Pumpkin Halwa: A Nutrient-Rich Delight to Meet Your Daily B12 Requirements

Introduction:

Pumpkin halwa is a delightful and nutritious Indian dessert that can be a tasty way to meet your daily B12 requirements. B12 is a vital nutrient, primarily found in animal products. However, there are alternative sources for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to prepare a delicious pumpkin halwa that incorporates ingredients rich in B12, making it suitable for everyone.

Ingredients :

1. 2 cups of grated pumpkin
2. 1/2 cup of almond milk (fortified with B12)
3. 1/4 cup of roasted cashews (a good source of B12)
4. 1/4 cup of coconut oil (for cooking)
5. 1/2 cup of jaggery or brown sugar
6. 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
7. A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
8. 1/4 cup of dried cranberries (a B12-rich fruit)
9. A few slivers of almonds for garnish
10. 1 teaspoon of nutritional yeast (a vegan B12 source)

Instructions :

1. Grate the Pumpkin:

   • Start by peeling and grating the pumpkin. Make sure to remove any seeds or fibers.

2. Prepare the Fortified Almond Milk:

   • In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk with nutritional yeast, which is a vegan-friendly source of B12. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to enhance the B12 content.

3. Roast the Cashews:

   • Heat a tablespoon of coconut oil in a pan, add the cashews, and roast them until they turn golden brown. Set them aside.

4. Cook the Pumpkin:

   • In the same pan, add the remaining coconut oil and grated pumpkin. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin softens and turns slightly golden.

5. Add Sweetener and Almond Milk:

   • Add the jaggery (or brown sugar) to the cooked pumpkin and mix well. Then, pour in the fortified almond milk. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring continuously.

6. Season and Flavor:

   • Add cardamom powder for a delightful aroma and saffron strands for a touch of luxury. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.

7. Incorporate B12-Rich Cranberries:

   • Mix in the dried cranberries and roasted cashews. They not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the B12 content of the dish.

8. Simmer and Serve:

   • Allow the pumpkin halwa to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches a desired consistency. It should be soft, smooth, and sweet.

9. Garnish and Serve:

   • Finally, garnish the pumpkin halwa with slivers of almonds for added crunch and presentation. Serve it warm or at room temperature.

Conclusion :

Pumpkin halwa is not only a delectable dessert but also a creative way to incorporate B12 into your diet. By using fortified almond milk, nutritional yeast, and B12-rich ingredients like cashews and cranberries, this dish can help you meet your daily B12 requirements while satisfying your sweet cravings. Enjoy this nutritious treat with the knowledge that you’re nourishing your body with essential nutrients.