Gajar Halwa, also known as carrot halwa, is a traditional North Indian dessert made with freshly grated carrots, milk, khoya, sugar, and ghee. The halwa is slow-cooked to enhance its richness, then garnished with dry fruits and a touch of silver varq. It is widely enjoyed during winter months and is a festive favourite for celebrations like Diwali and Holi.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
4 mediumCarrots (grated)
1 ½ tablespoonsPure ghee
1 cupMilk
½ cupMawa (khoya) (grated)
⅓ cupSugar
⅛ teaspoonGreen cardamom powder
3Almonds, (blanched and sliced)
6–8Raisins
3–4Cashew nuts, (chopped)
1 small sheetSilver varq, (optional, for decoration)
Peel, wash, and grate the carrots finely. This ensures even cooking. Blanch almonds in hot water for 5 minutes, peel and slice them. Wash raisins and pat them dry. Chop cashews for garnishing.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Sauté Carrots in Ghee
Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the grated carrots and sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavour and removes rawness from the carrots.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Cook with Milk
Pour in milk and add cardamom powder. Stir and cook until the milk reduces and the carrots soften completely. This slow cooking gives the halwa its classic taste.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Add Khoya and Sugar
Mix in the grated khoya and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar melts and blends well. Cook until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Switch off the heat. Garnish with sliced almonds, raisins, and chopped cashews. Decorate with silver varq. Serve warm or at room temperature.