Overview
Carrot Halwa, also known as Gajar ka Halwa, is a popular Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. This rich, flavorful dish is typically enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. The combination of slow-cooked carrots and milk, flavored with cardamom and topped with nuts, creates a sweet, aromatic treat. The carrot halwa recipe is versatile, allowing for variations such as adding khoya (reduced milk solids) or condensed milk for extra richness.
The origins of carrot halwa can be traced to North India, particularly in Punjab, where it became a winter specialty due to the abundance of fresh carrots during the colder months. Today, it's enjoyed all over India, with each region adding its unique touch to the carrot halwa recipe.
For those interested in a healthier version, alternatives like cane sugar or coconut sugar can be used instead of regular sugar in the carrot halwa recipe without compromising the flavor. If you're wondering how to make carrot halwa, it’s a relatively simple process that yields a rich, satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion.
Cook Time
45 minutes
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Serving
6
Difficulty
Medium
Ingredients
- 4 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cane sugar (Add to cart )
- ¼ cup ghee ( Add to cart )
- ½ cup khoya (optional, for richness)
- 10-12 cashews
- 10-12 almonds
- 10-12 raisins
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
Instructions
How to make Carrot Halwa:
- Prepare the Carrots : Wash, peel, and grate 4 large carrots. The base of how to make carrot halwa is properly grating the carrots to ensure even cooking
- Cook the Carrots : Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the grated carrots and sauté on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they soften. This step is essential in how to make carrot halwa to ensure the raw taste is removed.
- Add Milk : Pour the milk into the pan, stirring occasionally. Let it cook until the milk is fully absorbed by the carrots, stirring occasionally. The milk adds creaminess and binds the carrot halwa ingredients together.
- Sugar and Ghee : Add the sugar and remaining ghee. Stir well, and cook for another 10 minutes until the sugar melts and integrates with the carrot halwa ingredients. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
- Khoya and Nuts : Add crumbled khoya (optional for richer flavor) and cardamom powder. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Fry the cashews, almonds, and raisins in a bit of ghee and add to the halwa.
- Finishing Touches : Stir well, and let the halwa cook for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Notes
- The key carrot halwa ingredients are carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. You can add khoya or condensed milk for extra richness.
- Stir continuously to prevent the halwa from sticking to the pan while making the carrot halwa recipe.
- Adjust sugar as per your taste, especially if you're using cane or coconut sugar for a healthier twist in the carrot halwa recipe.