How to make gajar halwa

Gajar Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, is a delicious Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and garnished with nuts. It’s a popular sweet dish, especially during festivals and special occasions. Here’s a simple recipe to make Gajar Halwa:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) fresh carrots, peeled and grated
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Raisins for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Carrots:
   • Peel the carrots and grate them using a grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Ensure the carrots are finely grated.
2. Cooking the Carrots:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat the ghee over medium heat.
   • Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them in the ghee for about 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
3. Adding Milk:
   • Once the carrots are partially cooked, pour the whole milk into the pan.
   • Cook the carrots in milk on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk reduces and thickens. This process will take approximately 30-40 minutes. The milk should be mostly absorbed by the carrots, and the mixture should become creamy and thick.
4. Sweetening the Halwa:
   • Add the granulated sugar to the pan and mix it well with the carrot-milk mixture.
   • Continue to cook the halwa on low heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the halwa reaches a desired consistency. It should be moist and not too dry.
5. Flavoring the Halwa:
   • Add the cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using) to the halwa. Mix them well to infuse the flavors into the dish.
6. Roasting Nuts:
   • In a separate small pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee and roast the chopped mixed nuts until they turn golden brown. This step enhances the flavor of the nuts.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the Gajar Halwa is cooked to perfection, turn off the heat.
   • Garnish the halwa with the roasted nuts and optionally some raisins for added sweetness and texture.

Gajar Halwa can be served hot or cold, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy this delightful Indian dessert with your family and friends!