How To Make Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar Ka Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, is a classic Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. Here's a traditional recipe to make it:
### Ingredients:
- 1 kg carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 liter full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), chopped
- A few raisins (optional)
- Saffron strands (optional, for color and flavor)
### Instructions:
1. **Preparing the Carrots:**
- Peel the carrots and grate them using a grater or food processor. You can also use the fine shredding attachment of a food processor for this step.
2. **Cooking the Carrots:**
- Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them in the ghee for a few minutes until they start to soften.
3. **Making the Halwa:**
- Once the carrots are slightly softened, pour in the milk and mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- Cook the carrots in the milk, stirring occasionally, until the milk reduces significantly and thickens. This process may take about 30-40 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. **Sweetening the Halwa:**
- Once the milk has reduced and the carrots are cooked through and softened, add sugar to the pan and mix well.
- Continue to cook the halwa until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens further.
5. **Flavoring the Halwa:**
- Add cardamom powder and mix well to incorporate the flavor.
- If using, add saffron strands soaked in a little warm milk or water for added color and flavor.
6. **Adding Nuts and Raisins:**
- In a separate pan, heat the remaining ghee over medium heat.
- Add the chopped nuts and raisins (if using) to the pan and fry until they turn golden brown.
- Once fried, add the nuts and raisins to the carrot mixture and mix well.
7. **Finishing Touches:**
- Cook the halwa for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency and the flavors are well combined.
- Turn off the heat and let the halwa sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. **Serving:**
- Garnish the Gajar Ka Halwa with some extra chopped nuts and serve warm.
- Enjoy this delicious and aromatic Carrot Halwa as a dessert or sweet treat!
Gajar Ka Halwa can be served warm or cold, and it's often garnished with additional nuts or a sprinkle of edible silver leaf for an elegant touch. It's a perfect dessert for festive occasions or any special gatherings.
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