Gajar ka Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, is a classic Indian dessert that is loved for its rich, sweet, and indulgent flavours. This delightful dessert is made from grated carrots, cooked in ghee (clarified butter), milk, sugar, and a hint of aromatic spices like cardamom. Gajar ka Halwa is a popular winter treat in India when fresh and juicy carrots are in abundance. It is often served warm, garnished with nuts, and enjoyed on special occasions, festivals, or as a comforting dessert after a meal. Let’s dive into the details of this traditional and irresistible recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg carrots, washed, peeled, and grated
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar (adjust according to sweetness preference)
- 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- Raisins for garnishing
Instructions:
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them in the ghee for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften and release their aroma.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the milk. Stir well to combine the carrots and milk.
- Cook the carrots in the milk on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the carrots become tender and the milk starts to reduce. This process may take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the milk has reduced significantly and the carrots have cooked through, add the sugar and mix well. The sugar will release moisture, so continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Stir to combine, allowing the flavours to infuse.
- In a separate small pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee and lightly fry the chopped nuts until they turn golden brown. Keep them aside for garnishing.
- Continue to cook the carrot mixture on low heat, stirring continuously, until it reaches a thick, halwa-like consistency. The ghee will start to separate from the sides, and the mixture will become glossy.
- Turn off the heat and garnish the Gajar ka Halwa with the fried nuts and some raisins.
- Serve the Gajar ka Halwa warm, either as it is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful twist.
Enjoy the warm, rich, and decadent flavours of Gajar ka Halwa as a perfect ending to your meal or as a sweet indulgence!