Vegan Gajar ka Halwa

Method

For the almond milk:

Place almonds to soak in water. You can pre-soak the almonds for four hours in cold water or use hot water.

Peel the soaked almonds if you like.

Place the almonds and water into a blender.

Sieve through a fine mesh cloth and squeeze out all the milk.


For the date paste:

Soak as many dates as you would like in water.

Put them in a container with a lid and let them sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. Drain off and reserve the soaking liquid.

Place dates and a little of the soaking liquid in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and consistent, adding soaking water if necessary.

Date paste will last in your refrigerator for weeks, and can be used as a replacement for sweetener in a recipe.


For the halwa:

In a stainless steel heavy bottom pan add grated carrots.

Pour the almond milk into the carrots, add cardamom pods and cook until all liquid has reduced. This will take about 30 - 40 minutes.

Add date paste. Stir occasionally.

Add cashew nut paste if using.

Add raisins, top with almonds.

Serve warm or cold.