Winter and fresh vegetables go hand-in-hand. You try to include them in everything you cook, giving the dishes a burst of flavour and an aroma that fills your kitchen. Why not sneak them into your desserts as well? Vegetables bring more than just a crunch and a new taste to the dessert table; they also introduce a myriad of textures. Moreover, the use of seasonal vegetables in desserts is a great way to eat fresh. From the Indian kitchens, making desserts like the classic gajar-ka halwa to global kitchens turning the usual pumpkins into a pumpkin pudding, vegetables are super versatile and deserve a spot in the dessert list as well. These 6 recipes are a fun way to include vegetables in your desserts during the winter months.
Carrot Cakes
Carrots are one of the most versatile vegetables. It is a great snack, it makes for a nice cooked sabzi and not just that, it also is the main ingredient in some of the most delicious desserts. Taking a bit of the moist and spongy carrot cake sounds so yummy at the moment! A carrot cake is the perfect option for people who do not like things to be too sweet. It is the right amount of sweet, with a little amount of icing, and it melts in your mouth as soon as it touches your tongue. All you need to do to make the winter-special cake is mix the dry ingredients like maida, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Then, you can mix the wet ingredients like eggs, butter, and vanilla essence. Bake it, and you have your carrot cake!
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Spinach And Banana Muffins
Spinach and banana muffins are one of the most fibrous and high-nutrition dishes that one can make at home. To make these scrumptious and healthy muffins, one has to take a ripe banana that preferably has some brown spots, as it's extra sweet. One can take the milk of their choice along with honey, a couple of eggs, ground spinach mixture, melted butter, and some whole wheat flour, along with baking soda. The muffins are made in pretty much the same way that one makes regular muffins. All the mixture has to be put in the moulds and baked in the oven at 185°C for 15 minutes until they become fluffy.
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Gajar Ka Halwa
Winter in India brings not only the chill in the air but also a range of seasonal delights, and one of the most cherished is gajar ka halwa. This traditional Indian dessert, made from fresh carrots, is a warm, comforting, and indulgent treat that perfectly complements the colder months. Known for its rich, creamy texture and the delicate aroma of cardamom, gajar ka halwa has a special place in the hearts and kitchens of millions. Whether it's a festive occasion or a cosy evening by the fireplace, this classic Indian dessert is sure to brighten your winter days. So, embrace the season and indulge in the joy of making and savouring this beloved delicacy.
Avocado Lime Cheescake
Avocado is usually celebrated for its creamy texture, and an avocado lime cheesecake combines the richness of ripe avocados with the tartness of fresh lime, creating a velvety-smooth filling that melts in your mouth. The avocado lends a nice richness to the cheesecake topping, yet I think the real star of the show is actually the citrus zing of the lime, which is incredibly more-ish. You can also make them in mini sizes. Make a batch of these little cheesecakes and freeze them. Then, about 20 minutes before serving, take out as many as you need, top with pistachios, and enjoy.
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Beetroot Chocolate Cake
Most people may not know this, but beets are actually often favoured by bakers if they want an organic richness and a deep colour in their chocolate cake. The marriage of deep, earthy flavours and velvety chocolate, the beetroot chocolate cake is a testament to how well vegetables can work with dessert. The natural sweetness of beets not only complements the chocolate but also adds a moistness that elevates this cake to new heights. You can top it with a luscious cream cheese frosting or some basic whipped cream.
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Cucumber Ice Cream
Cucumber is a very refreshing and rejuvenating vegetable, which is why it is used to make a lot of beverages, especially during the summer season. Another way to utilise the freshness of the cucumber to the fullest is by making cucumber ice cream. One can simply take peeled cucumbers that are diced properly, lemon juice, milk, vanilla extract, honey and double-fat cream. All of these ingredients have to be blended properly to make a fine mixture. The mixture must be frozen after being put in the ice cream moulds for at least 4 to 5 hours so that it gets a firm shape.