Halwa Recipe: Creamy Festive Indian Dessert with Nuts
40 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
12
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Black Gajar Halwa is a luxurious Indian dessert celebrated for its deep colour, rich aroma, and velvety texture. This halwa blends grated black carrots with ghee, milk, and sugar, then is enriched with mawa for added creaminess. A mix of nuts and silver varq adds a festive touch, making it perfect for winter evenings or special celebrations, offering both traditional flavour and visual appeal.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
10–12 mediumBlack carrots (kale gajar) peeled and grated
Heat ghee in a deep non-stick pan on medium heat. Add the grated black carrots and toss gently. Sauté for 3 minutes, allowing the natural sweetness to surface and the colour to slightly deepen without browning. This step ensures the halwa has a rich aroma and smooth texture.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Cook with Milk
Pour in the milk and stir gently. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the carrots soften completely as the milk gradually reduces, releasing a creamy consistency. Maintaining medium heat ensures the halwa retains its dark hue and natural sweetness.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Sweeten and Flavour
Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Sprinkle in the green cardamom powder for aromatic depth. Continue cooking, letting the crystallisation occur with the milk-carrot mixture. Stir gently to avoid crystallisation, ensuring the halwa stays smooth and velvety.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Incorporate Mawa
Mix in the crumbled mawa to enhance richness and texture. Cook for 3–4 minutes while stirring continuously, allowing the mixture to thicken. The mawa absorbs the milk and carrot flavours, giving the halwa its creamy, indulgent consistency.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Add Nuts
Add chopped cashews, almonds, and pistachios. Stir for 1–2 minutes so the nuts infuse the halwa with a nutty aroma and slight crunch. Adjust consistency as needed by gently cooking until the mixture reaches a cohesive, slightly dry yet moist texture.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the halwa to a serving bowl. Garnish with fried cashews, slivered almonds, chopped pistachios, raisins, and silver varq for a festive presentation. Serve it hot to enjoy its creamy texture and warm flavours at their peak.