Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe

Gajar ka halwa, known by various names such as gajorer halua, gajrela, gajar pak, and carrot halwa, is a delectable sweet dessert pudding originating from the Indian subcontinent. This irresistible treat is crafted by simmering grated carrots in a pot along with water, milk, sugar, and cardamom, while being stirred consistently. To enhance its flavor and texture, it is often served adorned with a generous garnish of almonds and pistachios. Prior to adding them to the halwa, the nuts and other toppings are typically sautéed in ghee, a traditional clarified butter widely used in Indian cuisine, adding a rich and aromatic touch to this beloved delicacy.

Level: Intermediate

Total Time: 1 hours 55 minutes

Active Time: 1 hours 10 minutes

Yield: 4 to 5 servings

Delight in the Delicacy: Crafting the Perfect Gajar ka Halwa Recipe

Indulge in the subtlety and divinity of Gajar ka Halwa, a beloved Punjabi dessert that stands apart with its delicate sweetness. This recipe, crafted through numerous iterations, promises a dish that’s both indulgent and relatively healthy. With an active cooking time of just over an hour, and a total preparation time of under two hours, this recipe provides an authentic experience with manageable effort. Embrace the process, and savor every moment of creating this delightful treat in your own kitchen.

Ingredients required to make Gajar ka Halwa:

•  3 cups whole milk
• 4 to 6 tablespoons ghee
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or cashews)
• 1 1/2 pounds carrots (about 8 carrots), peeled and coarsely grated
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed cardamom seeds (optional)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, plus more to taste

Also Visit

Directions:

1. Reduce the Milk (Active Time: 20 min, Total Time: 20 min):

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, bring the milk to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Reduce the heat to maintain a low boil and continue cooking until the milk reduces to about 1 1/2 to 2 cups.

2. Toast the Nuts (Active Time: 2 min, Total Time: 22 min):

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium-high heat.

Add the chopped nuts and cook until golden and crunchy, about 2 minutes. Set aside on a paper towel.

3. Cook the Carrots (Active Time: 15 min, Total Time: 37 min):

In the same skillet, add the grated carrots and cook over medium heat until they soften slightly, about 15 minutes. Add more ghee if needed.

4. Combine Ingredients (Active Time: 30 min, Total Time: 67 min):

Add the reduced milk and crushed cardamom seeds (if using) to the skillet with the carrots.

Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the milk is absorbed by the carrots.

5. Sweeten the Halwa (Active Time: 10-12 min, Total Time: 79-81 min):

Stir in the light brown sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Adjust sweetness to taste.

6. Caramelize and Serve (Active Time: 10 min, Total Time: 91-93 min):

For immediate serving, add ghee and cook until the halwa caramelizes slightly.

Garnish with toasted nuts before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy (Total Time: 1 hour 55 min):

Prepare the halwa earlier in the day or the day before serving for optimal flavor.

Reheat portions in ghee just before serving, garnish with nuts, and enjoy the rich flavors of this classic Punjabi dessert gajar ka halwa.

Cook’s Note:

For a time-saving option, canned unsweetened evaporated milk can be substituted for whole milk. However, fresh whole milk yields superior flavor and texture. Ensure the carrots are coarsely grated to maintain texture in the halwa. Adjust sugar and ghee quantities according to personal preference.

Official link

Nutritional information:

Carrots:

Carrots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a powerhouse in promoting health. When incorporated into a balanced diet, carrots contribute to supporting immune function, facilitating wound healing, and maintaining digestive health. Moreover, their consumption has been linked to a lowered risk of certain types of cancer, further emphasizing their role as a beneficial addition to your meals.

Carrots offer a rich array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, alongside serving as a notable source of antioxidants. These antioxidants, abundant in plant-based foods like carrots, play a crucial role in assisting the body in eliminating free radicals—unstable molecules that can lead to cellular damage when excessively accumulated. Free radicals are byproducts of both natural bodily processes and external environmental factors. While the body has mechanisms to naturally eliminate many free radicals, dietary antioxidants become particularly beneficial, especially during periods of elevated oxidative stress.

Carrots also contain vitamin C, another important antioxidant that plays a crucial role in supporting immune system function. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamin C can bolster the body’s ability to combat diseases and infections, contributing to overall health maintenance. Additionally, preliminary studies suggest that vitamin A, present in carrots, plays a significant role in regulating immune functions, further highlighting the immune-boosting properties of this nutritious vegetable.

Nuts:

Nuts and seeds are nutritional powerhouses, packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Their consumption aids in regulating body weight by moderating food intake and mitigating fat absorption. Furthermore, the unsaturated fats and nutrients found in nuts and seeds offer protective effects against heart disease and diabetes.

Ghee:

Ghee, once maligned, has undergone a reevaluation due to research revealing its numerous health benefits. Contrary to previous beliefs, ghee is now recognized as beneficial for overall well-being. Rich in healthy fats, ghee contributes to good cholesterol levels and does not pose risks for heart diseases. Additionally, it supports digestive health, bolsters the immune system, and provides essential vitamins like A, E, and K, particularly when sourced from grass-fed cows.

Here are some of the remarkable benefits of ghee:

1. Healthy Fats: Ghee contains healthy fats that promote good cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart diseases.
2. Digestive Health: Ghee consumption supports a healthy gut, potentially reducing the likelihood of ulcers and cancer.
3. Immune System Support: Ghee’s butyric acid content aids in the production of disease-fighting T cells, strengthening the immune system.
4. Essential Vitamins: Ghee is a dependable source of vitamins A and E, crucial for liver health, hormone balance, and fertility.
5. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-cancer: Ghee’s butyric acid and antioxidants confer anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
6. Lactose Intolerance: Being lactose-free, ghee is safe for individuals with dairy intolerances.
7. Skin Health: Ghee’s antioxidant and moisturizing properties promote healthy skin, aiding in repair and softening.
8. Hair Health: Ghee’s vitamin E content improves hair thickness and scalp health, alleviating dryness and itchiness.
9. Bone Health: Vitamin K in ghee aids in calcium absorption, promoting strong bones and dental health.
10. Thyroid Function: Ghee helps balance hormones, potentially benefiting thyroid health.
11. Weight Loss: Ghee boosts metabolism, facilitating weight loss by burning excess fats.
12. High Smoke Point: Ghee’s stability at high temperatures makes it ideal for cooking without generating harmful free radicals.
13. Menstrual Health: Ghee’s hormone-balancing properties may alleviate menstrual issues like PMS and irregular periods.
14. Appetite Stimulant: Ghee increases appetite in both children and adults.
15. Taste Enhancer: Ghee elevates the flavor of dishes, enhancing their palatability.
16. Detoxification: Ghee attracts toxins in the body, aiding in cleansing and promoting overall detoxification.