Gajar Halwa Recipe

The Ultimate Gajar Halwa Recipe: A Delightful Indian Dessert You Can’t Resist!

Are you searching for a simple Gajar Halwa recipe? Whether you’re a novice or a pro, this homemade Gajar Halwa recipe will help you to recreate authentic Indian flavors in your kitchen. This Gajar Halwa recipe is a rich and luxurious sweet made from carrots, milk, sugar, and dry fruits slowly cooked into a fragrant pudding.

Table of Contents

1. What is Gajar Halwa?
2. Ingredients Required for Gajar Halwa Recipe
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Gajar Halwa
4. Pro Tips for Perfect Gajar Halwa
5. How to Make Gajar Halwa Without a Mould
6. Amazing Gajar Halwa Recipe Variations
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Gajar Halwa?

The Gajar Halwa, or Gajar ka Halwa, is a traditional Indian sweet dish made from grated carrots, milk, ghee, and sugar and garnished with nuts. Gajar Halwa is typically made during Indian festivals, including Diwali and Holi, because of its rich and creamy texture.

Expert Tips for the Gajar Halwa recipe

🔹 Use fresh and red carrots: These are sweeter as compared to the other types and add flavor.

🔹 Cook it slowly: The longer you cook it, the better the flavor develops.

🔹 Use full-fat milk: It provides an authentic rich creamy flavor.

🔹 Stir constantly: This prevents it from sticking or burning and thoroughly cooks it.

🔹 Add the sugar at the right time: If you add sugar too early, it will draw the water out of the carrots making it watery.

🔹 Use ghee generously: It enhances the aroma and the flavor.

🔹 Make it day before the serving: Gajar Halwa taste better the next day!

How to Prepare Gajar Halwa Without Using a Mould

1. Simply follow the same method but serve directly into a bowl or plate.
2. You can also shape it with your spoon or hands.
3. Present beautifully, and serve warm!

Amazing Gajar Halwa Recipe Variations

Vegan Gajar Halwa – Substitute dairy with almond milk and coconut oil.

Sugar-Free Gajar Halwa – Replace sugar with jaggery or stevia.

Instant Pot Gajar Halwa – Combine all ingredients together in an instant pot to prepare a faster version.

Carrot and Beetroot Halwa – This adds some color and nutrition.

Chocolate Gajar Halwa – Add cocoa powder! Enjoy a chocolate version!

Print Recipe

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Gajar Halwa Recipe

Author: Bhumika Jagtap

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 6

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Winter

Description

Are you searching for a simple Gajar Halwa recipe? Whether you're a novice or a pro, this homemade Gajar Halwa recipe will help you to recreate authentic Indian flavors in your kitchen. This Gajar Halwa recipe is a rich and luxurious sweet made from carrots, milk, sugar, and dry fruits slowly cooked into a fragrant pudding.

Ingredient

Servings

Main Ingredients:

• 1 kg fresh carrots (preferably red, sweet variety) – grated
• 1 liter full-fat milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 4 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• ¹⁄₂ cup khoya (optional, for extra richness)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 10 almonds (chopped)
• 10 cashews (chopped)
• 10 raisins
• Saffron strands (optional, for color & flavor)

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor:

• Condensed Milk – Adds more creaminess.
• Jaggery instead of Sugar – A healthier alternative.
• Rose Water – Enhances aroma.
• Pistachios – Adds crunch and flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grating the Carrots

   • Wash and peel the carrots.
   • Grate them with a hand grater, or if you are pressed for time, use a food processor instead.
   • When you are grating, make sure that the pieces are grated finely so that the cooking is even.
   

1. Step 2: Cooking the Carrots in Milk

   • In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat over medium heat.
   • Add the full-fat milk, and add the grated carrots to the milk.
   • Occasionally stir, and then cover with a lid and continue to cook over a low flame until the milk starts reducing.
   • The carrots will absorb most of the milk and become tender to the bite.
   

1. Step 3: Adding Sugar and Ghee

   • When the milk has reduced by 75%, add the sugar and mix in.
   • Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
   • Add in the ghee and continue stirring in order for it not to stick or burn.
   

1. Step 4: Enhancing the Flavor

   • Add in the khoya (if using), and mix in.
   • Add in the cardamom, and stir to release the aroma of the spice.
   • Keep stirring until the halwa becomes thick and glossy.
   

1. Step 5: Garnishing with Nuts & Dry Fruits

   • Add in the slivered almonds, cashew nuts, and raisins.
   • Stir in and allow to cook for about 5 minutes until the halwa is fully thickened.
   • Finish off with the saffron strands and serve hot!
   

Note

Gajar Halwa is not simply a dessert; it is a nostalgic and comforting dessert that resonates family. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it's always a favorite when it comes time to celebrate a festival, or on special occasions. There is something very rewarding about making Gajar Halwa from scratch, regardless of whether you follow the recipe linked above or try your own variations. You will want to gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy some with your loved ones and family. Happy Cooking!

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