Gajar Halwa, or carrot-based pudding, is a beloved dessert in Indian cuisine, known for its rich taste and comforting texture. This traditional sweet treat is especially popular in North India, where it graces the tables during festivals and special occasions. Made with fresh, juicy red carrots, the dessert is slow-cooked with ghee, milk, and sugar, resulting in a deeply flavorful and aromatic dish. Its vibrant orange hue and the hint of cardamom make Gajar Halwa not just a feast for the palate but also a visual delight.

There are many variations of Gajar Halwa, with some recipes incorporating khoya or condensed milk for a richer consistency. However, the traditional method—using simple ingredients like fresh carrots, ghee, milk, and sugar—yields the purest taste, allowing the natural sweetness of the carrots to shine through. This method, although time-consuming, enhances the depth of flavor and texture. While modern cooking methods like using a microwave or pressure cooker can save time, they often fall short in capturing the essence of the traditional preparation. The slow cooking process caramelizes the carrots and melds the flavors beautifully, making it an irreplaceable part of the authentic Gajar Halwa experience.

Gajar Halwa has a rich history that dates back to the Mughal era, believed to have been introduced to Indian cuisine by the Mughals. Originating in the northern regions of India, particularly in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, this dessert quickly gained popularity across the subcontinent. Traditionally, it was prepared during the winter months when carrots are in season, making it a warm and comforting treat. Over the years, Gajar Halwa has become synonymous with Indian celebrations and festivals like Diwali and Holi, enjoyed by people of all ages. Its enduring popularity lies in its simplicity, versatility, and the nostalgic warmth it brings to every bite, making it a cherished dessert across generations.

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

Method:

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.

Tips:

•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.

Gajar Halwa (Carrot Dessert)

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

20 mins

Total time

30 mins

 

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: Binjal Pandya

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.

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