Gajar halwa recipe

Gajar Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa or Gajrela, is a popular Indian dessert made from fresh carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It's a delicious, sweet treat often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. Here's a simple recipe for making Gajar Halwa:

How to prepare. 

Gajar halwa

Ingredients:

➤500 grams of fresh carrots, grated

➤500 ml of full-fat milk

➤1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)

➤3-4 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)

➤1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder

➤A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)

➤A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

➤A few raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash, peel, and grate the carrots finely.

2. In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat.

3. Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them in ghee for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become soft and release a sweet aroma. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Keep the heat on medium-low and let the carrots cook in the milk. Stir occasionally.

5. Cook the carrots until the milk has almost evaporated and the mixture thickens. This may take 30-45 minutes. Continue to stir to prevent sticking and burning.

6. Once the milk has reduced and the carrots are soft and well-cooked, add the sugar. Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens further and the sugar dissolves.

7. In a separate small pan, heat the remaining ghee and lightly roast the chopped nuts until they turn golden. You can also add saffron strands to the ghee for added flavor.

8. Add the roasted nuts, cardamom powder, and raisins (if using) to the carrot and milk mixture. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.

9. Keep cooking and stirring until the Gajar Halwa reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick and have a glossy appearance.

10. Once the Gajar Halwa is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. You can garnish it with more nuts and saffron strands if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Gajar Halwa warm or at room temperature. It can be served plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.