This exquisite Carrot Halwa Panna Cotta blends the aromatic flavors of carrot halwa with the creamy texture of panna cotta. Ideal for impressing guests or indulging in a gourmet treat at home. Try this easy-to-follow recipe for a unique experience!

Vegan carrot halwa Panna Cotta in 2 cups, garnished with pistachios, landscape view.

What is a Carrot Halwa?

Carrot Halwa, also known as Gajar Ka Halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert that is made by cooking grated carrots in ghee, sugar, and milk. It is a sweet and creamy dessert garnished with nuts and dried fruits. Carrot halwa is a popular dessert in India, especially during festivals and special occasions.

Veganizing carrot halwa is quite easy, as demonstrated by my recipe. You can transform the traditional carrot halwab by substituting dairy milk with soy milk. It results in a delicious vegan dessert without compromising on taste or flavor.

So, whether you’re a vegan or just looking to try something new, give this delightful dessert a try and enjoy the rich, sweet flavors of traditional Indian cuisine.

What is Panna Cotta?

Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert that translates to “cooked cream.” It is a creamy and silky dessert that is light and refreshing, making it a perfect way to end a meal. The key ingredients for panna cotta include cream, sugar, and a thickening agent such as gelatin or agar-agar.

To make panna cotta, heat the cream and mixed with sugar until it dissolves. Then add the thickening agent to help the panna cotta set. Once the mixture is ready, pour into serving cups and chilled until it sets.

What makes panna cotta so special is its simplicity and versatility. It can be flavored with vanilla, coffee, chocolate, fruit puree, and various other flavors. The panna cotta a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits, sauces, or nuts.

Panna cotta is a light and refreshing dessert, loved for its simplicity and smooth, creamy texture. It is a perfect way to end a meal on a sweet note.

Vegan carrot halwa Panna Cotta in 2 cups, garnished with pistachios, a bite taken out.

Carrot Halwa: A childhood favorite dessert

Growing up in India, one of my fondest memories is watching my grandmother make Gajar ka halwa (carrot = gajar, in Hindi), a traditional Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, and sugar. The process of making this sweet treat is a labor of love, requiring patience and effort to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor.

I remember the aroma of the carrots cooking in milk, filling our home with a comforting and inviting scent. As my mother stirred the mixture, I could hardly wait for the final product. The time and effort put into making gajar ka halwa made it taste unlike any store-bought version. The store-bought versions cannot replace the homemade taste of this dessert

The traditional process of making gajar ka halwa is a cherished part of my childhood, and it holds a special place in my heart. The love and care that went into creating this dessert are what make it so special to me. It represents not only a delicious treat but also the fond memories of my family and the time we spent together, especially during the winter.

Introducing you to Carrot Halwa Panna Cotta!

Carrot Halwa Panna Cotta is a delightful dessert that I randomly came up with by combining two of my favorite flavors and textures. This unique dessert blends the traditional Indian dessert of carrot halwa with the creamy and refreshing Italian dessert of panna cotta. The warm, spiced flavors from the carrot halwa perfectly complement the smooth, cool texture of the panna cotta, resulting in a truly delicious treat.

To make Carrot Halwa Panna Cotta, start by preparing the vegan carrot halwa layer using grated carrots, sugar, soy milk, and a blend of nuts and dried fruit. Then, create the vegan panna cotta layer by simmering full-fat and light coconut milk with sugar and agar-agar powder. Once both layers are prepared, simply layer the cooled carrot halwa in serving glasses, and gently pour the panna cotta mixture over the halwa layer. Refrigerate for a few hours until the panna cotta is set, then garnish with chopped pistachios or a small scoop of carrot halwa before serving.

This fusion dessert is a perfect way to spice up your dessert menu and impress your guests with its unique blend of flavors. Give this Carrot Halwa Panna Cotta a try for a delicious twist on traditional Indian and Italian desserts!

Vegan carrot halwa Panna Cotta in 2 cups, garnished with pistachios, front view.

Ingredients to make Vegan Version of a carrot halwa

Follow these instructions to make the vegan carrot halwa:

– 2 cups grated carrots (you can use the grating attachment in your food processor)

– 3-4 tablespoons sugar (adjust according to taste)

– 1L soy milk (or substitute with half light and half full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

– 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground cardamom (cardamom powder)

– A handful of chopped nuts and dried fruit (such as slivered almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins)

For the dairy-free version, the main ingredients are carrots, sugar, and soy milk. Also, you can substitute soy milk with a combination of light and full-fat coconut milk. This not only makes the recipe vegan-friendly but also adds a rich and creamy texture to the carrot halwa.

By using these ingredients, you can create a delicious vegan carrot halwa that is dairy-free and packed with the flavors and textures of traditional carrot halwa.

Ingredients to make Vegan Panna Cotta

To make Vegan Panna Cotta, you will need the following ingredients:

– 200 ml full -fat coconut milk

– 200 ml light coconut milk

– 2 tablespoons sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 teaspoon agar-agar powder (a vegan gelatin alternative)

Substitutes:

– You can substitute the coconut milk with any plant-based milk of your choice, such as almond milk or soy milk, but make sure to also use a vegan cream like soy cream, cashew cream, or almond cream

How to make Vegan Panna Cotta?

1. In a saucepan, combine the coconut cream, and coconut milk, sugar, and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Avoid boiling.

2. Add the agar-agar powder and vanilla extract to the saucepan and stir until fully dissolved. After 3 minutes on simmer, turn it off.

3. Remove from heat and transfer to a pouring cup to help pour into the serving dishes precisely.

Serve the Panna Cotta in serving dishes, such as glass or ceramic ramekins. Once the dessert has set, garnish with additional fruit or nuts before serving. Enjoy this delightful vegan dessert chilled!

Vegan carrot halwa Panna Cotta in 2 cups, garnished with pistachios, close up.

Recipe FAQ for Vegan Carrot Halwa Panna Cotta

How long does the Vegan Panna Cotta take to set?

The Vegan Panna Cotta layer in this recipe requires refrigerating for at least 4-6 hours to set before serving. It is recommended to refrigerate it for at least three hours before serving to ensure that it has set properly. It’s important to note that once set, the panna cotta can be refrigerated for up to a week, so it can be made in advance if needed.

Can you store the carrot halwa Panna Cotta?

Yes, you can store the carrot halwa Panna Cotta to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Ensure that it is properly chilled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help preserve its quality and prevent it from spoiling too quickly.

When stored correctly, the carrot halwa Panna Cotta can be kept in the fridge for about a week, allowing you to enjoy it over multiple sittings. To maintain its delicious taste and texture, be sure to keep it covered and sealed tightly to prevent any air or odors from affecting its flavor.

When ready to serve, simply garnish with additional chopped pistachios or a small scoop of carrot halwa, and enjoy this delightful vegan dessert chilled!

Can you freeze the Carrot Halwa Panna Cotta?

Yes, you can freeze carrot halwa but not Panna Cotta. Place the carrot halwa in an air-tight freezer safe container in the freezer for up to 3 months

Other vegan desserts from the blog that you may like: