Beetroot Halwa / Chukandar Halwa [Beetroot Sweet Dish ]

Did you know that beets have amazing blood cleansing properties!!!

Beetroot is a good source of folic acid, iodine, organic sodium, potassium, chlorine and digestive forms of sugars. The iron content is of fine quality, which makes it ideal for blood production.

Health Benefits:[Read more here]
  • Fights Acidosis
  • A great blood builder
  • Excellent solvent for calcium deposits in arteries
  • Normalizes blood pressure
  • Relieves constipation
  • Beet juice when mixed with vinegar makes a good anti-dandruff solution
  • The chlorine detoxifies the liver
  • When mixed with honey, heals gastric ulcer
  • Beet juice and carrot juice together cures gall and kidney problems
  • Prevents varicose nerves by maintaining elasticity of arteries
Enjoy Beetroot [Chukandar] Halwa !!


Ingredients:

Beetroot [Chukandar in Hindi] - 2 medium
Milk - 2 Cups
Sugar - 1 tbsp
Clarified butter [Ghee] - 1 tsp
Choicest Nuts and berries - handful
Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp
Grated coconut - optional

Method:

  • Grate and steam the peeled beetroots for 5-10 minutes [steaming is optional, it just quickens the cooking process]
  • Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan, fry grated beets for 3-5 minutes on medium heat. Transfer it to another plate
  • Pour milk in to the pan and let it boil. Now add fried beets and cook on medium heat with constant stirring. Keep cooking till the milk condenses
  • At this stage add sugar and mix well.
  • Take it off the heat when all the milk condenses. Sprinkle cardamom powder and garnish with nuts and coconut and serve hot or cold
  • I think it will also go well with vanilla ice-cream....give it a try!
My Notes:
  • It tastes just like carrot halwa, however it was hard time convincing my DH to eat because of the crimson red color!
Update [12/27/2009]
I have made beetroot halwa by steaming as well as directly boiling in milk. I noticed steaming takes away pigments of beetroot resulting in dull red halwa when compared to beetroots cooked directly in milk. I would think steaming will also strip away nutrients?
    ~~~~~~~~~~Event Participation~~~~~~~~~~

    Health nut Challenge 3 - Healing Foods by Yasmeen

    I am sending this entry for "Cook For Yourself " event hosted by Radhika who is celebrating her first blog anniversary!

    Food for 7 stages of Life – Kids (4-14 years)’ by Radhika of Sourashtra Kitchen and Sudeshna of Cook Like A Bong


    ~~~~~~~~~AWARD~~~~~~~~~

    I would like to thank Indrani of APPYAYAN for passing series of awards for being her follower. Thank you so much Indrani, you have a great blog and it gives me pleasure to be your follower!

    Comments

    wow !!!!! what a click? Iam drooling.....Hey congrats on your award.
    Vrinda said…
    Yummy colorful halwa..never made sweets with beets,gr8 recipe...
    Vanamala Hebbar said…
    looks nice..i guess first time here ..nice blog
    Unknown said…
    Healthy and delicious halwa!!...you made it so beautiful.
    Sarah Naveen said…
    Thats looks absolutely delicious!!!
    Love the color..
    Indrani said…
    look lovely dear...I've to give this a try now..I love beetroots in any form..made beetroot chapati, now I have to make this sweet
    Unknown said…
    This is one dessert which had been my todo list for lng....halwa looks rich and colorful!
    Sushma Mallya said…
    lovely click and yummy halwa
    Tina said…
    Tempting and colourful halwa...
    Parita said…
    Love the vibrant color :-)
    Priya Suresh said…
    Such a vibrant colour!!delicious halwa..
    Deepti said…
    I was luking for some beetroot recipes n here i get the yummy halwa...thanx for sharing.
    It looks so colorful.... Thanks for sending it across for the event... I am drooling.....
    Hi Renu,

    Firs time here....
    U have a wonderful space..
    Beetroot halwa looks perect and lovely click.

    Following ur blog

    Check my space when u find time
    and kindly pick up the award from my blog

    with luv,
    ArunaManikandan

    http://ensamayalkuripugal.blogspot.com
    Bharathy said…
    I've never come across such a pretty looking Beet halwa anywhere!..Nice recipe! :)
    Unknown said…
    My favorite kind of halwa,thanks for sending it over,Renu :D
    Swapna said…
    Very pretty and colourful beetroot halwa...
    Suma Gandlur said…
    Though beets are my favorite, I never tried making halwa. Your pic is tempting me to try it.
    Oraphan said…
    What a great post! I can't believe that beetroot is so good for our body, I should add it to my diet very often. Thanks for such helpful tips!
    very nice blog with wonderful pics.. keep it up. i can't help but follow your blog :)
    Usha said…
    The beetroot halwa looks inviting, lovely color !
    Recipeswap said…
    This is my fav halwa!Lovely color.
    Nice blog and so informative thank you for sharing us such a great blog.