Carrots - the unsung heroes of the vegetable world- are often overlooked but packed with vitamins and nutrients essential for our health. With a low-calorie count and a sweet, crunchy taste, carrots are the perfect addition to any meal, sweet or savoury. And let's not forget, if you eat enough of them, you'll eventually be able to see in the dark!
Here are the top 5 carrot dishes that will have you rethinking your opinion on this humble root vegetable.
Gajar ka Halwa
This sweet and creamy dessert is like a warm hug on a cold day. A staple in many Indian households, it's made by slowly cooking grated carrots with milk, sugar, and ghee (clarified butter) until they turn into a sweet and velvety dessert that's perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. The dish is then flavoured with aromatic spices like cardamom and nutmeg and garnished with a sprinkle of chopped dry fruits and nuts.
Carrot Curry
This hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish is a great way to incorporate more carrots into your diet. The carrots are first cooked with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala until they're soft and tender and then simmered in a sauce made of juicy tomatoes and aromatic onions. The result is a delicious and healthy curry perfect for serving rice, roti, or naan. It's a great way to add some extra veggies to your diet without sacrificing flavour, and with its comforting and satisfying taste, it's a surefire hit with the whole family.
Carrot Rice
This simple yet flavorful dish is the perfect way to add colour and nutrition to your plate. Grated carrots are mixed into a pot of fluffy white rice, giving it a vibrant orange hue and a sweet, crunchy texture. The dish is then seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and ginger and garnished with fresh cilantro for a touch of freshness. It's a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies, too!
Carrot Raita
This tangy and refreshing side dish is a staple in many Indian households, and for a good reason. Raita is made by mixing grated carrots with yogurt and seasoning with spices like cumin, salt, and red chilli powder. There you have it, a cool and creamy dish perfect for cooling down your taste buds on a hot summer day. Plus, with the added benefits of yogurt, you can feel good about indulging in seconds (or thirds). It's the perfect accompaniment to any spicy meal, and with its light and refreshing taste, it's a hit for adults and kids alike.
Carrot Pickle
This tangy and spicy pickle is a great way to add some twist to your meal. Carrots are grated and pickled in a mixture of spices and vinegar, giving them a zesty and tangy flavour, perfect for adding excitement to your meal. Whether you like your pickle sweet, spicy, or somewhere in between, this dish is sure to have you reaching for more. It's a great condiment to have around, and with its bold and flavorful taste, it's perfect for livening up any dish.
So there you have it, folks - the top 5 dishes to make from this super veggie! Whether you're looking for a sweet treat, a healthy meal, or just a fun way to enjoy your carrots, these dishes are sure to have you saying, "Who knew carrots could be this much fun?"