Make Authentic Carrot Halwa With This Step By Step Guide

Gajar ka Halwa is a popular Indian dessert prepared by cooking grated carrots with milk and sugar. Start by boiling milk and adding carrots until thickened, then mix in ghee and cardamom. Toasted nuts like almonds and cashews are added for extra crunch and flavor. Optionally, khoya can be stirred in for a richer texture. Serve the warm halwa garnished with nuts for a delicious treat.

Gajar ka Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert made from grated carrots, cooked with milk, sugar, and ghee. Begin by boiling full-fat milk and adding grated carrots until thickened. Incorporate ghee, sugar, and cardamom for flavor, then mix in toasted dry fruits like almonds and cashews. For a richer texture, khoya can be added towards the end. Cook until the halwa is dry and glossy, then garnish with additional nuts. Serve warm as a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh red carrots (gajar), grated
• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 4-5 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 5-6 green cardamom pods, crushed or 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 10-12 almonds, chopped
• 10-12 cashews, chopped
• 10-12 pistachios, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• 1/2 cup khoya (optional, for a richer texture)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparation of Carrots

• Peeling and Grating:

  Wash the red carrots thoroughly to remove any dirt, and peel off the skin using a vegetable peeler. After peeling, grate the carrots using a medium-sized grater. You can also use a food processor to speed up the process.

Step 2: Cooking the Carrots in Milk

• Boiling the Milk:

  In a deep, heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, pour in the full-fat milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.

• Simmering the Carrots:

  Add the grated carrots to the boiling milk and mix well. Let the mixture cook on medium heat. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the milk and carrots from burning or sticking. This process will take around 30-40 minutes as the milk reduces and thickens while the carrots cook and soften. Stir more frequently as the milk starts reducing.

Step 3: Adding Ghee and Sugar

• Incorporating Ghee:

  Once most of the milk has evaporated and the mixture becomes thick, add 4-5 tablespoons of ghee. Stir the mixture well to ensure the ghee is absorbed evenly. The ghee enhances the flavor and gives the halwa a glossy texture.

• Adding Sugar:

  Now, add the sugar according to your taste. The sugar will release some moisture, so continue cooking the halwa until the liquid evaporates again. Keep stirring and cook until the mixture becomes dry and the ghee starts to separate from the halwa.

Step 4: Adding Flavor and Dry Fruits

• Adding Cardamom:Crush the green cardamom pods and add them to the halwa for a beautiful aroma and flavor. You can also use cardamom powder if you prefer.
• Incorporating Dry Fruits:Add the chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins to the halwa. Mix them in thoroughly, and cook for a few more minutes to allow the dry fruits to toast slightly and enhance their flavors.

Step 5: Optional Khoya Addition

• Using Khoya for Richness:

  If you want to make the halwa extra rich and creamy, add 1/2 cup of grated khoya at this stage. Stir it well into the halwa and cook for another 5-10 minutes. This step is optional but adds a luxurious texture and taste to the dish.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Garnishing and Serving:

  Once the halwa reaches the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Garnish it with a few more chopped nuts and saffron strands, if using. Serve the Gajar ka Halwa hot or warm.

Additional Tips:

• Stir Frequently: Since milk tends to stick to the bottom of the pan, stir regularly to avoid burning.
• Cooking Time: Patience is key for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Cook the halwa on medium to low heat, allowing the milk to reduce slowly.
• Ghee: Don't skip the ghee as it adds richness and depth to the halwa. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference.
• Khoya: While optional, adding khoya gives a restaurant-style taste to the halwa.

Enjoy your homemade Gajar ka Halwa a delicious and traditional Indian dessert perfect for any occasion.