Gajar Ka Halwa | Carrot Halwa | Indian Carrot Pudding Recipe

Winter has arrived in India. During this season, Fresh Carrots are readily available in markets. Hence, today I will be sharing a popular Indian dessert recipe, which is Gajar Ka Halwa. 

Gajar Ka Halwa | Carrot Halwa | Indian Carrot Pudding Recipe

Studded with chopped nuts and flavored with cardamom, this classic sweet Indian pudding dessert recipe is the perfect blend of carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. Carrots acquire a rich taste when cooked in milk.

In this Gajar ka Halwa recipe, freshly grated carrots are simmered in full-fat milk and stirred regularly. Cook it till the mixture starts to thicken. Then I add sugar, ghee(clarified butter), Cardamom powder, saffron water, few chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios ), and raisins. Once all milk evaporates, turn off the flame, and Gajar ka halwa is ready to be served. Here is the video recipe.

Pro tips:

  • Always use fresh, young, juicy, and tender carrots. Grate it using a hand grater or a food processor. I have used a red variety of carrots.
  • Make sure you use full fat or whole milk for the best flavor. If you are vegan, then replace the regular milk with almond milk.
  • Keep stirring continuously to prevent it from burning and sticking from the bottom. Use a heavy base Kadai or pan to make your job easy.
  • You can replace sugar with the natural sweetener Stevia.

Gajar Ka Halwa | Carrot Halwa | Indian Carrot Pudding Recipe

Gajar ka Halwa is also known as Gajrela, Gajar Pak, Carrot Halwa, or Pudding. Some people like to add fresh khoya (milk solids) into it to enhance the taste and richness. One another method to make Gajar ka halwa is by using condensed milk.

Some similar veggie-based halwa are Lauki Ka Halwa or Bottle Gourd pudding, Beetroot Halwa, and Pumpkin Halwa.

Carrots are rich in beta carotene, vitamin K, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. It is low in calories, lowers cholesterol levels, improves eyesight, and maintains good digestive health. So make sure you make it during this winter season.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions:

  • Gajar ka halwa is tasty and liked by everyone.
  • People eat this traditional Indian dessert during festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Sankranti, Rakshabandhan, and also during wedding functions and birthdays.
  • People prefer to make it during the winter season and serve it hot/warm.
  • You can also serve Warm Gajar Halwa with a chilled scoop of plain Vanilla Ice Cream or Kesar Rabdi.
  • Garnish it with some chopped nuts before serving.
  • You can place some gold or silver vark on top for better decoration and garnishing.

Storage:

You can store Gajar ka Halwa in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Make sure you warm it before you serve. (Warm in Microwave for 10-20 sec)

Here is the video recipe of the Gajar Halwa Recipe : 

 

 

You may also like some Traditional Indian Halwa recipes : 

For more winter special recipes click here. 

Please do share this Carrot Halwa recipe with your family and friends who are in search of tried and tested recipes. 

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You can also serve warm gajar ka halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can learn how to make perfect gajar ka halwa at home with help of the above-mentioned video recipe.

Here is the recipe card of the Gajar ka Halwa Recipe :

Gajar Ka Halwa
 
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Gajar ka halwa is one of the most popular Indian desserts.It is a delight to have hot gajar ka halwa during the winter months.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 6 - 7
Ingredients
  • 4 to 5 cup Gajar / Carrot ( approx. 1 kg Juicy Red Carrot, Peeled and Grated )
  • 4 cup full-fat milk
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • ¾ to 1 cup sugar ( according to taste )
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder ( elichi )
  • ¼ cup dry fruits ( cashew, almonds, and pistachio roughly chopped )
  • 2 tbsp golden raisins
  • 2 tbsp soaked saffron water
Instructions ( 1 cup = 250 ml, 1 tbsp = 15 ml, 1 tsp = 5 ml)
  1. Rinse the carrot properly. Peel and grate the carrots.
  2. In a deep heavy-bottomed pan or Kadai combine milk and grated carrots.
  3. On a low to medium flame, bring the whole mixture to a boil.
  4. Then cook it on a slow flame. ( appx. 40 – 45 min ).
  5. While the mixture is simmering on a low flame, keep on stirring in between.
  6. When the mixture starts to get thick add ghee, sugar ( according to your taste ) and cardamom powder, nuts, and raisins soaked saffron water.
  7. Stir well and cook on low flame only. Keep stirring in between.
  8. Simmer till all the milk is evaporated. Turn off the flame.
  9. Serve gajar halwa hot, warm or you can also serve it cold.