Food Blog India

Gajar Ka Halwa

Diwali Dessert Recipe – Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is a time for happiness, family, and, of course, delicious sweets. Gajar ka Halwa, or carrot halwa, is one of the many traditional desserts that holds special significance. Fresh carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee go into this rich and flavorful dessert, which is topped with nuts and dried fruits. The aroma of cooked gajar ka halwa, which is sweet and warm, is a wonderful way to celebrate Diwali. Let’s get started making this delicious sweet, which is great for any occasion, step by step.

Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe

Ingredients –

Diwali Dessert Recipe Preparation

1. Preparation of Carrots	Wash and thoroughly peel the carrots first. Use a hand grater or a food processor to grate them. Because they cook evenly and better absorb the milk and flavors, the fine shreds of carrot are ideal for halwa.
2. Cooking the Carrots	In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. The grated carrots should be sautéed in the pan for 5-8 minutes. This enhances the overall aroma and helps to eliminate the carrots’ raw flavor. Make sure the carrots don’t burn or stick to the bottom by stirring occasionally.
3. Adding Milk	Pour in the full-fat milk once the carrots have changed color and are slightly cooked. Bring the mixture to a boil and thoroughly stir it. Once it starts to boil, turn down the heat to low and let the milk cook the carrots.
4. Simmer and Stir	Allow the carrots to soften and absorb the milk by simmering the mixture over low heat. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. Depending on the amount, this process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Tolerance is key here — don’t rush this step as sluggish cooking makes the halwa rich and delightful.

Halwa Steps –

5. Sweetening the Halwa	Now, incorporate the sugar into the mix. Mix thoroughly to combine. The halwa will once again become slightly liquid as the sugar melts, but it will continue to cook on low heat. The sugar will slightly caramelize, giving the halwa a deeper flavor and beautiful color.
6. Add Ghee for Richness	Add the remaining ghee (about 2 to 3 tablespoons) at this point. The halwa’s flavor and rich, buttery texture are both enhanced by ghee. Allow the ghee to thoroughly combine with the carrots by continuing to stir continuously for another 10-15 minutes.
7. Add Cardamom and Khoya	Sprinkle cardamom powder over the ghee after it has fully absorbed it for a flavor that is warm and nutty. Add khoya right now if you are using it. Although it is not required, khoya makes the halwa creamier and more decadent. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
8. Garnishing and Serving	Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a separate small pan and lightly fry the chopped nuts and raisins until they turn golden. Give the halwa a final stir before adding these.

Tips for Making Perfect Gajar ka Halwa

Choose Fresh Carrots	The flavor of the halwa is directly influenced by the quality of the carrots. Carrots that are tender and juicy cook faster and have a sweeter flavor.
Use Full-fat Milk	The halwa tastes better and has a creamier texture when made with full-fat milk. For a quicker version, you can also use condensed milk or evaporated milk; however, traditional halwa is made by reducing whole milk.
Be Patient with Cooking	The halwa flavor comes from the milk and ghee being absorbed by the carrots through slow cooking. Increase the heat slowly because doing so could cause the mixture to burn or undercook the carrots.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste	You can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste and the sweetness of the carrots. Taste as you go to make sure everything is just right.
Khoya for Extra Richness	The halwa becomes creamier when khoya is added. You can substitute condensed milk for khoya if you do not have it; however, because condensed milk is already sweet, adjust the sugar accordingly.
Frying the Nuts	Before adding the nuts to the halwa, fry them in ghee to enhance their flavor and give them a crunch, which gives the dish texture.
Store Properly	Gajar ka Halwa can be kept for up to a week in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat it with a little milk or ghee to restore its moisture.

Gajar Ka Halwa Final Thoughts

Gajar ka Halwa is a classic dessert that makes any occasion feel more festive (Diwali Dessert Recipe) , especially during Diwali. It is a crowd-pleaser thanks to its rich flavor, creamy texture, and festive nuts as garnish. Gajar ka halwa never fails to impress, whether it is enjoyed as a treat in the afternoon or after a lavish Diwali dinner.

Rich in tradition, flavor, and love, this simple yet exquisite dessert captures the essence of Indian festivals. So, this Diwali, treat your friends and family to a homemade bowl of gajar ka halwa and enjoy the festival of lights in a sweet and welcoming way.

Have fun and good cooking.

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