Gajar Halwa (Carrot Dessert)
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Gajar Halwa is mouthwatering popular dessert from north India that is adorned by everyone. Gajar Halwa is traditionally eaten during all the festivals in India. There are different ways to make this sweet delicacy, this is the traditional way of making Gajar Halwa because the traditional method of making a sweet yields the richest taste!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert & Sweet
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 3-4
Ingredients
  • 4-5 cup Grated Red Carrots
  • 2 pinch Saffron Threads + 2-3 tbsp Warm Milk
  • 2-3 tbsp Ghee/Clarified Butter
  • 3-4 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • ¼ tsp Cardamom Powder
  • 1-2 tbsp Ghee for Roasting Nuts
  • 2-3 tbsp Roughly Chopped Cashew Nuts
  • 1-2 tbsp Raisins (Kishmish) + 2 tbsp Ghee
  • 1-2 tbsp Slivered Almonds and Pistachios
Instructions
  1. Wash and clean the carrots, peel them, and then grate them into a bowl using a fine grater.
  2. Soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of milk and set aside.
  3. Heat the ghee in a large pan, add the grated carrots, and stir-fry until they start emitting a sweet aroma, or for about 5-6 minutes on medium flame. If you are using red carrots, they will turn orange.
  4. Add the milk along with the soaked saffron threads, bring the mixture to a boil, and stir occasionally until the milk evaporates and the carrots become soft, which will take about 15-20 minutes on medium flame.
  5. Add sugar, mix well, and stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Continue stirring until the mixture becomes thick and creamy like pudding, scraping the edges of the pan with a spatula and folding the carrot mixture to prevent burning.
  6. Add cardamom powder and mix well. Turn the flame to low and let it cook.
  7. Meanwhile, heat ghee in a small pan, add chopped cashew nuts and raisins, and roast until golden brown. Pour the roasted mixture over the prepared Gajar Halwa and mix well.
  8. Gajar Halwa is ready. Garnish with slivered almonds and pistachios, and serve.
Notes
•You can use a food processor for grating the carrots instead of a fine grater, which will save time and effort.
• Gajar Halwa can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, allowing you to enjoy it over several days.
• Adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste preferences, adding more or less to suit your desired level of sweetness.
• For an even richer flavor, you can add khoya or mawa along with the sugar, enhancing the texture and taste of the halwa.
• Additionally, you may garnish the halwa with extra nuts or dried fruits to add a delightful crunch and elevate its visual appeal.
Recipe by Binjal's VEG Kitchen at https://binjalsvegkitchen.com/gajar-halwa-carrot-dessert/