Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of Gajar Ka Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, a classic Indian dessert that captivates with its vibrant color and irresistible sweetness. Made with freshly grated carrots slow-cooked in full-fat milk, this traditional recipe is elevated with the richness of ghee, the warmth of cardamom, and the crunch of golden-brown cashews and almonds. Sweetened to perfection and finished with plump raisins, this luxurious treat offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, perfect for celebrations or as a cozy dessert on chilly evenings. Whether served warm or chilled, this festive dish is a showstopper—and its straightforward preparation makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Keywords: Gajar Ka Halwa, Carrot Halwa, Indian dessert, traditional recipe, festive sweet.
Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a fine grater. Set aside.
In a heavy-bottom pan or kadai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee on medium heat.
Add the cashew nuts and almonds. Sauté until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and keep aside for garnishing.
In the same pan, add the grated carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until the carrots soften and reduce slightly, releasing their aroma.
Pour in the full-fat milk, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk reduces completely and blends with the carrots. This will take around 20-25 minutes.
Once the milk has reduced, add the sugar. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the sugar dissolves and is well incorporated.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee and stir for an additional 5 minutes to enhance flavor and achieve a glossy texture.
Crush the cardamom pods or use cardamom powder. Add it to the halwa and mix thoroughly.
Add the golden brown cashew nuts, almonds, and raisins to the halwa. Mix and save a few for garnishing.
Serve warm or chilled, garnished with reserved nuts and raisins.
Calories |
1700 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.3 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.7 g | 234% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 207 mg | 69% | |
| Sodium | 649 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 206.9 g | 75% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.8 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 168.5 g | ||
| Protein | 27.9 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.7 mcg | 28% | |
| Calcium | 889 mg | 68% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 2761 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.