Historical Background:

Gajar Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, stands as a traditional Indian dessert. The Mughal era gave birth to this delectable treat. “Halwa” derives from the Arabic word “ḥalwā,” meaning sweet.

Cuisine and Popularity: Gajar Halwa connects to North Indian cuisine, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This dessert has spread across India and beyond, making it a favorite in Indian households and festivals.

Ingredients and Preparation: To prepare this dish, simmer grated carrots in milk and ghee. Sugar and cardamom infuse sweetness and aroma. Garnish the halwa with fried nuts like cashews and almonds.

Seasonal Significance: Winter is the prime season for Gajar Halwa. Carrots are abundant during this time, making it perfect for preparation. The warmth and richness of the dish fit the cold weather perfectly.

Festive Enjoyment: Serve this dessert during festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid. It is also cherished at family gatherings and celebrations. Its indulgent taste and comforting qualities make it a beloved treat.

Variations of Gajar Halwa:

Khoya Gajar Halwa: This variation adds khoya (reduced milk solids) to the traditional recipe. The addition of khoya makes the halwa richer, creamier, and more indulgent. Simply crumble around 200 grams of khoya and add it to the halwa once the milk has evaporated, stirring well to incorporate it.
Condensed Milk Gajar Halwa: For a quicker version with a rich and creamy flavor, replace regular milk with condensed milk. Use around 1 can (400 grams) of condensed milk instead of milk. This will reduce the cooking time and give the halwa a thicker consistency, making it even more delicious.
Vegan Gajar Halwa: Create a dairy-free version by substituting regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk and using vegan butter instead of ghee. The rest of the process remains the same, ensuring that you can enjoy the same delightful taste while adhering to a vegan diet.
Chocolate Gajar Halwa: Give your traditional halwa a chocolaty twist by adding cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate. Add around 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder or 100 grams of melted dark chocolate to the halwa and mix well. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers and kids, offering a unique and delightful flavor.
Instant Pot Gajar Halwa: For a quicker and easier method, use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Simply add grated carrots, milk, and sugar to the Instant Pot, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Release the pressure, then sauté the mixture with ghee, cardamom, and nuts until the desired consistency is achieved. This method saves time while still delivering the delicious taste of traditional Gajar Halwa.

Gajar Halwa continues to delight taste buds with its rich flavors and festive charm. Whether served as a festive treat or a comforting dessert on a cold winter’s night, Gajar Halwa remains a beloved symbol of Indian culinary heritage. Explore more recipes in Northern Nibbles.

Gajar Halwa Recipe

Recipe by Sam Aiyar

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Sweet & SavoryCuisine: Northern NibblesDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hour

minutes

Calories

2300

kcal

Total time

hour

minutes

Gajar Halwa, a beloved Indian dessert, is a delightful blend of grated carrots, creamy milk, and aromatic cardamom, slow-cooked to perfection. Garnished with golden-fried nuts, this traditional treat captures the essence of warmth and comfort, making it an irresistible indulgence for any festive occasion.

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Ingredients

1 kg carrots (grated)
1 liter full cream milk
1 cup sugar (around 200 gms, adjust to taste)
4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
10 cashew nuts (broken into pieces)
10 almonds (sliced)
5 cardamom pods (crushed)
A pinch of saffron (optional)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions

Prep the Carrots: Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a grater.
Cook the Carrots: In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the grated carrots and milk. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Keep stirring frequently to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Continue this process until the milk has completely evaporated and the carrots are cooked. This may take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Add Sugar and Cook: Once the milk has evaporated, add sugar to the cooked carrots. Mix well and cook on medium heat, stirring continuously. The mixture will become a bit liquidy due to the sugar, but continue to cook until the liquid evaporates.
Flavor with Cardamom: Add the crushed cardamom pods, cardamom powder, and saffron (if using). Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well incorporated.
Add Ghee and Nuts: In a separate small pan, heat the ghee. Add the broken cashew nuts and almonds, and fry until they turn golden brown. Keep aside some of the mixture for decorating on the top after plating. Pour the rest of the mixture over the cooked carrots. Mix well and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes.
Serve: Once done, turn off the heat. Your Gajar Halwa is ready to be served. You can serve it hot or chilled, garnished with extra nuts if desired.