On the beautiful occasion of Karva Chauth, here's my way of giving respect to all the lovely ladies, who have chucked it all to be a home maker.
He has no idea when she gets up, since it's always way before his eyes meet the rays of sun. Neither does he have the clue when she sleeps, since by the time she's tucked the kids in the bed and cleaned the kitchen and don't know what all..he is already snoozing.
But then he must be tired since after the 9-5 regime, while she stays at home. So what if that means having no exit time..
He thinks keeping a check on stock market is difficult. And that by managing the client's expense file, he's more apt at being called the statistician or accountant. Truth is that managing the stock of the kitchen pantry to the brim,
meeting the rising demands of the kids and planing for the festivals and social commitments requires no less of an economist's minds. Throw in some love for fashion labels and gourmet food to spin the balance of the household budget and you require only a magician to set things right.
Yes that's the word – magician. After all that's the magic of her hands that creates those wonderful delicacies in the kitchen. It's only the magic of her imagination that throws those extraordinarily managed theme parties. And its only the magic of her charm that handles those irritating relatives with aplomb.
So what is that skill that she's not showcasing everyday to win a better tittle than a housewife? From time management to budget management to people management. From kids psychologist to nurse to interior decorator. From governess to cook to host. She does it all. With a smile. And lots of love. So please appreciate that lovely lady in the house, whether she is your wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend. Value her decision and encourage her hidden talents.
Disclaimer – The husband is purely fictional, since I'm sure you are lucky enough to have a man who appreciates you in every way. But its just an eye opener for those who have to push themselves in respecting this unpaid job!!
Now after blowing the trumpet of womanhood, its high time I made peace with men folks too. So here's the sweet treat that no one can resist. Gajar ka halwa. I made it on the beautiful festival of Karva Chauth, which brings the husband and wife even closer. After a day's abstinence from food and water, this way my first bite to break the fast. Of course, served with love..from you know who :)
Gajar ka Halwa/ Carrot Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
Carrots - 500 gm, Grated
Milk - 1 litre
Sugar - 1/3 cup (adjust as per preference and sweetness of carrots used)
Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tsp
Ghee/ Unsalted butter - 2 tbsp
Chopped nuts - for garnishing (Cashew, raisins, almonds, pistachio)
Khoya - 3-4 tbsp (If available. Does wonders to the taste. But I didn't have it)
Method:
- Peel and grate carrots.
- Keep milk and 1/4 cup water to boil in a deep saucepan. Water will help in milk not sticking to the bottom of pan.
- Once boiled, reduce the heat, and let the milk become thicker, at least 15 mins. keep stirring in between, to ensure that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- While the milk is getting thick, heat ghee in deep frying pan. Fry raisins till plump. Remove and lightly fry other nuts as well. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add grated carrots and cook for 5-7 mins on medium-high heat, till its almost dry and cooked.
- Now add the reduced milk to it and let it cook for another 15 mins, on low heat
- Now add sugar, khoya (is using) and cardamom powder. Mix well and cook for 5-7mins, till the halwa becomes reddish in color or the oil starts appearing at the side.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm with lots of love.
Note: Alternately you can use condensed milk.
Method 2 - And alternately you can also add the boiled milk to the carrots and let them cook together. This will take at least 40 minutes.
Sharing these with Diwali-festival-of-lights, My-diwali-my-way and Kids-delight.
Hope you are doing better now. Looking good Anamika. Inviting pics.
ReplyDeleteVardhini
Event: Halloween Fiesta
So true, so true...I think it's unbelievable how so many women sacrifice their dreams so that the rest of the family can live theirs. Heartfelt post, and no better way to celebrate a home maker than a nice rich gajar ka halwa!
ReplyDeleteSoo beautiful and tempting halwa..
ReplyDeleteso tempting and delicious halwa !!
ReplyDeleteOngoing Event - CC-Festive Foods
Belated Happy Karva Chauth to you. Carrot Halwa looks simply delicious.
ReplyDeleteDeepa
Hamaree Rasoi
Lovely post Anamika..and the halwa looks so rich and yum.
ReplyDeletelooks delicious...
ReplyDeletenice clicks :)
wow healthy and delicious halwa,luks yum...
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your lovely comments!!
ReplyDeletelovely ode anamika- the halwa looks slurpilicous
ReplyDeleteYummy halwa and perfect texture you have got!
ReplyDeletevery delicious halwa....looks gr8 n nice presentation
ReplyDeletefirst time here and great space..love to follow u..the gajar ka halwa looks so great !
ReplyDeleteDelicious halwa,hope u r doing better now..
ReplyDeleteThat is the truth, that sadly very few recognise. You describe our roles so perfectly. Happy Belated Karva Chauth to you.
ReplyDeleteDelicious halwa. Tempting clicks.
ReplyDeleteA touching write up Anamika and this gajar halwa looks droolworthy.
ReplyDeletei am wondering how treat awaits for Ahoiashthami
what*
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post Anamika, and you said it all--kudos to the lovely homemakers!! Now, can I have the treat..!?? ;)
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing better. Take care.
Thanks gals!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post ,luved the way u wrote
ReplyDeleteNice information as for me. Thnx a lot for posting this information.
ReplyDeleteGreg Davidson
camera jammer