Special winter recipe || Gajar Ka Halwa
Happy winter, everyone! ❄️
The air is crisp, the blankets are out, and the only cure is a big bowl of slow-cooked Gajar Ka Halwa. Sending this little piece of Indian winter comfort to all my amazing friends and family. May your season be as rich, sweet, and warm as this dessert!
Stay cozy, stay happy, and keep sharing the sweetness! ❤️
What is Gajar Ka Halwa?
For those unfamiliar, Gajar Ka Halwa is a rich, sweet Indian dessert made by slow-cooking grated carrots in milk, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar, then finishing it off with aromatic cardamom and a generous sprinkle of nuts. The slow cooking concentrates the flavors, turning simple carrots into a luxurious pudding.
Ready to get started? Let's gather our ingredients!
let's share the recipe of Gajar Ka Halwa recipe. its very simple and good in taste,I share below how I made stro by step including ingredients list.
Cooking time :1hr to 1:30hr
Serving size: 5 to 7 person
Things we need
Here is a concise list of the essential ingredients for making Gajar Ka Halwa:
Gajar (Carrots): Fresh, grated (ideally red winter carrots).
Milk: Full-fat/Whole milk (for the traditional slow-cooking method).
Ghee: Clarified butter.
Sugar: Granulated sugar.
Cardamom Powder: Green cardamom (Elaichi) for flavor.
Nuts: Chopped almonds, cashews, or pistachios (for garnish and texture).
Optional, for extra richness:
Khoya (Mawa): Dried milk solids.
Raisins: For sweetness.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Gajar Ka Halwa
Step 1: Prep Your Carrots
First things first, wash, peel, and grate your carrots. You can use a food processor for speed, or a hand grater for a more traditional texture.
Step 2: The Slow Cook Begins
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, combine the grated carrots and the milk. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the milk has been absorbed and evaporated. This step can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your pan and heat. Patience is key here!
Step 3: The Ghee Treatment
Once the milk has almost completely evaporated and the mixture looks thick and creamy, it's time for the ghee! Add the ghee to the pan and continue to cook, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for developing that rich, caramelized flavor and preventing sticking. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the halwa starts to leave the sides of the pan and smells wonderfully fragrant.
Step 4: Sweetening and Spicing
Now, add the sugar and cardamom powder (or crushed cardamom pods). The sugar will release some water, so continue to cook and stir until this liquid has evaporated and the halwa thickens again. If you're using khoya, crumble it in during this stage and mix well until combined."
Step 5: Toast the Nuts (Optional, but Recommended!)
In a small pan, heat a tiny bit of ghee and lightly toast your chopped nuts until fragrant. This really brings out their flavor!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your glorious Gajar Ka Halwa is ready! Transfer it to a serving bowl, garnish generously with your toasted nuts, and serve warm. It's truly heavenly on a cold winter evening.
There you have it – the ultimate guide to making Gajar Ka Halwa at home. It’s a labor of love, but every spoonful is a testament to winter's bounty and the magic of Indian cuisine.
Do you have any special memories associated with Gajar Ka Halwa? Share them in the comments below!
Happy Cooking and Happy Winters!