Ayurvedic Recipes: Sweet Carrot Halwa

As the winter weather is upon us and the holiday season beckons, it’s easy to accidentally over-indulge in unhealthy foods. Fortunately, the Ayurvedic approach to healthy living has proven tactics that will help get you back on track . So what does Ayurveda suggest for the winter months?

If you want to ward off the cold and feel more nourished and energized, Ayurvedic wisdom suggests you should supplement your diet with seasonal root vegetables. With the right type of food, you can improve your digestive tract, experience optimal health, and find the balance you need to live a healthy life when the new year begins.

Carrots: an Ayurveda winter classic

During the winter, we want to avoid getting sick at all costs, which means that you need to reconnect your body with nature’s cycles. One of the ways to do this is to eat seasonal vegetables, such as beets, potatoes, and carrots. These root vegetables are dense, rich in fiber, packed with vitamins, filled with minerals, and of course, loaded with antioxidants to help you get through the winter.

Carrots are an easy to digest vegetable, which makes them perfect for stimulating your system, increasing your energy, and purifying the blood. Did you know that carrots can even have a relaxing effect on your eyes? From helping your complexion to improving your vision and reducing inflammation, carrots are a must-have vegetable for many Ayurvedic winter recipes.

Unless you live in the tropics, during the winter we often feel as if our body is shriveling up in the colder temperature and drier air. Unfortunately, as our skin begins to dry, our sinuses also begin to dry out, which can lead to unwanted infections, colds, or the flu. Even our joints begin to feel as if they’re dry, and creaking all of the time. This is why this Ayurvedic recipe is the perfect thing for the season.

This nourishing dish can be served as a side course or for dessert.

Directions

1. Soak the saffron in 1 tablespoon of water for 10 minutes.
2. Melt the ghee in a large pot over low heat. Once the ghee is melted, add the carrots.
3. Stir and cook the carrots until they become fragrant. After approximately five minutes, the carrots should become slightly brown.
4. Add the milk, spices, and soaked saffron to the carrots.
5. Cook over low heat for 15 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to stir frequently to keep the halwa from burning or sticking to the pan.
6. Serve in small dishes, topped with sliced almonds.

This winter, make sure that you stay healthy and balanced with a diet that features the right types of foods, courtesy of delicious Ayurvedic recipes.

Sources: ayushveda.com and yogajournal.com