gajar ka halwa recipe

🥕 Gajar ka Halwa Recipe – Traditional Indian Carrot Dessert Made Easy

Gajar ka Halwa is a classic North Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. This rich and comforting sweet is often enjoyed during winters and festive occasions like Diwali, Holi, and weddings. With this easy stovetop recipe, you can make authentic carrot halwa at home using basic ingredients.

📋 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Carrots (red/desi gajar preferred)	500 g	Grated
Full-fat milk	500 ml	Enhances richness
Ghee (clarified butter)	3 tbsp	For aroma and shine
Sugar	100–120 g	Adjust to taste
Cardamom powder	½ tsp	For fragrance
Cashews, almonds, pistachios	2 tbsp	Chopped, for garnish
Raisins (optional)	1 tbsp	Adds natural sweetness

🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Carrots

   • Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor for speed.

2. Cook in Milk

   • In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine grated carrots and milk.
   • Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the milk is fully absorbed (~20–25 minutes).

3. Add Ghee

   • Add ghee and sauté for 5–7 minutes until the mixture reduces and turns glossy.

4. Sweeten & Flavor

   • Add sugar and cardamom powder. Cook for another 8–10 minutes, stirring until the halwa thickens and ghee starts to release from the sides.

5. Add Dry Fruits

   • Stir in chopped nuts and raisins. Reserve some for garnishing.

6. Serve

   • Serve hot or warm, garnished with nuts. Refrigerate leftovers and reheat before serving.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Gajar ka Halwa

• Use red winter carrots (desi gajar) for authentic flavor and natural sweetness.
• Slow cooking on low flame ensures rich taste and deep color.
• Stir often to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.

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❓ FAQs

Can I use condensed milk instead of regular milk?
Yes! Substitute half the milk with condensed milk and reduce added sugar.

Is Gajar ka Halwa gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Can I make it vegan?
Use almond or oat milk and replace ghee with vegan butter or coconut oil.

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📌 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with vanilla ice cream for a fusion dessert.
• Enjoy as a warm treat during winter evenings or festive celebrations.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

This homemade Gajar ka Halwa recipe is rich, nostalgic, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect winter indulgence and an evergreen classic for festivals. Make it ahead and wow your guests with this traditional Indian dessert that never fails to impress.