Gajar ka Halwa, also known as carrot halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert that's made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee (clarified butter). It's a popular sweet dish that's enjoyed during festivals and special occasions in India. Gajar ka Halwa is usually served warm and can be garnished with nuts and dried fruits for added flavor and texture. In this blog, I'll be sharing a step-by-step guide on how to make Gajar ka Halwa.
Ingredients:
500g grated carrots
1 liter full-fat milk
1 cup sugar
4-5 green cardamom pods, crushed
2 tbsp ghee
1/4 cup chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios)
A pinch of saffron strands
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
A few strands of grated khoya (optional)
Tools:
A heavy-bottomed pan
A wooden spoon or spatula
A grater or food processor
A mortar and pestle
A ladle
A frying pan
Step-by-Step Guide:
Wash and peel the carrots, and grate them using a grater or food processor.
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan and add the grated carrots to it. Stir well and cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the raw smell of the carrots disappears.
Add the milk to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the carrots cook in the milk until the milk is absorbed and the mixture thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add the sugar, crushed cardamom pods, saffron strands, and chopped nuts to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens.
Add the khoya (optional) to the pan and stir well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the khoya is fully incorporated into the mixture.
In a separate frying pan, heat some ghee and fry the raisins until they puff up. Add the fried raisins to the Gajar ka Halwa and stir well.
Turn off the heat and let the Gajar ka Halwa cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped nuts and dried fruits.
Tips:
- Use fresh and juicy carrots for the best taste.
- Use full-fat milk to make the Halwa creamier.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the mixture from burning.
- Keep stirring the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the sugar gradually to the Halwa and adjust the sweetness according to your taste.
Conclusion:
Gajar ka Halwa is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for any special occasion. By following the step-by-step guide and tips mentioned above, you can easily make this sweet dish at home. Don't forget to garnish the Halwa with your favorite nuts and dried fruits for added flavor and texture. Enjoy!
