Gajar Halwa
Gajar Halwa, also known as Gajar ka Halwa, is a quintessential Indian dessert made from fresh grated carrots, milk, and sugar, simmered until creamy and rich. It's a perfect winter treat that warms the soul.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1/4 cup of ghee over medium heat.
- 2
Add 2 cups of grated carrots to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and reduce in volume.
- 3
Pour in 1 cup of full-fat milk and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 4
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently until the milk thickens and the carrots are well cooked.
- 5
Stir in 1/2 cup of sugar and mix well until it dissolves completely.
- 6
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder and mix to incorporate the flavor.
- 7
In a separate small pan, heat the remaining ghee over medium heat and add 1/4 cup each of chopped cashews and almonds, sautéing until they turn golden brown. Add 1/4 cup of raisins and sauté for another minute until they puff up.
- 8
Combine the sautéed nuts and raisins into the carrot mixture and stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- 9
Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring continuously, and season with salt or more sugar to taste. Serve warm.
Cook notes
Tips
Use fresh, tender carrots for the best flavor and texture.
Make sure to keep stirring the mix to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftover Gajar Halwa in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Substitutions
- Use condensed milk for a richer sweetness instead of regular sugar.
- Almonds can be substituted with pistachios for a different nut flavor.
What to Serve With
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with fresh fruit like mango or banana for contrast.
Common Mistakes
- Not using enough milk can result in a dry halwa.
- Overcooking the carrots can lead to mushiness.
Recipe FAQ
What is Gajar Halwa made of?
Gajar Halwa is made of grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, cardamom, and nuts.
Can I make Gajar Halwa vegan?
Yes, you can use coconut milk and substitute ghee with coconut oil.
How long can I store Gajar Halwa?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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