Make Gajar Ka Halwa Without Sugar: A Healthier Dessert Option

Gajar ka halwa can be made sugar-free by using jaggery or dates paste as a natural sweetener. Grated carrots are cooked in milk until creamy and thickened, then blended with cardamom for aroma. Ghee adds richness, while saut ed nuts and raisins provide texture and flavor. The milk and carrots meld beautifully, creating a dessert that's both nutritious and delicious. Garnish with extra nuts for a delightful presentation. Enjoy warm or chilled as a healthy winter treat.

Ingredients:

Carrots (Gajar): 1 kg, finely grated
Full-Fat Milk: 1 liter
Ghee: 2 tablespoons
Jaggery (grated) or Dates Paste: 1 cup
Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon
Chopped Nuts: Almonds, pistachios, and cashews as desired
Raisins: 2 tablespoons

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Wash, peel, and grate the carrots finely. Use fresh and tender carrots for the best taste.
Heat a thick-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of ghee.

Step 2: Cook the Carrots

Add the grated carrots to the pan and saut them in ghee for 5-7 minutes. This removes the raw smell and enhances their flavor.
The carrots will shrink slightly as they release water during cooking.

Step 3: Add Milk and Cook

Pour the full-fat milk into the pan, ensuring the carrots are fully immersed.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Let the mixture cook until the milk reduces and thickens, blending well with the carrots. This process may take 30-40 minutes.

Step 4: Sweeten Naturally

Once the milk is almost absorbed, add grated jaggery or dates paste. Mix well to ensure the sweetener dissolves uniformly.
Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.

Step 5: Add Flavor and Texture

Stir in cardamom powder for aroma.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee in a small pan. Add chopped nuts and raisins, saut ing them lightly until aromatic.
Mix the nuts and raisins into the halwa.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the gajar ka halwa to a serving dish.
Garnish with additional chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cardamom powder.
Serve warm or cold as per preference.

Tips for Best Results:

Use red or Delhi carrots during the winter season for authentic flavor.
Adjust the quantity of jaggery or dates paste according to your sweetness preference.
Ensure the jaggery is added only after the milk has reduced to avoid curdling.

Enjoy your healthier, sugar-free gajar ka halwa, perfect for guilt-free indulgence.