# Beetroot Halwa Recipe (Chukandar ka Halwa) – A Festive Treat for Navratri and Diwali
With the festive season on the horizon, families throughout India gear up to celebrate with happiness, devotion, and, of course, delectable dishes. Among the numerous sweets that adorn our tables during festivities such as Navratri (Dusshera) and Diwali, Beetroot Halwa, or Chukandar ka Halwa, emerges as a colorful and nourishing choice. This enchanting dessert not only gratifies the taste buds but also brings a burst of color to your festive array.
## The Charm of Beetroot Halwa
Beetroot, frequently disregarded in the dessert category, becomes a decadent halwa when mixed with ghee (clarified butter), milk, sugar, and fragrant spices like cardamom. The earthy sweetness of beetroot, combined with the richness of ghee and the creaminess of milk, results in a dessert that is both luxurious and wholesome.
This halwa is especially attractive for parents aiming to introduce beets to their kids, as the sweet and creamy concoction hides the vegetable’s inherent earthiness. It’s a smart approach to incorporate some nutrition while fulfilling sweet desires!
## Ingredients
To create this delightful Beetroot Halwa, you will require the following ingredients:
– **2 cups grated beetroot** (roughly 2 medium-sized beets)
– **1 cup full-fat milk**
– **1 cup sugar** (adjust according to your preference)
– **4 tablespoons ghee**
– **1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder**
– **Chopped nuts** (cashews, almonds, or pistachios for decoration)
– **Raisins** (optional)
## Instructions
### Step 1: Preparing the Beetroot
1. **Wash and Peel**: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the beetroots to eliminate any dirt. Peel the skin and grate them using a grater or a food processor.
### Step 2: Cooking the Beetroot
2. **Sauté in Ghee**: In a heavy-bottomed pan, warm the ghee over medium heat. Introduce the grated beetroot and sauté for around 5-7 minutes until the raw aroma fades and the beets soften.
### Step 3: Adding Milk
3. **Simmer with Milk**: Pour in the full-fat milk and stir thoroughly. Let the mixture reach a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer. Cook until the milk reduces and thickens, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
### Step 4: Sweetening the Halwa
4. **Add Sugar**: When the milk has thickened, incorporate the sugar and mix well. Continue cooking until the sugar completely dissolves and the halwa achieves your desired consistency. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
### Step 5: Flavoring
5. **Spice it Up**: Stir in the cardamom powder and mix thoroughly. You may also add chopped nuts and raisins at this point for extra texture and flavor.
### Step 6: Serving
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Once the halwa has thickened to your preference, take it off the heat. Garnish with more chopped nuts and serve warm. Beetroot Halwa can also be savored at room temperature or chilled.
## A Festive Offering
Beetroot Halwa is not merely a delight for the taste buds; it also serves as a beautiful offering to Goddess Durga during Navratri. Its striking magenta color symbolizes abundance and happiness, making it a suitable addition to your festive prayers and gatherings.
## Conclusion
This Beetroot Halwa recipe is a straightforward yet elegant method to celebrate festivals like Navratri and Diwali. Its rich flavors, coupled with the health benefits of beetroot, render it a must-try dessert for your festive selection. Whether you present it to family or offer it as prasad, this halwa is bound to make a lasting impact. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to relish this delightful sweet treat!