The Best Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe

Recipe

The Best Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe: A Delicious Dessert of Carrots

Description

A popular dessert in Indian cuisine, especially in northern India, Gajar Ka Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, is a rich and indulgent sweet. This rich and indulgent treat is made from grated carrots cooked in milk, sugar and ghee until it reaches a smooth consistency. A quintessential dessert enjoyed during festivals, celebrations and special occasions, Gajar Ka Halwa is garnished with nuts and flavoured with aromatic spices such as cardamom

Ingredient

• 500 gm of carrots, peeled and grated
• 2 cups of full cream milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (to taste)
• 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• Saffron strands (optional, for decoration)

Instruction

1. Preparation of carrots:

1. Wash, peel, and grate the carrots. Put to one side

2. Boil the carrots:

1. Heat two tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over a medium heat.
2. Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté in the ghee for 5-7 minutes. Cook until the carrots are soft and aromatic

3. Add the milk and simmer:

1. Pour the milk into the pan with the carrots and mix well.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer on a low heat, stirring from time to time, until the carrots absorb the milk, and the mixture thickens. This may take about 20-25 minutes.

4. Make the halwa sweet

1. Add the sugar to the pan and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved
2. Continue to cook the halwa until it thickens further, and the carrots are cooked through, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Add the flavouring and the nuts:

1. Stir in the remaining ghee, cardamom powder and chopped nuts.
2. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The halwa should have a pudding-like consistency.

Equipment

• Kadhai or heavy bottomed frying pan
• Grater

Nutrition Information

Tips and tricks

• Use fresh, tender carrots. This will give the best flavour and texture.
• Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding sugar to make it sweeter.
• You can also use condensed milk instead of milk for a richer flavour and texture.
• Roast the nuts before adding them to the halwa. This will enhance the flavour

How to garnish and serve:

• Garnish the Gajar Ka Halwa with saffron strands (if using) and additional chopped nuts.
• Serve it hot or cold as per your preference.

Garnishing and Serving

Gajar Ka Halwa can be garnished with a sprinkling of saffron strands and a handful of chopped nuts. This makes for an elegant presentation. For a visually appealing presentation, serve it in traditional Indian earthenware bowls or decorative dessert bowls.

Storage Instructions

• Any leftover Gajar Ka Halwa can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Gajar Ka Halwa is a timeless Indian dessert. It has rich flavours and an irresistible aroma. With this recipe, you can recreate the magic of this traditional Punjabi treat in your own kitchen. Gajar Ka Halwa is sure to leave an impression on your taste buds and your heart, whether enjoyed hot or cold.