Carrot Halwa (Gajar ka Halwa)
Carrot Halwa, also known as Gajar ka Halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. This rich and indulgent sweet dish is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. It has a unique blend of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 kg carrots, grated
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 200 grams sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 10-12 cashews, chopped
- 10-12 almonds, chopped
- 10-12 pistachios, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron threads (optional)
- 2 tablespoons raisins
Instructions
Preparation:
- Wash and peel the carrots. Grate them finely using a grater or food processor.
- Heat the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil.
Cooking the Carrots:
- In another heavy-bottomed pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee and melt it on medium heat.
- Add the grated carrots and sauté them for about 10-15 minutes until they become soft and the raw smell disappears.
Cooking with Milk:
- Pour the boiled milk into the pan with sautéed carrots.
- Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk reduces and thickens. This process can take about 45-60 minutes.
Adding Sugar and Ghee:
- Once the milk has reduced and the mixture has thickened, add the sugar and mix well.
- Continue to cook the halwa, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens again.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee and mix well. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring the halwa doesn't stick to the pan.
Flavoring and Garnishing:
- Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
- In a small pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee and lightly fry the cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins until they are golden brown.
- Add the fried nuts and raisins to the halwa and mix well.
- If using saffron, soak the threads in a tablespoon of warm milk and add it to the halwa for enhanced flavor and color.
Serving:
- Serve the Carrot Halwa hot or warm. You can also refrigerate it and serve cold, as per your preference.
- Garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can add khoya (reduced milk) or condensed milk to the halwa.
- Make sure to use fresh, juicy carrots for the best results.
- Adjust the sugar according to your taste preference.
Comments
Post a Comment