When it comes to indulgent Indian desserts, Gajar Ka Halwa stands out as a true classic. This rich and decadent carrot pudding has been enjoyed for generations, with its origins dating back to the Mughal Empire in India.

The recipe has been passed down from one family to another, with each cook adding their own unique twist to make it truly their own.

Originating in Punjab, a region known for its vibrant and flavorful cuisine, Gajar Ka Halwa is a beloved sweet treat that is enjoyed during special occasions and holidays.

The name itself, Gajar Ka Halwa, translates to “carrot pudding” in Hindi, highlighting the star ingredient that gives this dessert its distinctive flavour and colour.

Despite its simple ingredients of grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, Gajar Ka Halwa is a labor of love to prepare. The carrots are slow-cooked in milk until they are tender and infused with the sweet flavors of sugar and ghee.

The result is a velvety, sweet pudding that is often garnished with nuts and dried fruits for an added touch of richness and texture.

While the process of making Gajar Ka Halwa may be time-consuming and require patience, the end result is well worth the effort.

This comforting and decadent dessert is a true testament to the culinary traditions of India, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth with every bite. So why not try your hand at making this beloved Indian sweet treat and savour the flavours of tradition and history in every spoonful?

Ingredients

Carrot: Carrots are a root vegetable known for their bright orange color. They are sweet and crunchy, making them a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet dishes. In Gajar Ka Halwa, carrots are grated and cooked down to a soft and tender texture, adding a natural sweetness to the dessert.

Sugar: Sugar is a common sweetener used in desserts to add sweetness. In Gajar Ka Halwa, sugar is added to the cooked carrots to enhance their natural sweetness and create a caramelized glaze.

Butter: Butter is a dairy product made from churning cream. It adds richness and a creamy texture to dishes. In Gajar Ka Halwa, butter is used to sauté the grated carrots, adding flavor and richness to the dessert.

Pistachio: Pistachios are nuts known for their green color and slightly sweet flavor. They add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to dishes. In Gajar Ka Halwa, chopped pistachios are sprinkled on top of the dessert for a pop of color and added texture.

Almond: Almonds are nuts with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They add crunch and a nutty taste to dishes. In Gajar Ka Halwa, chopped almonds are often used as a garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a contrasting texture to the dessert.

Milk: Milk is a dairy product that is rich in nutrients like calcium and protein. It adds creaminess and richness to dishes. In Gajar Ka Halwa, milk is used to cook down the grated carrots, creating a thick and creamy texture for the dessert.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving suggestions and variations for Gajar Ka Halwa, you can get creative with the presentation and flavors to make this traditional Indian dessert even more delightful.

• Serve the Gajar Ka Halwa warm topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of condensed milk for a rich and indulgent treat.
• Sprinkle chopped pistachios and almonds on top of the halwa for added crunch and nuttiness.
• You can also serve the halwa in individual ramekins or small bowls for a personalized touch.
• For a festive twist, garnish the Gajar Ka Halwa with edible silver leaf (varak) or rose petals for a touch of elegance.

As for variations, you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to customize the Gajar Ka Halwa to your taste:

• Swap the pistachios and almonds for other nuts such as cashews, walnuts, or pecans for a different flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon powder to the halwa for a hint of spice and warmth.
• For a creamier texture, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or condensed milk.
• You can also add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness in every bite.
• For a healthier version, reduce the amount of sugar and butter used in the recipe or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gajar Ka Halwa?

Gajar Ka Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert made with grated carrots cooked in milk, ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts.

Is Gajar Ka Halwa vegan?

No, traditional Gajar Ka Halwa is not vegan as it contains milk and ghee. However, you can make a vegan version using plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Can I make Gajar Ka Halwa in advance?

Yes, you can make Gajar Ka Halwa in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. Just reheat before serving.

How do I reheat Gajar Ka Halwa?

You can reheat Gajar Ka Halwa in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little milk or cream to help it retain its moisture.

Can I freeze Gajar Ka Halwa?

Yes, Gajar Ka Halwa freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What are some variations of Gajar Ka Halwa?

Some popular variations of Gajar Ka Halwa include adding khoya (dried milk solids), condensed milk, or coconut milk for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with different nuts and spices.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Gulab Jamun
• Milk Barfi
• Rasmalai with Milk Powder
• Rice Kheer
• Milk Seviyan

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Gajar Ka Halwa

by Nabeela Kauser

Gajar ka halwa is a rich and aromatic Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, and ghee, flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 443 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 kg Carrot
• ▢ 100 g Sugar
• ▢ 50 g Butter
• ▢ Pistachio
• ▢ Almond
• ▢ 1 litre Milk

Instructions

• Start by adding the butter to a pan and melt it over low to medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped carrots to the pan and sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften and lightly caramelise.
• Next, pour in the milk, stirring to combine, and cover the pan. Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking.
• Once the carrots are tender, use a masher to mash them into a smooth consistency.
• Add the sugar to the pan and cook the mixture until most of the milk has evaporated, leaving behind a thicker, caramelised texture.
• Finally, add the dried fruits (pistachios and almonds) and continue cooking until any remaining moisture has dried up, creating a rich, flavourful mixture. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
• Once done, your dish is ready to serve.

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 443kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 11gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 351mgPotassium: 1190mgFibre: 7gSugar: 49gVitamin A: 42495IUVitamin C: 15mgVitamin D: 3µgCalcium: 403mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Carrots, Eid, Food, Gajar, Halwa, Ramadan, Recipe, Vegetables

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