Carrots are a versatile vegetable that can be used in various dishes, from savory to sweet. Here are some delicious carrot recipes

 Carrots  Are A Versatile Vegetable That Can Be Used In Various Dishes, From Savory To Sweet. Here Are Some Delicious Carrot Recipes

# 1. **Carrot Halwa (Gajar Ka Halwa)**

A well known Indian sweet made with ground carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee.

**Ingredients**

- 4 cups Carrots, grated

- 2 cups Milk

- 1/2 cup Sugar

- 1/4 cup Ghee (clarified butter)

- 1/4 cup Cashews and raisins

- 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder

**Instructions**

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add grated carrots, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft.

2. Add milk and cook until it evaporates.

3. Stir in sugar and cook until it dissolves and thickens.

4. Add cardamom powder, cashews, and raisins. Cook for 2-3 minutes and serve warm.

# 2. **Carrot Poriyal (South Indian Stir - Fried Carrots)**

A simple and healthy side dish made with carrots and spices.

**Ingredients**

- 2 cups Carrots, chopped

- 1 tbsp Coconut oil

- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds

- 1/2 tsp Urad dal (split black gram)

- 2 Dry red chilies

- 1 Green chili, chopped

- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

- 1/4 cup Grated coconut

- 8-10 Curry leaves

- Salt to taste

**Instructions**

1. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, urad dal, dry red chilies, and curry leaves.

2. Add chopped carrots, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir-fry until the carrots are tender.

3. Stir in grated coconut, mix well, and serve hot.

# 3. **Carrot and Lentil Soup**

A hearty, nourishing soup perfect for a light meal.

**Ingredients**

- 4 Carrots, chopped

- 1 cup Red lentils

- 1 Onion, chopped

- 2 Garlic cloves, minced

- 1-inch Ginger, grated

- 4 cups Vegetable broth

- 1 tsp Cumin powder

- 1 tsp Coriander powder

- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tbsp Olive oil

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

**Instructions**

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.

2. Add carrots, lentils, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cook for 2 minutes.

3. Pour in vegetable stock and heat to the point of boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils and carrots are soft.

4. Blend the soup until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with cilantro.

# 4. **Carrot Thoran (Kerala - Style Carrot Stir Fry)**

A traditional Kerala dish made with carrots, coconut, and spices.

**Ingredients**

- 3 Carrots, grated

- 1/4 cup Grated coconut

- 2 Green chilies, chopped

- 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds

- 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds

- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

- 1/4 tsp Red chili powder

- 8-10 Curry leaves

- 1 tbsp Coconut oil

- Salt to taste

**Instructions**

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.

2. Add grated carrots, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Saute for a few minutes.

3. Mix in grated coconut and green chilies, cook for 2-3 minutes, and serve hot.

# 5. **Carrot Cake**

A soggy and delightful cake made with ground carrots and flavors.

**Ingredients**

- 2 cups Carrots, grated

- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour

- 1 cup Sugar

- 1/2 cup Vegetable oil

- 2 Eggs

- 1 tsp Baking soda

- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder

- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg powder

- 1/2 tsp Salt

- 1 tsp Vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)

**Instructions**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.

2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Stir in the dry ingredients, then fold in grated carrots and walnuts.

5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let the cake cool before slicing.

# 6. **Carrot and Peas Pulao**

A quick and easy rice dish with carrots, peas, and fragrant spices.

**Ingredients**

- 1 cup Basmati rice

- 1 cup Carrots, chopped

- 1/2 cup Green peas

- 1 Onion, sliced

- 2 Cloves

- 1-inch Cinnamon stick

- 2 Green cardamom pods

- 1 Bay leaf

- 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds

- 2 tbsp Ghee or oil

- 2 cups Water

- Salt to taste

**Instructions**

1. Rinse the rice and soak it for 15 minutes.

2. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf.

3. Add onions and saute until golden brown.

4. Stir in carrots and peas, saute for 2 minutes, then add the soaked rice.

5. Add water and salt, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice is done.

6. Cushion the rice with a fork and serve hot.

These recipes showcase the versatility of carrots in both savory and sweet dishes!