Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa) is a popular Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and dry fruits. It’s a simple, yet delicious, treat perfect for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
– 4-5 medium-sized carrots (grated)
– 2 cups full-fat milk
– 3-4 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
– 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
– A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios)
– A handful of golden raisins (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
– Wash, peel, and grate the carrots finely using a grater or a food processor.
2. Cook the Carrots:
– Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.
– Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps release the moisture from the carrots and enhances the flavor.
3. Add Milk:
– Add the milk to the pan with the carrots. Mix well and cook on medium heat.
– Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the milk is absorbed and the mixture thickens. This may take around 15-20 minutes.
4. Sweeten the Halwa:
– Once the milk has reduced, add sugar to the mixture. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Continue cooking until the halwa thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This should take another 5-10 minutes.
5. Flavor and Finish:
– Add cardamom powder and the remaining ghee (1-2 tbsp) to the halwa. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the ghee to blend in.
– Optionally, you can add golden raisins and chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, or pistachios) at this stage for added crunch and flavor.
6. Serve:
– Once the halwa reaches a thick, fudgy consistency and the ghee starts to separate from the mixture, remove it from the heat.
– Serve hot or warm, garnished with additional chopped nuts if desired.
Tips:
– You can adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the sugar as per your preference.
– If you want a richer version, you can use full cream or evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
– Gajar ka Halwa can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat it before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Gajar ka Halwa!
