How to make a gajar ka halwa
Gajar ka halwa, also known as carrot halwa, is a popular Indian dessert that is loved by everyone. This rich and indulgent sweet dish is made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and a handful of nuts and raisins. It is a winter delicacy that is often prepared during special occasions and festivals.
The process of making gajar ka halwa is simple, but it requires a little patience and the right technique to achieve the perfect texture and taste. The sweet aroma of the simmering carrots, the rich creamy texture, and the garnishing of nuts make this dessert truly irresistible.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of making gajar ka halwa at home.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of carrots
- 1 litre of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of ghee
- A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- A handful of raisins
- 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder
Ingredients for gajar ka halwa
To prepare delicious gajar ka halwa, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Carrots | 500 grams |
| Milk | 1 liter |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Almonds | 10-12, sliced |
| Pistachios | 10-12, sliced |
| Raisins | 1 tablespoon |
| Saffron | A pinch |
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start making gajar ka halwa. This traditional Indian dessert is easy to make and will surely delight your taste buds! Now, let’s proceed to the next step – preparing the carrots.
List of necessary ingredients:
- 500 grams of grated carrots
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust according to taste)
- 3-4 green cardamom pods
- 8-10 almonds, sliced
- 8-10 cashews, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of raisins
Preparation of gajar ka halwa
Gajar ka halwa, also known as carrot halwa, is a popular Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It is a delicious and wholesome sweet treat that is loved by people of all ages. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare gajar ka halwa.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams carrots, grated
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 tablespoons ghee
- 10-12 cashews, chopped
- 10-12 almonds, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands
Instructions:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a deep non-stick pan.
- Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them for 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
- Pour the milk into the pan and let it come to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are cooked and the milk is reduced.
- Add the sugar, chopped cashews, and almonds to the pan. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring continuously.
- In a separate small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and fry the cashews and almonds until they turn golden brown. Set them aside.
- Add the fried cashews, almonds, cardamom powder, and saffron strands to the halwa, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the gajar ka halwa cool for a few minutes.
Gajar ka halwa can be served warm or cold, and it tastes great on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is often garnished with a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top. Enjoy this delightful dessert with your loved ones!
Step-by-step process of making gajar ka halwa
Making gajar ka halwa is a delicious and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed on special occasions or simply as a sweet dessert. Follow these simple steps to make this traditional Indian dessert at home.
- Wash and peel the carrots, then grate them using a fine grater.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat some ghee over medium heat.
- Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté for a few minutes to release their natural sweetness.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the milk to the pan, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Cook the carrots in the milk until they become soft and the milk reduces to a thick consistency, stirring occasionally.
- Once the carrots are cooked, add sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts of your choice (such as almonds and cashews).
- Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the halwa becomes thick and glossy.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the halwa cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with more chopped nuts and serve the gajar ka halwa warm or cold!
Enjoy the rich and decadent taste of homemade gajar ka halwa with your family and friends. This sweet and aromatic dessert is sure to be a hit!
Tips and tricks for making gajar ka halwa
Make your gajar ka halwa even more delicious with these expert tips and tricks:
- Choose the right carrots: Use fresh and juicy red carrots for the best results.
- Grate the carrots finely: Invest in a good grater or use a food processor to grate the carrots finely. This will help in getting the perfect texture for your halwa.
- Sauté the carrots properly: After grating the carrots, sauté them in ghee until they soften and release their sweetness. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the halwa.
- Control the sweetness: Gajar ka halwa is known for its sweetness, but you can adjust it according to your taste. Add sugar gradually and keep tasting to achieve the desired sweetness level.
- Add milk gradually: Add milk slowly while cooking the halwa to prevent it from getting too watery. This will help in achieving a creamy and thick consistency.
- Use khoya or condensed milk: To make your halwa richer and more flavorful, you can add khoya (mawa) or condensed milk. This will give it a creamy and indulgent texture.
- Enhance the flavor with cardamom: Crush a few cardamom pods and add them to the halwa while sautéing the carrots. This will infuse a beautiful aroma and flavor.
- Garnish with nuts and raisins: Finally, garnish your gajar ka halwa with a generous amount of chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews, as well as golden raisins. This will add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Remember, making gajar ka halwa requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these tips and tricks, and soon you’ll be savoring a delicious bowl of homemade gajar ka halwa!
Useful suggestions for achieving the perfect gajar ka halwa
Preparation:
1. Choose fresh, tender, and juicy carrots for the best taste and texture of the halwa.
2. Grate the carrots thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking.
3. Soak the grated carrots in hot milk for 30 minutes to soften them, this will reduce the cooking time.
Cooking:
1. Use a heavy-bottomed pan or a non-stick kadai to prevent the halwa from sticking to the bottom.
2. Start cooking the carrots on medium heat until they release their moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Once the moisture has evaporated, add ghee to the pan. Ghee adds a rich flavor to the halwa.
4. When the carrots are soft and cooked, add sugar according to your taste. Keep in mind that the sugar will release more liquid, so cook the halwa until the liquid evaporates.
5. Now, add crushed cardamom and mix well. The aromatic flavor of cardamom complements the sweetness of the halwa.
6. Garnish the halwa with a generous amount of chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews for added texture and crunch.
Serving:
1. Serve the gajar ka halwa hot or warm.
2. You can serve it as it is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
3. For a traditional touch, you can sprinkle some saffron strands on top before serving.
Note: Gajar ka halwa tastes even better when served the next day as the flavors mature and intensify.
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