London can be a scary place when you’re ill.

The tube can be claustrophobic, oppressive and overwhelming.

The amount of people bustling past you can be terrifying.

The feeling of isolation can be impending.

When I first moved to London, seven years ago (bloody hell), I was unbelievably excited.

I had always wanted to live here.

A city that never sleeps and with so many possibilities and adventures to be had.

Where I lived THEN and where I’ve moved back to NOW (after drama school), there is a large Indian community. So a lot of Indian restaurants, Indian sweet shops and Indian supermarkets. It’s fantastic.

The first time I had Indian food in my area, I was mesmerised. The flavour was intense and so aromatic. It was an Adraki Murgh (Ginger Chicken Curry) topped with thin cuts of fresh ginger and heaps of coriander. It was a flavour sensation in my mouth. One of my best friends, Lauren, can vouch for the fact that I get VERY annoyed when my Indian food arrives late. I believe she may have photo evidence. Ooh -err!

Anyway, something that intrigued me was Carrot Halwa. Sweet, aromatic and unlike anything I’d tasted before. Unless you start comparing and contrasting Carrot Halwa to Carrot Cake. Which I will not do.

Yesterday after posting my first blog post, I was in a tizz to be honest. That is putting it mildy. I was overwhelmed and proceeded to beat myself up the rest of the afternoon sending myself into a spiralling panic.

So I forced myself in the shower and then went for a walk.

I stumbled across a local Eastern European Discount Store and found a jar of ‘Pistachio Cream’

This is pure pistachios. A cream made of ground and roasted pistachios. And only 99p. And inspiration came.

I decided to make this oatmeal this morning as a reminder to myself of that first Joy of coming to London, and that London can be my home again.

With the support of my loved ones, and continuing to write and reach out for support and help, I can ease back into London life and remember all the things that made me fall in love. All the different cuisines. All the food markets. All the theatre. All the different parts I’ve explored and fallen in love with.

It’ll take time.

But…. much like the plants in Winter, Spring will come again.

And the flowers will bloom.

So here it is….

Carrot Halwa Oatmeal

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: serves 1 (modify for extra just doubling quantities as you go)

Ingredients:

• 45g of oats
• 1 large carrot
• 1 small mug of plant based milk
• 3 tbsp of water
• 6 cardamon pods
• 1 tsp of cinnamon
• 3 grinds of black pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp of coconut yoghurt (this is for sweetener. Traditional Halwa is made with condensed milk so this is a good alternative. You could use coconut cream instead)
• A handful of pistachios/Pistachio Cream/Pistachio Butter (feel free to use other nuts)
• Any other fruit you would like to top

How to make it:

1. Grate the carrot. I never peel, but you can if you like.
2. Add plant based milk to pan with the cardomon pods, cinnamon and black pepper. Gently heat for a few minutes letting the flavours infuse.
3. Add oats and carrot.
4. Add the 3 tbsp of water.
5. Gently stir over a low heat allowing the porridge to thicken to the consistency that you desire.
6. Serve into a bowl.
7. Top with coconut yoghurt/coconut cream, pistachios/pistachio cream/pistachio butter and any other fruit that you desire.
8. Find a cosy spot next to your window and enJOY, remembering that the flowers will bloom again in Spring. Breathe and enJOY.

So there you have it.

I hope you enJOY this as much as I did.

Let me know what you think,

Much love to you all,

Joy xxxx