Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa Complete Recipe + Ingredients List

What is Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa? – An introduction

Let’s dive into the enticing world of Gajar Halwa, the Indian subcontinent’s beloved dessert. Imagine the sweet, rich tapestry of this delectable confection, painting your palate with the vibrant hues of carrots, laced with the indulgence of milk and the crunch of nuts. Originating from the royal kitchens, this classic delicacy has been warming hearts and homes, especially during the chilly winters and festive celebrations. It’s the perfect end to any meal, with its comforting sweetness and the familiar aroma of cardamom weaving magic in the air. So roll up your sleeves and let’s conjure up this traditional dessert with a sumptuous twist and a nod to wellness.

Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa Ingredients List

• ½ kg carrot ((gajar)(500 grams) (prefer young carrots))
• 2 cups milk ((1 cup for Instant pot))
• ½ cup sugar ((+ 2 tbsp optional) (prefer organic))
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder ((or 4 pods skinned & powdered))
• 2 tablespoons ghee ((clarified butter))
• 20 mixed nuts (10 pista
• 5 cashew & 5 almonds)
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa Recipe

• Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the carrots. Grate them using either a food processor or a trusty hand grater for a more hands-on approach.
• For the nuts, heat a pan on low and dry roast them until they turn crunchy. Set aside to cool before giving them a rough chop. For a richer taste, fry the chopped nuts in 1 tbsp of ghee until they’re golden brown, toss in the raisins and cook briefly until they swell up. Transfer them to a separate plate.
• Bring a kettle of milk to a steady boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Once boiling, introduce the grated carrots to the party and simmer on medium heat. Stir the mix frequently to avoid any burnt mishaps.
• Juggling patience and vigilance, wait until the milk has dwindled down. Now add sugar into the mix, stirring diligently as the sugar unleashes a wave of moisture, creating a luscious, gooey texture.
• Keep the dance going until you see half of this newfound moisture bid adieu. This is when the ghee steps in. Incorporate it thoroughly as you continue to sauté the halwa.
• The moment you sense the halwa emanating an aroma that could enchant the senses, and it thickens yet retains moisture, pull back. Avoid overcooking, unless a drier halwa beckons you.
• A sprinkle of cardamom powder will add the final touch before you garnish the halwa with the previously prepared nuts. Serve it warm, or cold, paired splendidly with a scoop of ice cream, if desired.
• For the Instant Pot enthusiasts, start by activating the sauté function. Add 1 tbsp ghee and fry the nuts to a light golden hue, then add raisins until they plump. Scoop them out onto a plate.
• Sauté the grated carrots for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring they’re well-coated. Pour in the milk, deglaze the pot with a spatula, then cover and switch the steam release handle to sealing. Set it to cook under high pressure for 3 minutes.
• Once the Instant Pot beeps, show off your dexterity with a manual pressure release. Stir in the sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder. Engage the sauté function once more and cook until you’ve reached the perfect consistency. Garnish as desired with chopped nuts and raisins.

Healthier Version of Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa Recipe

• Swap regular milk for a low-fat or a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk to reduce calorie intake.
• Exchange sugar for a natural sweetener like stevia or honey, keeping in mind that honey should only be added after cooking to retain its nutrients and health benefits.
• Reduce the amount of ghee by half, using it just for its essential role in lending that exquisite aroma and flavor. Consider a light brushing of ghee on the finished halwa for a hint of richness.
• Bolster the health quotient by stirring in a tablespoon of flaxseed powder for a subtle nutty flavor and a dose of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa Recipe Nutritional Facts

Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa is a Indian dish with a calorie count of 445 kcal calories per serving. Per serving, it is estimated to have 39 g carbohydrates, 7 g proteins, 31 g fats, 10 mg sodium and 3 g sugar!

As the last spoonful of Gajar Halwa disappears, leaving behind a trail of satisfaction, consider this a dish that has crossed generations and geographies has now been tailored to fit into your modern, health-conscious lifestyle without losing its soul. The joy of cooking comes alive with dishes like these, where tradition meets innovation and taste does not compromise with health. So bask in the goodness and share the joy, for the love of food is the greatest connector of them all.