Carrot halwa or gajar ka halwa is one of the most popular Indian desserts and honestly it tastes divine! Its sweet, creamy and full of flavor. Making carrot halwa at home is not that hard but it takes some time and love.
Here’s how u can make delicious carrot halwa with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
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1 kg carrots (grated)
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1 liter full fat milk
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200 gm sugar (adjust as per taste)
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4-5 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
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10-12 cashew nuts and almonds (chopped)
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5-6 green cardamom pods (crushed)
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A handful of raisins (optional)
How to make carrot halwa
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First wash and peel the carrots properly. Then grate them finely. You can use a food processor if u want to save time.
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Take a heavy bottom pan or kadhai and pour the milk. Bring it to boil.
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Add grated carrots in the boiling milk and cook on medium heat. Keep stirring often coz it can stick to the bottom and burn easily.
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Cook till milk reduces completely and carrots become soft and mushy. This can take about 45-50 mins. Be patient!
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Now add sugar and mix well. The mixture will become little watery again coz sugar releases moisture.
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Cook again on low flame till all the water evaporates and mixture thickens.
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Add ghee and mix properly. Ghee gives halwa nice aroma and taste.
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In another small pan, heat little ghee and fry cashews, almonds and raisins till golden.
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Add these nuts and cardamom powder to the halwa. Mix well.
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Cook for another 5 mins and then switch off flame.
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Serve hot or warm. You can also refrigerate and serve cold if u like.
Tips for best halwa
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Use fresh and sweet carrots for best flavor
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Stir constantly to avoid burning
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Don’t rush the cooking time, slow cooking makes halwa taste better
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Adjust sugar according to your sweetness preference
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You can add milk powder to make it richer if you want
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Ghee is important for authentic taste, don’t skip it!
Final words
Carrot halwa is a perfect dessert for festivals, parties or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. Its healthy too coz carrots have vitamins and fiber. Making gajar ka halwa at home may take time but the taste is totally worth it. Try this recipe and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.