when there are endless amounts of ways we can use all the veggies and fruits in so many creative ways. 

Hope you guys found this recipe useful and if you make it use the #lifeinsatiable on Instagram so I can see your creations!!

Namaskaaram

Aj