Classic Carrot Halwa
Indulge in the rich and aromatic delight of **Classic Carrot Halwa (Gajar Ka Halwa)**, a traditional Indian dessert that’s as comforting as it is luxurious. Made with finely grated carrots slowly simmered in creamy full-fat milk, this recipe is a celebration of wholesome simplicity and bold flavors. Enhanced with the nutty richness of ghee, the sweetness of sugar, and the warm spice of crushed cardamom pods, this halwa is the ultimate sweet treat. Toasted cashew nuts and plump raisins add an irresistible crunch and pop of flavor, while optional garnishes of almonds and pistachios elevate its festive appeal. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent everyday treat, this carrot halwa is best served warm, bringing soul-soothing comfort. Ready in just over an hour, this gluten-free dessert can easily become the showstopper of your next dinner spread.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Carrots
- 500 ml Full-fat milk
- 4 tablespoons Ghee
- 100 grams Sugar
- 4 units Cardamom pods
- 10 pieces Cashew nuts
- 1 tablespoon Raisins
- 10 pieces Almonds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Pistachios (optional)
Instructions
Wash, peel, and grate the carrots finely. You can use a food processor or a handheld grater.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, pour the milk and add the grated carrots. Turn on the heat to medium.
Cook the mixture, stirring continuously until the milk starts reducing and thickens. This should take about 30-40 minutes.
In a separate small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add the cashew nuts and fry until golden brown. Remove them and set aside.
In the same ghee, lightly sauté the raisins until they puff up. Remove and set aside.
Once the milk has reduced significantly with the carrots, add the sugar to the carrot mixture and stir well.
Continue to cook the mixture on medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to thicken further.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee and mix well.
Crush the cardamom pods and sprinkle the seeds into the halwa. Stir well to blend the flavors.
Add the fried cashews and raisins to the halwa. If using almonds and pistachios, chop them and add as well.
Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the ghee starts to separate from the mixture and it reaches a nice halwa consistency.
Serve the Carrot Halwa warm, garnished with extra nuts, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.3 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.0 g | 240% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 222 mg | 74% | |
| Sodium | 643 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 194.1 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.0 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 159.6 g | ||
| Protein | 29.0 g | 58% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.7 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 866 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 2768 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
