Gajar ka Halwa Recipe

Gajar ka Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert that is especially popular during winters. This rich and delicious sweet dish is made with fresh carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, and is often garnished with nuts and dried fruits. Whether served at festivals, celebrations, or as a comforting homemade treat, Gajar ka Halwa never fails to impress. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe to make this delectable dessert at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh carrots (grated)
• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 10-12 cashews (chopped)
• 10-12 almonds (chopped)
• 10-12 pistachios (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons raisins

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Carrots in Milk

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat the milk and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the grated carrots and mix well.
3. Let the carrots cook in the milk on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Continue cooking until the milk reduces and thickens, and the carrots become soft. This may take around 40-50 minutes.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Ghee

5. Once the milk has almost evaporated, add the sugar and mix well.
6. Stir continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
7. Add ghee and sauté the mixture for another 10-15 minutes until the halwa turns glossy and aromatic.

Step 3: Add Flavors and Nuts

8. Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix well to enhance the flavor.
9. In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee and lightly fry the cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins until golden.
10. Add the roasted nuts to the halwa and mix well.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

11. Turn off the heat and let the halwa rest for a few minutes.
12. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional chopped nuts.

Tips for the Best Gajar ka Halwa:

• Always use fresh and juicy red carrots for the best flavor.
• Full-fat milk enhances the richness of the halwa.
• Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• For an extra creamy texture, you can add 1/2 cup of khoya (mawa) towards the end.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Gajar ka Halwa is not just a dessert; it’s an emotion for many, evoking nostalgic memories of winter evenings and festive celebrations. Try this simple yet divine recipe and indulge in the goodness of this classic Indian sweet!