Carrot Halwa

Happy Sankranti to all you wonderful people. Have a great time. Right now it is Carrot Halwa here! Well I did say Carrot Halwa is not the traditional sweet at this time of the year. It ought to be Pongal sweet and savory,but I am not a big fan of sweet Pongal. Besides, with sweet Pongal somehow there is always a problem of left overs. This weekend being a long weekend we are heading out and there was no scope for leftovers! Hence some Carrot Halwa.
Back home, winters are the best time for Carrot Halwa. Winter weather miraculously turns carrots sweeter and juicer and hence perfect for Halwa. Ah! I miss the Delhi -carrot Halwas and Moongdal Halwa consumed at this time of the year. Here it is Carrot Halwa.
One special sweet note about Carrot halwa. It somehow follows me on all big moments in my life..our engagement, Wedding, Sonny boy's first birthday, invariably served with Ice Cream :) I am not complaining. 

We will need

Carrots grated  3 Cups (packed)
Khoa               1/2 Cup
Sugar               1 1/2 Cup
Almond slivers
Ghee              1/4 Cup
Salt                  a pinch
Nutmeg           a pinch (optional, I love it)

Method

• Heat Ghee in a thick bottomed skillet. Dump the grated carrots and salt. Stir and saute till fragrant and slightly translucent. 
• Add the Khoa and sugar. Simmer and keep stirring at regular intervals. It burns rather easily at this point. 
• Once it is thoroughly cooked, throw in the nutmeg. Mix well. Cook for a few more minutes and remove from heat.
• Garnish with slivered toasted Almonds. I somehow like the crunch and prefer almonds. If preferred raisins and cashews can also be used. 
• Serve warm with Ice cream on the side.