Description
Gajar Halwa is a classic Indian dessert made with shredded carrots, milk, cardamom, and nuts, slowly cooked into a rich and fragrant pudding. This version uses 2% milk, milk powder, and is flavored with saffron and freshly ground cardamom, making it a creamy, sweet treat perfect for festive occasions or an indulgent everyday dessert.
Ingredients
Carrot Halwa Base
- 4 cups Organic shredded carrots (about 18-20 small carrots)
- 4 cups 2% milk
- 1/4 cup Ghee
- 1/4 teaspoon Saffron
Flavorings & Sweetener
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom (from about 6 green cardamom pods)
- 8 tablespoons organic cane sugar
- 1/2 cup Milk Powder
Garnish
- 1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds (or your preferred nuts or raisins)
Instructions
- Prepare Carrots: Wash, peel, and remove tips from the carrots. Shred them using a food processor or hand shredder for uniform fine pieces.
- Grind Cardamom: Using a mortar and pestle, grind about 6 green cardamom pods into a fine powder and set aside for flavoring.
- Simmer Carrots and Milk: In a thick-bottomed pan, combine shredded carrots, milk, ghee, and saffron. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce Liquid: Continue simmering and stirring intermittently until the milk reduces to about 1/4 of its original volume. This process should take approximately 25-30 minutes and concentrates the flavors.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Stir in the cane sugar, ground cardamom, slivered almonds, and milk powder thoroughly into the reduced mixture.
- Cook Until Dry: Lower the heat and cook the mixture on low, stirring frequently to avoid sticking, until the liquid evaporates entirely and the halwa thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and garnish the halwa with additional slivered almonds for texture and decoration.
- Serve: Your aromatic and velvety Gajar Halwa is ready to be served warm and enjoyed.
Notes
- Use ghee for authentic flavor and richness; however, unsalted butter can be substituted for a lighter version.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on sweetness preference and the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Soak saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk before adding for enhanced color and aroma.
- Use full-fat milk for a creamier texture if preferred instead of 2% milk.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fusion twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
