Gajar Halwa Recipe
Gajar Halwa Recipe: Gajar Halwa is a beloved dessert across India, and it’s easy to see why. As a food critic and avid home cook, I have a special place in my heart for this rich, sweet delight. The moment I take a bite of Gajar Halwa, I am transported back to my childhood, surrounded by the warm, comforting aroma of cardamom, ghee, and caramelized grated carrots. The smooth, velvety texture of this dessert is paired with a delicately sweet flavor that satisfies my sweet tooth every time.
What is Gajar Halwa?
Gajar Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, and nutmeg. The ingredients are simmered together until the carrots are soft and the mixture is thick and creamy. It is then garnished with slivers of almonds, pistachios, and sometimes dried fruit. This dessert is usually served hot and is a popular treat during festivals and celebrations.
Variations of Gajar Halwa
Gajar Halwa can be prepared in different variations, including adding different types of nuts, such as cashews or almonds, or using different types of milk, such as whole milk or condensed milk. Some variations also include the addition of khoya or mawa (milk solids) to add to the richness of the halwa. Some variations include:
- Dry Fruit Gajar Halwa: In this version, dried fruits like raisins and dates are added to the halwa, making it even more decadent.
- Kesar Gajar Halwa: This variation uses saffron to give the dessert a yellow color and a unique, floral flavor
- Mava Gajar Halwa: This variation uses mava, or khoya, to give the halwa a creamy texture and a more intense flavor.
- Carrot and Beetroot Halwa: In this recipe, grated beetroot is added to the carrots, giving the halwa a lovely pink color and a slightly earthy flavor.
- Carrot and Coconut Halwa: Coconut milk and grated coconut are used in this variation, giving the halwa a tropical twist.
Nutrition in Gajar Halwa
Gajar Halwa is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and various minerals, such as Calcium and Iron. However, as it’s a sweet dish, it should be consumed in moderation as it can be high in calories and sugar.
Gajar Halwa is a sweet dessert, and like all sweets, it should be consumed in moderation. It is high in calories, with each serving containing approximately 150-200 calories. However, it is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and skin health. The addition of spices like cardamom and saffron also offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Step by Step Gajar Halwa Recipe
Gajar Halwa Recipe / Carrot Halwa Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 kg Carrot
- 3 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
- ½ kg milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- dry fruits
- ¼ cup Milk Powder optional but recommended
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Peel carrots & remove heads & bottoms. Chop them into medium pieces then halves.
- Transfer into electric chopper and grate into fine pieces. Alternatively, you can also grate the carrots with the help of a Grater.
- Roughly chop your favorite dry fruits/ nuts.
Cooking
- Now, heat 2 tbsp clarified butter/ ghee in a Pressure Cooker and add the grated carrots.
- Roast for 5-6 mins over medium flame till carrots mix well with the ghee.
- Then, add ½ kg full fat milk in the carrots and mix well.
- Close the cooker with it’s lid and pressure cook over medium flame until 2-3 whistles.
- Let the pressure releases naturally and open the cooker.
- Slightly mash carrots with the help of a Potato Masher. Do not over do as carrot halwa tastes better with the bits and pieces of carrots.
- Add ½ cup sugar and mix with the halwa. Stir frequently at short intervals until all liquid absorbs.
- In the meanwhile, in an another Pan, fry chopped mix nuts in 1 tbsp ghee. Keep aside.
- Now, after the liquid absorbed, add remaining 1 tbsp ghee in the halwa and roast for about 8-10 mins. If using milk powder or khoya, add this point. You will notice the color of halwa would change to the darker side of red.
- Then, add fried nuts in halwa and sprinkle ½ tsp cardamom powder.
- Garnish with some more chopped nuts and serve hot.
- Gajar Halwa is best served hot or warm.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Choice of Carrots: Always use fresh carrots for best results. Carrots which are too old or too mature will not give the halwa that taste.
- Milk : Use full fat milk for that rich taste of halwa. If you are vegan, just use almond milk.
- Grating: You can grate carrots using hand chopper, electronic chopper, a grater or food processor.
- Adding ghee: This is optional but you can add 1 tbsp melted clarified butter / ghee at the end when the halwa is ready to give more aromatic flavor. This is my mom’s secret for that fragrance and aroma.
- Cooking: Do not overcook halwa, otherwise carrots and milk will get burned
- Gajar Halwa is best served warm or at room temperature.
- The halwa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- The dish can be garnished with additional nuts, such as slivered almonds or pistachios, for added flavor and texture.
- To make the halwa more rich and creamy, khoya or mawa can be added to the recipe.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Gajar Halwa Recipe
What are the main ingredients used in Gajar Halwa?
Gajar Halwa is a traditional Indian sweet dish made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and a mixture of spices and nuts like cardamom, almonds, and raisins. It’s a creamy and rich dessert that is perfect for special occasions and festivals. The use of fresh, juicy red carrots gives this dish its unique flavor and vibrant color.
What are the key steps to making perfect Gajar Halwa?
To make the perfect Gajar Halwa, the key steps include grating the carrots, cooking the mixture in ghee and milk, and stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and the desired consistency is achieved. It is also important to add the sugar and spices at the right time to get the perfect balance of flavors.
What makes Gajar Halwa unique compared to other Indian sweets?
Gajar Halwa is unique compared to other Indian sweets due to its unique flavor and texture. The grated carrots give the dish a slightly crunchy texture, while the milk and ghee make it creamy and rich. The use of cardamom and other spices also adds a touch of warmth to the dish, making it a perfect comfort food for cold winter nights.
What are some common variations of Gajar Halwa?
Some common variations of Gajar Halwa include Kesar Gajar Halwa, which is made with saffron, and Makkan ka Halwa, which is made with cornmeal. Another variation is Gajar ka Halwa with Khoya, which is made with milk solids instead of milk. There’s also a gluten-free version made with almond flour.
What are some tips to make the perfect Gajar Halwa?
To make the perfect Gajar Halwa, use fresh and juicy red carrots, cook the mixture on low heat, and stir continuously until it thickens. It’s also important to use full-fat milk and ghee to get the creamy texture. Adding the right amount of sugar and spices at the right time will ensure that the flavors are balanced.
Can Gajar Halwa be stored for later?
Yes, Gajar Halwa can be stored for later. Once it has cooled down, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 5 days. Before serving, gently heat the Gajar Halwa in a saucepan or microwave and add a little ghee to make it creamy again.
Is Gajar Halwa suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Gajar Halwa is a vegetarian dish that is made with ghee and milk, making it suitable for vegetarians. It does not contain any animal products and is a popular choice for special occasions and festivals.
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