Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe (Carrot Halwa) 🥕

Short Description:
Gajar ka Halwa is a rich, warm, and comforting Indian dessert made from grated carrots slowly cooked in milk and ghee, sweetened with sugar, and flavored with cardamom. A traditional winter delicacy enjoyed across households and festive gatherings.

📊 Recipe Details

• ⭐ Rating: 9.7/10

• 🧠 Difficulty Level: Medium

• 💰 Budget: $4 – $6 USD

• ⏱️ Cooking Time: ~45–60 minutes

• 🍽️ Category: Vegetarian

• 🔥 Meal Type: Dessert / Winter Sweet / Festive Treat

• 👥 Serving Size: 4–6 persons

• ❤️ Likes: 598 likes

🧪 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• 🍛 Calories: ~220 kcal

• 💪 Protein: ~5g

• 🥓 Fats: ~9g

• 🍞 Carbohydrates: ~30g

🛒 Ingredients

✅ Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups grated red carrots (approx. 500g)

• 2 cups full-fat milk

• 4 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)

• 4 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

• 8–10 cashews

• 8–10 almonds (sliced)

• 1 tbsp raisins (optional)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🥕 Step 1: Prep the Carrots

1. Wash, peel, and finely grate red carrots (use winter carrots for best flavor).

🥛 Step 2: Cook with Milk

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine grated carrots and milk.

2. Cook on medium flame, stirring occasionally until milk is absorbed (takes ~20–25 minutes).

🍯 Step 3: Add Sugar & Ghee

1. Add sugar, stir well — the mixture will loosen up again.

2. Add ghee and cook further, stirring continuously for 10–15 minutes until it thickens.

🧂 Step 4: Flavor & Garnish

1. Add cardamom powder, cashews, almonds, and raisins.

2. Stir for a few minutes until ghee starts leaving the sides and halwa turns glossy.

🍽️ Serving

• Serves: 4–6 people

• Best Served: Warm (especially in winter) or chilled as a dessert

• Optional Garnish: Slivered nuts, silver foil (varak), or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

💡 Tips

• Use red Delhi carrots (if available) for authentic taste.

• Stir constantly to avoid burning or sticking.

• Can be made with condensed milk for a quicker version.

• Refrigerates well for up to 5 days — reheat before serving.

🧾 About the Dish

🌍 Origin & History

Gajar ka Halwa (गाजर का हलवा), also called Carrot Halwa, is said to have originated in North India during the Mughal era. Traditionally cooked in winter using seasonal red carrots, it’s now a pan-India favorite, especially during Diwali, Holi, Eid, and weddings.

🥄 Taste Profile

• Texture: Soft, slightly grainy, rich

• Flavor: Carrot-sweet, creamy, buttery with hints of cardamom

• Aroma: Warm and nutty from ghee and roasted nuts

📍 Where Can You Use This Recipe?

• Indian festive feasts (Diwali, Holi, Rakhi)

• Winter family dinners

• Modern fusion desserts (layered in cups or tarts)

• Restaurant or catering menus

• Sweet boxes and gifting

👤 Who Should Eat It?

• Dessert lovers seeking a comforting, mildly sweet treat

• Vegetarians (completely eggless)

• Kids and adults alike during winter months

• Perfect for festive and celebratory occasions

🙅‍♂️ Who Should Avoid It?

• People on low-fat or sugar-restricted diets

• Individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance

• Those managing calorie intake for weight loss

➕ Bonus Variations

• Khoya Gajar Halwa: Add crumbled khoya for a richer texture.

• Vegan Version: Use almond or coconut milk and coconut oil instead of ghee.

• Instant Version: Use condensed milk to reduce cooking time to 20 minutes.