It was in the winter of 2017 that my colleague Shivam introduced me to a dish which I had never seen or eaten before. The Kaali Gajar ( black/purple carrot ) ka Halwa, a smoky earthen dessert, prepared from finely grated black carrots, sugar and milk, sprinkled with nuts having an enamouring aroma of desi ghee ( clarified butter ). My taste buds were overjoyed, such was the exquisite taste of the hot and fuming Halwa, encapsulating the flavours so majestically.
Awadhi Delicacy
We are all used to the conventional Gajar ka Halwa made from Red/Orange Carrots, but it’s cousin the black carrot Halwa is an Awadhi delicacy. If you are visiting Old Lucknow, keep any eye on the Rahmat Ali sweet shop just adjacent to the 200 year old Tehsin Masjid. You will find the black carrot Halwa there. This shop has been one of the very few selling this terrific dessert in Lucknow. Neighbouring locality Chaupatiyan also has Tayya Maharaj ( Shiv Narayan Tiwari ) another famous vendor of this classic sweet.
The nutritious Black Carrots : pic courtesy DailyHunt
‘Garam Taseer ‘ & Health Benefits
The black carrot Halwa, is rare, as the main ingredient is only grown in some parts of northern India and since its procurement is not easy, the Halwa is not freely available. Also, since the black carrot has a ‘ garam taseer ‘ ( a warming effect in the body ), the dish is available only in winters and that too for a relatively brief period. Apart from the delectable taste ( it is less sweet than the conventional red Gajar Halwa ), it is a healthy food as well. Black carrots are said to be loaded with Anthocyanin, a coloured pigment which has anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits.
World Capital
Without an iota of doubt, my city Lucknow is the World capital of this extraordinary Halwa and is one of the feathers in an already bushy proud cuisine Hat of Awadh. I am so thankful to Shivam for bringing this dish to me, and as the winters arrived this year, Shivam true to his word did send me a pot full of this splendid dessert. I was also lucky to enjoy the dish at a couple of weddings I attended this winter. And lastly as early as yesterday, Shujat our old family friend surprised me with an affluent box of hot Kaali Gajar ka Halwa, which was absolutely sensational and inspired me to write this post today.
My Gratitude
I am indebted to Shivam and Shujat for the treats they made me have. The Kaali Gajar Ka Halwa not only mesmerises your gut and appetite, but also bolsters relationships. My gratitude to both of them.
The Kaali Gajar ka Halwa… Awadh’s flavoursome wonder !!
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Reference: Post by Shoaib Daniyal from Scroll.in
Featured Image : eSamskriti
Wow great…yes u r right it is very tasty 😋 n now inshallah I will definitely try to make this
Absolutely. Do try it out 👍
😋😋👌👌👌
Thank you Lia
Just loved reading this article on the nutri mental Kaali ga ajar ka halwa.. ..The black carrot is not easily available but after reading Riz khan s blog my eyes would surely be on the lookout for it when i go to the vegetable market next.Please do keep writing on other rare and special dishes for all the food lovers .
My Father, who introduced me to this dessert, used to say that Tayya Maharaj’s Kaali Gajar Halwa is undisputed king of Lakhnavi Desserts. Try it once and you’ll become a fan of this. Thanks to Rizwan Sir for quoting my name in his blog, I am happy that with the help of his blog more people will come to know about this mouth watering delicacy.
Really appreciate Shivam. Thank you .