Anshu's Food Odyssey

" Gajar ka Halwa ", " Gajrela " or the " Indian Carrot Pudding " is a quintessential winter delight for every Indian. One of the most popular Indian desserts , it is heavenly delicious and finds its origin in the kitchens of Punjab Sikhs who are also believed to have first introduced it to the Royal kitchens of the Mughals. A tasteful aroma, vibrant color and a chewy texture is what that must have greatly enticed the emperors about this halwa. It was in no time that the Gajrela made its way from the royal culinary repertoire to the commoner's kitchen and became widely popular across the country. Today, it won't be incorrect to say that more than food, "Gajar ka Halwa" is an emotion that reminisces a lot of fond memories of those chilled winter evenings when we would all be cozying up in our warm blankets and quilts watching TV; and Mom would get those little bowls of piping hot gajar ka halwa to comfort us even more...aah, that...

Kheer is one of the most famous and loved desserts in India; be it any festival or auspicious occasion such as Diwali , Holi , Eid or Raksha Bandhan , it is one delicacy that finds a top place on the festive menu . Having said that, kheer is of different types and can be made with varied ingredients depending on the occasion and the region. While the most traditional version of kheer that can be found across India is the kheer made with rice, yet there are other farali versions too that are often made during the festival of Navratris and the holy month of Shravan, when many Hindus observe fasts and abstain from having any grains in their meals . Amongst all the farali versions,  sabudane (sago pearls) ki kheer is byfar the most common and is literally enjoyed by anyone and everyone. I too am fond of this delicious kheer and make it whenever there's an opportunity. For past few weeks, I have started observing fasts on Thursdays and as an offering (prashad), I try to make som...