Detoxifying Ash gourd (Winter melon) Coconut halwa-vegan.
This festive season, I decided to celebrate the uncelebrated nature’s gifts to us. Winter melon or ash guard is one of them. A very shelf stable vegetable, low in calories, rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, potassium, and fiber, ash gourd is called as one of the best vegetables in Ayurveda, but is not used as much in our day to day lives. It is hailed for its medicinal properties in various ailments, starting with diabetes to digestive /urinary issues to weight management. In addition to it’s alkaline nature, cooling and detoxifying properties, it is also spiritually known to ward off evil power.
It is easily available in Asian stores year round and stays good for weeks on the kitchen counter. An easiest way to reap the health benefits of this nature’s wonder is by just juicing the pulp for a cleansing morning drink.
It’s almost Diwali and the natural craving of something sweet and indulgent is definitely on for us. This recipe fixes the sweet cravings in a healthy fashion and is simple to make, using less than 5 ingredients. So, why not make it?
Ash gourd & Coconut halwa- vegan
Equipment
- grater
- blender /food processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated ash gourd
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup coconut cream – not coconut milk
- 3/4 cup raw almonds coarsely ground
- 1/4 tbsp corn starch
- shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dry rose petals to garnish
Instructions
- Grate ash gourd into a bowl. Take a wide heavy bottom pan. Powder the almonds by coarsely grinding in a blender. Set them aside.On medium flame once hot, add the grated ash gourd and saute it for 8-10 min, until water evaporates and the gourd reduces in volume and starts to come together.
- Add the coconut cream and coconut sugar. Also add the powdered almonds. The coconut sugar adds earthy sweetness. Coconut cream is the creamy base for this dish, and will not make you miss the ghee used in traditional halwas. Powdered almonds add nice texture and nuttiness. Keep stirring for a good 10-15 min on low- medium flame, until the sugar melts, and overall the contents start coming off the edges of the pan. Lots of stirring recommended to avoid contents getting burned.
- Mix the corn starch in 2 Tbsp water, add that mixture to the pan and mix well. Give it a minute when you will see the delicious halwa thicken a bit more. Switch off the stove.
- Empty the halwa in the pan into serving bowls, decorate with nuts, shredded coconut, rose petals and relish the healthy dessert.