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This city in India specializes in black gajar ka halwa. The decadent recipe is made using black carrots which is harvested in small batches across the country.
Red gajar ka halwa is popular across India.
Come winter, and we all crave a warm bowl of the decadent gajar ka halwa. The comfort dish is often made with seasonal yellow or red carrots and is laden with the richness of ghee and dry fruits. But did you know that this one city in India gives the classic orange gajar ka halwa a twist? The city is famous for its black gajar ka halwa and as the name suggests the halwa is black but it does not compromise on the flavours or its richness.
Taking to his Instagram, social media personality Maroof Culmen recently shared how Lucknow specializes in black gajar ka halwa. He documented the process from a local sweet shop in the city and showed how much effort goes into making the delicacy. He wrote, “Winter in Lucknow brings with it many delights, but one that truly stands out for me is the Kali Gajar ka Halwa. Unlike the more commonly known Lal Gajar ka Halwa, this delicacy is a rare treat, available only during the winter season. The reason? Black carrots have a very limited harvest, and only a handful of farmers grow them. This makes the halwa not just unique but also a fleeting indulgence that we eagerly wait for each year.”
Take a look at the video here.
In the video, the workers from the local sweet shop mentioned that they source black carrots from local farmers. The black carrots are washed and grated. After grating, they are cooked in milk and roasted in desi ghee. The final touch is when they add cashews and almonds to this iconic dessert.
Black carrots are rare but they are rich in multiple nutrients. Here are its five health benefits.
- 1. Rich in Antioxidants- Black carrots are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which give them their dark colour. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- 2. Supports Eye Health- Like orange carrots, black carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a form of Vitamin A that is essential for good vision.
- 3. Improves Digestion- Black carrots are high in dietary fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion by supporting bowel regularity and preventing constipation. The fiber also helps in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for overall digestive health.
- 4. Boosts Immunity- The high levels of Vitamin C in black carrots can help enhance the immune system. Vitamin C supports the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections, and helps in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
- 5. Promotes Skin Health- The antioxidants and Vitamin A found in black carrots help in improving skin health. They promote collagen production, which can prevent signs of aging, reduce wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.
Now you know what else to indulge in on your next trip to Lucknow.
