Looking for the perfect Indian dessert that’s easy to make and loved by all? Gajar Ka Halwa, or Carrot Halwa, is the ultimate treat!
With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and the goodness of carrots, this dessert is a must-try for festivals, family dinners, or cozy evenings.
Let me share my special recipe with you—just the way my mom used to make it, simple and heartwarming. Get ready to fall in love with this classic sweet dish! (step-by-step-recipe)
About Gajar ka Halwa Recipe:
Gajar ka Halwa is a rich, delicious, and healthy recipe made with red carrot, mostly available in winter. Gajar ka Halwa is made using minimal ingredients. This halwa tastes good and is loved by all.
Carrot is rich in beta-carotene, which helps the skin by blocking the UV rays, which are usually active during winter. This is just one of the many reasons for eating Gajar ka Halwa in winter.
Every time I make Gajar Ka Halwa, I’m reminded of my childhood. During winters, red carrots would flood the markets, and my mom would make this dessert almost every alternate day.
It all began when my brother, who absolutely loved Gajar Halwa, told my mom how much he enjoyed it. Being the amazing cook she was, she made it often for him, and soon it became a regular treat for the whole family.
She always used milk instead of khoya, and the slow cooking process made the halwa rich and flavorful without being overly heavy.
The aroma of carrots simmering in milk and ghee would fill our home, and it felt like a warm hug on chilly evenings.
Though traditionally, Gajar Ka Halwa is made with red carrots (available in abundance during winters), you can also make it with orange carrots.
Red carrots are sweeter and juicier, which makes them perfect for this dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it year-round with orange carrots.
No matter what type of carrots you use, this recipe guarantees a delicious result.
Now, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you can enjoy the same warmth and love that this dessert has always brought to my family.
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the halwa warm, chilled from the refrigerator, or at room temperature.
You can also serve with a scoop of vanilla or kesar pista ice cream, if you like. The combination of two loved by many.
Include it in your festive spread during Diwali, Eid, or Holi celebrations.
Storage Suggestion:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheat with Milk: Add a splash of milk while reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Gajar Halwa Recipe:
Choose Fresh Carrots: Red carrots bring out the best flavor, but orange ones work too.
Grate Finely: Finely grated carrots cook evenly and blend seamlessly with milk.
Low and Slow Cooking: Allow the carrots to absorb the milk fully for a rich, creamy texture.
Ghee Enhances Flavor: Adding ghee towards the end amplifies the aroma and gives a glossy finish.
Why You Should Make this Recipe:
Simplified Process: No khoya is needed—just milk, which is readily available.
Authentic Flavors: This recipe stays true to the traditional taste with simple ingredients.
Perfect for All Occasions: Ideal for festivals like Diwali or just a cozy winter evening.
Homemade Goodness: You control the ingredients, making it healthier and preservative-free.
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Basic Ingredients used to Make Carrot Halwa Recipe:
Tender Juicy Red Carrots: Red carrots are ideal for their sweetness and juiciness, but orange carrots can also be used.
Full-Cream Milk: Makes the halwa creamy and rich without needing to add khoya.
Ghee: Adds flavor and makes the halwa rich and shiny.
Cardamom Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic touch.
Sugar: Balances the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Raisins: Adds a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness.
Cashews: Roasted in ghee for a crunchy, nutty flavor.
Almonds: Adds richness and texture to the halwa.
Gajar ka Halwa
Ingredients
- 5 cups Tender Juicy Red Carrot grated
- 5 tbsp Ghee
- 5 cups Milk full cream milk
- 7-8 nos Cardamom powdered
- 10 tbsp Sugar
- Raisins handful
- 20-25 nos Whole Cashew
- 15-20 nos Almond chopped or sliced
Instructions
- First of all, rinse, peel and then grate the carrots with a grater.
- Now add ghee in a heavy bottomed pan or kadhai.
- Add carrot to it and give it a nice stir.
- Immediately add milk to it and let this mixture boil on a medium flame.
- Now keep the flame low and let it simmer stirring in between.
- Let the grated carrot cook in the milk.
- Once you see that the milk started reducing and evaporated leaving behind thick khoya.
- Add sugar to it.
- Stir well and continue to cook stirring in between, till the sugar is absorbed and halwa becomes dry again.
- Now it’s time to add cashews, almond, raisins and cardamom powder and give everything a nice mix.
- You will see that the halwa starts to leave the side of the frying pan.
- Turn of the gas.
- You can serve this halwa hot or cold depends on you.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Question About this Recipe:
Can I make this halwa with orange carrots?
Yes, you can! While red carrots are traditionally used because they are sweeter and juicier, orange carrots work just as well. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make this halwa healthier?
You can reduce the sugar or replace it with jaggery. Using less ghee or a plant-based alternative also makes it lighter.
Is this halwa suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, substitute full-cream milk with almond or coconut milk and replace ghee with coconut oil.
How long does Gajar Ka Halwa last?
It stays fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
My Recommended Product:
If you’re looking for a good heavy-bottom kadai to make this recipe, here’s a product you might want to check out. It’s perfect for even cooking and prevents sticking, making it ideal for Gajar Ka Halwa and other slow-cooked dishes!
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission.
Remember that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.
I am an independent blogger, and the reviews are based on my opinions. You make the decision, and whether or not you buy something is completely up to you.
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