Jagjit Kaur Goel
We all know about carrots and their reputation for promoting our vision. When we were young, our mothers made sure that we ate carrots often.
Surprisingly one can find white and red carrots as well as the most widely used orange variety.
Carrots are antioxidants and rich in minerals, vitamins and fibre. They are also loaded with sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, vitamins A,C, D and B6 and beta carotene. These properties promote a healthy blood pressure and heart, as well as radiant skin and healthy eyes.
RECIPES
Carrots are a versatile vegetable and can be cooked in both sweet and savoury dishes.
JUICES, SALADS, KHEER
JUICES
Provide instant vitality and energy
Preparation:
- Peel and cut the vegetables
- Pass through a blender or a liquidiser until smooth
| Juice 1 | Juice 2 | Juice 3 |
| 2 Carrots | 2 Carrots | 3 Carrots |
| 1 Apple | 2 Tomatoes | 3 Apples |
| 1 Orange | 1 Kiwi Fruit | Small Beetroot |
| 1 sq inch Ginger | Handful Spinach | |
SALAD
Fresh cold Salad – Kachumber
This goes very well with barbecued dishes
Ingredients
One very small head of cabbage
2 medium onions
6 inches long kheera (cucumber)
2 carrots
4 tomatoes
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp red chillies
1 Capsicum
Salt to taste
Optional:
4 green chillies
1 tbsp of salad cream
Method:
- Grate the cabbage and the carrots
- Cut the tomatoes, capcicum and onions into small cubes
- Cut chillies first lengthwise and then in half
- Mix everything together and add the lemon juice and salt
To give a richer taste, you may add 1 tbsp of salad cream
Hot and spicy salad – SAMBARAH
If you like hot, spicy and tangy tastes, then Sambarah is a treat!
Goes very well with lentils and rice.
Ingredients:
Cabbage 500g
Carrots 500g
2 capsicum
Green chillies 100g
Jaggery 100g
Lemon juice 50 ml
Mustard seeds 1 tbsp
1/2 tsp turmeric
2tbsp of cooking oil
Optional:
½ tsp red chillies
Method:
- Clean and Shred the cabbage, carrots and the capsium
- Pat dry with kitchen towel
- Wash and dry the chillies with kitchen towel and cut lengthwise
- Heat the cooking oil in a shallow pan/wok and add the mustard seeds
- When the seeds splutter, remove from heat and cover with the lid and leave aside for 2 minutes
- Add turmeric, salt and red chillies. Mix well
- Add the vegetables, stir well and sauté over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes
- Lower the heat and add jaggery and lemon juice. Continue to stir for another couple of minutes
- Remove from heat and leave it covered until it cools down
Gajar Kheer (sweet dish)
A perfect dessert after a light meal
Ingredients:
2 Medium size Carrots
2 heaped tbsp Milk powder 2
2 tbsp of Jaggery or Sugar
1 tbsp Custard powder
1 tbsp Butter
500ml Milk (preferably full fat)
Method:
- Wash, peel and grate the carrots
- Heat butter in a pan and then add the carrots and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the milk and let the mixture simmer until the carrots are cooked and the mixture turns to a thick consistency.
- Add jaggery/sugar and almond powder, stirring well.
- Stir over a low heat for a couple of minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with pistachio
- Cover the pan, let it cool slightly and serve
I hope you enjoy these Carrot recipes. I look forward to finding more Pothohari recipes to share with you next time!
