How to Make Indian Gajar Halwa (Carrot Dessert)

Indian Gajar Halwa, also known as carrot dessert, is a delicious and rich sweet delicacy that is cherished in many Indian households. This traditional sweet treat, made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, is especially popular in the winter months when carrots are at their best. Making Gajar Halwa is a simple process, and with this guide, you can prepare this mouthwatering dessert at home.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of fresh carrots (preferably red carrots for best flavor)
  • 1 liter of full-fat milk
  • 200 grams of sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 100 grams of ghee (clarified butter)
  • ½ cup of khoya (optional, for added richness)
  • ¼ cup of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios)
  • ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder
  • Raisins (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Steps

1. Grate the Carrots: Start by washing and peeling the carrots. Once clean, grate them using a standard grater or a food processor. Aim for medium-thick shreds to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Cook the Carrots: In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the grated carrots and pour in the full-fat milk. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent the milk from burning at the bottom. Let it simmer until the milk reduces to about one-third of its original volume.

3. Add Sugar: Once the milk has reduced, add the sugar to the mixture. Stir well to combine, and you’ll notice that the mixture will loosen up again as the sugar dissolves. Continue to cook on a low flame.

4. Incorporate Ghee and Khoya: After the sugar has melted, add ghee and khoya (if using). Mix thoroughly, allowing the halwa to soak up the ghee and khoya. This step will enhance the richness and flavor of your dessert.

5. Flavor with Cardamom and Nuts: Add the cardamom powder and mix well. In a separate pan, lightly roast the chopped nuts in a bit of ghee until golden brown, then add them to the halwa. Stir until everything is well combined.

6. Cook Until Desired Consistency: Continue to cook the halwa on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. It should be moist but not watery. This process can take around 10-15 minutes.

7. Garnish and Serve: Once the halwa reaches the right consistency, remove it from the heat. Garnish with more chopped nuts and raisins if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the rich flavors of homemade Gajar Halwa.

Storage Tips

Gajar Halwa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. To reheat, place it in the microwave for a few seconds until warm. You can also enjoy Gajar Halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an exciting twist.

Conclusion

Gajar Halwa is a delightful Indian dessert that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. With this simple recipe, you can easily impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Prepare this sweet treat the next time you're craving something special!