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Carrot and Pistachio Halwa

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    Vegetables for dessert? This delicious carrot halwa dessert is often eaten all by itself without an entrée or meal preceding it. We took a bit of creative licence with the traditional halwa and substituted coconut milk for regular milk and raw coconut crystals for granulated sugar. The results are delicious! Try our version and eat it hot, warm, or cold.

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    1/4 cup (60 mL) raw cashews2 Tbsp (30 mL) shelled unsalted pistachios3 cups (750 mL) peeled and finely grated carrots1 cup (250 mL) coconut milk or regular milk1/2 cup (125 mL) raw coconut crystals* or coconut sugarGenerous pinch of ground cardamom2 Tbsp (30 mL) barberries** OR 1/4 cup (60 mL) golden raisins1 Tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped shelled pistachiosSea salt (optional)

    Dry roast cashews and 2 Tbsp (30 mL) shelled pistachios in small frying pan over medium heat until lightly toasted and aromatic. Shake pan over heat several times to prevent them from burning. Remove and place them in small dish.

    Combine grated carrots and milk in medium-sized saucepan. Stir together and cook covered over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until carrots are tender. Remove lid and continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until milk has almost evaporated. Stir in coconut crystals or sugar, cardamom, and raisins, and continue to cook until sugar is dissolved and mixture is as dry as you like. Fold in toasted cashews and pistachios. (If using barberries instead of raisins, fold in with toasted nuts.) Add a pinch of salt if you wish.

    Serve a small 1/4 cup (60 mL) scoop in a dessert dish with a dusting of finely chopped pistachios. Serve hot or warm, or refrigerate and serve cold.

    * Raw coconut crystals are available in health food and organic food stores. They’re a low glycemic sugar alternative and have a delicious full sweetness without all the calories of regular sugar.

    ** Barberries are available in most Iranian grocery stores.

    Serves 6.

    Each serving contains: 209 calories; 2 g protein; 11 g total fat (8 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 28 g total carbohydrates (21 g sugars, 2 g fibre); 43 mg sodium

    source: "Persian Cuisine", alive #377, March 2014

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    Carrot and Pistachio Halwa

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