3 Quirky Recipes With Carrots 

I love it when my food is brightly coloured and carrots do just that! So I keep adding them every time I make pasta, noodles and of course fried rice. Little did I know that it is packed with so many nutrients! 

Here are some quirky recipes you can try out with carrots as the leading lady! 

Carrot Cupcakes 

All you need is: 

1 1/2 cups flour 
1 teaspoon baking powder 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 
1 cup sugar 
1 large egg 
2 tablespoons yogurt 
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 
1 1/2 cups grated carrots 

Instructions 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and set aside. In another large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, egg, yogurt, and vanilla. Stir in carrots. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture mixing until well combined. Divide among muffin tin. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. 

Carrot Soup 

All you need is: 

2 tablespoons butter 
1 cup chopped onion 
1 teaspoon curry powder 
Coarse salt and ground pepper 
3 ½ cups chicken broth 
1 kg carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks 
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

Instructions 

Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, curry powder, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. (At this point, if your carrots don't taste sweet enough, add a teaspoon of sugar). Add broth, carrots, and 3 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover, and simmer until carrots are tender, about 20 minutes. In a blender, puree soup in batches until smooth; transfer to a clean saucepan. Add more water to thin to desired consistency. Reheat, if necessary. Stir in lemon juice. 

Glazed Carrots and Ginger 

All you need is: 

20 baby/small carrots peeled but with 1-inch green top left on 
1 tablespoon butter 
1 tablespoon honey 
One 3-inch sized piece of ginger, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick matchsticks 
1/2 teaspoon thinly sliced red chili 

Instructions 

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain them and dry with paper towels. Melt the butter in a large pan set over medium-low heat. Add the carrots, honey, and ginger, and cook, turning carrots frequently, until they are browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the chili pepper, and continue to cook until chili is softened, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat, and serve. 

Health Benefits 

1. Improves Vision 

Carrots are good for the eyes. But did you know that it improves your night vision? They are rich in vitamin A and it helps to improve your vision and protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. The bottom line is that if you eat carrots you can maintain your eyes in tip top shape. 

2. Reduces Risk of Cancer 

Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating rats. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the antioxidant beta-carotene contained in carrots is thought to protect cell membranes from oxidative stress and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The antioxidants found in carrots are also thought to help prevent oral cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer and cervical cancer. 

3. Prevents Heart Disease 

Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. The regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids. Carrots may play a particularly important role in preventing coronary heart disease (CHD). Regularly consuming carrots was also found to be associated with a lower risk of heart attack in women. 

4. Promotes Healthier Skin 

Vitamin A found in carrots also helps you to have healthier and glowing skin. Vitamin A is routinely used to treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, wounds, burns and even sunburn. And rough and dry skin is a common sign that you’re not getting enough vitamin A. It also helps to protect your skin from sun burn. Carrots are also used in facial masks. 

5. Prevents Diabetes 

Carrots contain beta carotene, a powerful anti-oxidant that is associated with lower diabetes risk. It is also considered as a safe vegetable for those with diabetes to consume as it has a low starch level. This is even better news for the diabetic as they can now enjoy desserts that include carrots! 

6. Boosts Immunity 

A well-functioning immune system is vital for overall health. It helps our body identify and fight off foreign viruses, bacteria and other threats. When it comes to strengthening the immune system, vitamin A (along with vitamin D) takes center stage. It stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells, which play a huge role in defending the body against diseases. Of course, carrots also contain vitamin C in small amounts, which is another key nutrient in boosting the immune system. 

7. Cleanses the Body 

Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fiber present in carrots helps clean out the colon and hasten waste movement. 

8. Protects the Liver 

Both the fiber and antioxidants in carrots work to directly support your liver’s health. Fiber increases bile secretion from the liver, which helps prevent liver and gallbladder disease, as well as ensuring the liver doesn’t become overburdened. It also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, including the liver. 

9. Prevents Memory Loss 

Middle-aged people who ate the lowest amount of root vegetables showed more than three times as much cognitive decline as those who ate the most, according to a Netherlands study. It also helps you to be less stressed and happier. Research from the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who rated themselves as optimistic had 13% higher levels of carotenoids in their blood compared to those who rated themselves as more pessimistic. Carrot extract has been found to improve memory and manage cognitive dysfunction. 

10. Slows Down Aging 

Who wouldn’t love anything that slows down aging?! Researchers have concluded that the beta-carotene in the vegetables, especially from carrots protected the central nervous system against aging. An 18-year Harvard study determined that when men consumed 50 mg supplements of beta-carotene every other day, cognitive decay was delayed for the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 years compared to those who took a placebo. 

By Jithendri Gomes