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Gajar Halwa Recipe with Milk or Carrot Halwa Recipe is a comforting Indian dessert, a special sweet treat loved by many people. Turn ordinary carrots into a masterpiece!
About Gajar Halwa Recipe
Carrot halwa, also known as “gajar ka halwa,” is a popular sweet dish from the northern region of India. The sweet aroma, creamy texture, and rich taste of this halwa make it a beloved dessert around the world.
Made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee (clarified butter), flavored with cardamom powder, and garnished with nuts. This magical dessert turns ordinary carrots into pure happiness.
Enjoy this heavenly dessert with your family, friends, and loved ones. After all, carrots are good for us!
Here’s a simple yet delicious gajar halwa recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Why You Will Love It
- A traditional Indian dessert
- Luxurious and creamy texture
- Warm and aromatic flavor
- Can be enjoyed warm or cold
- Perfect for celebrations, & special occasions
Carrot Halwa Ingredients
Carrots – are the star ingredient of this recipe. Traditionally, reddish winter carrots are used to make halwa. The overall taste depends on the taste of carrots so make sure to pick fresh and tender ones.
Milk – is used to cook the grated carrots. Many recipes use khoya (reduced milk) to add more richness to the halwa and a creamy consistency. It’s an optional ingredient.
If preparing a vegan version substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk such as almond milk or soy milk.
Sugar – is traditionally used to add sweetness to the carrot halwa. You can substitute regular sugar with brown sugar or jaggery. If using jaggery, make sure to add it when all the milk is evaporated.
Ghee (clarified butter) – is used to sauté the grated carrots. Only three tablespoons of ghee are used in this recipe. For a vegan version, substitute it with a vegan-friendly option such as oil or vegan butter.
Cardamom powder – is used to add aromatic flavor. You can also use nutmeg powder.
Chopped nuts – such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios are added for crunch in the soft, creamy halwa. If you like raisins, you can add them at the end.
Watch Gajar Halwa Recipe Video!
Gajar Halwa Recipe With Milk
Step 1 – Prepare the carrots
To prepare the carrots, wash them with water thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut the top part of all the carrots.
Peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler or knife. Remove the outer skin of all the carrots. Using a fine grater, grate the carrots into small shreds.
Step 2 – Sauté the carrots
Heat a pan on low flame and add ghee (clarified butter) to it. Let it melt. Add cardamom powder and sauté for a few seconds. Don’t let it burn.
Add the grated red carrots to the pan. Sauté the carrots until they are cooked and the raw smell disappears.
It will take around 6-8 minutes for the carrots to cook and change their color a little bit.
Step 3 – Pour the Milk
When the carrots are soft and cooked, add milk to the pan. Mix everything well and simmer on low heat.
Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom.
Step 4 – Cook the Carrots
Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on low heat. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and absorbs the milk. This process may take 12-15 minutes.
Step 3 – Add Sweetness
Add sugar to the pan and stir well. Continue to cook until the sugar dissolves and the halwa reaches a thick consistency.
Cook the halwa until it reaches the desired consistency, and the ghee starts to separate from it.
Step 4 – Garnish & Serve
Add a spoonful of ghee and chopped nuts to the halwa and mix. Reserve some for garnishing.
Once the halwa is ready, remove it from the heat and garnish with the remaining chopped nuts. Serve the carrot halwa warm.
Enjoy the rich, creamy, and flavorful dessert!
How to Serve Gajar Halwa
- Serve warm gajar ka halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm halwa and the cold ice cream create a heavenly combination.
- For special or festive occasions, consider dusting the gajar ka halwa with edible gold or silver leaf. The edible leaf will add an elegant touch to the delicious halwa.
- Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the halwa.
Recipe Tips
1. To make vegan carrot halwa, substitute ghee with a vegan-friendly option such as coconut oil or vegan butter and dairy milk with plant-based milk. Almond milk would work best in this recipe!
2. To store gajar halwa, transfer it into an airtight container when it comes to room temperature. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
3. While reheating the halwa, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to the halwa. Keep stirring at intervals.
FAQ’s
1. Which carrot is good for halwa?
While you can use any carrots for this halwa recipe. In India, traditionally gajar ka halwa is made using winter carrots, specifically red-colored ones. For the best flavor, use fresh and tender carrots.
2. Why Gajar ka Halwa turn black?
If you saute the carrot in ghee (clarified butter) for a long time this can turn the grated carrots black. Saute the grated carrots only for a few minutes till the raw smell disappears. Then, immediately add milk to it and cook on low heat.
3. Can I freeze Carrot Halwa?
You can refrigerate it for a few days, but it is not recommended to freeze it. Thawing carrot halwa will make it lose its texture. It tastes best when fresh.
More Dessert Recipes!
- Coconut Almond Ladoo
- Easy Mango Coconut Burfi
- Make Perfect Belgaum Kunda at Home!
- Puran Poli | Sweet Lentil Flatbreads
- Kada Prasad | Atta Halwa
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Gajar Halwa with Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams carrots grated
- 3 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 3/4 cup sugar adjust according to preference
- 2 tablespoons nuts chopped
Instructions
- Wash the carrots thoroughly. Peel and grate the carrots using a fine grater.500 grams carrots
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee (clarified butter) in a pan over low flame, Let the ghee melt.2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- Add cardamom powder and sauté for 2-3 seconds.1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Immediately, add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them in ghee until they are soft and the raw smell disappears. This may take about 6-8 minutes.500 grams carrots
- Once the carrots are cooked, add milk to the pan and simmer on low heat. Stir occasionally.3 cups milk
- Continue cooking until the milk is absorbed. This process may take 12-15 minutes.
- Add sugar to the pan and stir well. Continue cooking until the sugar dissolves.3/4 cup sugar
- Add ghee and chopped nuts to the halwa and mix well. Reserve some for garnishing.2 tablespoons nuts
- Once the halwa is ready, remove it from the heat and garnish with the remaining chopped nuts.
Video
Notes
- Use fresh, sweet, and red carrots for the best flavor.
- Grate the carrots finely or use a food processor for uniform texture.
- Use good-quality ghee to sauté the carrots.
- Stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- For added richness, you can include khoya (reduced milk solids) or condensed milk.
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