East Meets West: Gajar ka Halwa Tiramisu - A Fusion Delight!

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic tiramisu, incorporating the warm flavors of Gajar ka Halwa (carrot pudding) with the traditional coffee and cream elements.

Ingredients:

For the Gajar ka Halwa Layer:

500 gms carrots, grated

1 cup full-cream milk

4 tbsp ghee

1/2 cup condensed milk (reduce for a less sweet halwa)

1/4 tsp cardamom powder

2 tbsp chopped almonds

2 tbsp raisins

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

250 gms mascarpone cheese, softened

250 gms cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup icing sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped pistachios

For Assembly:

1 pack ladyfingers (~20 pieces)

Cocoa powder, for dusting

For the Coffee Dip:

2 strong cups brewed coffee, cooled

2 tbsp rosewater

Instructions:

Prepare the Gajar ka Halwa Layer: Heat ghee in a pan. Add grated carrots and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in milk and simmer until carrots are softened. Reduce heat and add condensed milk, cardamom powder, almonds, and raisins. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and milk evaporates (around 20 minutes). Set aside to cool completely.

In a bowl, combine cooled coffee and rosewater. Stir well and reserve.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together softened mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture.

In a shallow dish or baking tray, arrange a single layer of ladyfingers dipped briefly in the coffee mixture. Spread a layer of the cooled Gajar ka Halwa over the ladyfingers. Sprinkle with half of the chopped pistachios. Top with half of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with remaining ladyfingers, coffee dip, Gajar ka Halwa, pistachios, and cream cheese mixture.

Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and garnish with remaining pistachios.

Tips:

For a richer coffee flavor, use espresso instead of brewed coffee.

Adjust the amount of rosewater in the coffee dip according to your preference.

To make your own ladyfingers, you can find recipes online.

For a vegan option, use vegan cream cheese alternatives and substitute ghee with vegan butter.

Enjoy this unique fusion dessert that combines the best of Indian and Italian flavors!