How to Make a Gajar ka Halwa?

Gajar ka Halwa, also known as Carrot Halwa, is a popular Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and garnished with nuts. It's a delicious and rich sweet treat. 

Here's a recipe for making Gajar ka Halwa:

Ingredients:

500 grams carrots, peeled and grated

3 cups whole milk

1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

A handful of chopped nuts (such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios)

A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

Instructions:

Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai on medium heat.

Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them in the ghee for about 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly and release their aroma.

Pour the milk into the pan with the carrots and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the carrots cook in the milk, stirring occasionally.

Cook the carrots in the milk until the milk reduces and thickens, and the carrots become soft and cooked through. This process may take around 45 minutes to an hour. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Once the carrots are cooked and the milk has reduced significantly, add the sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens further.

Add cardamom powder and mix it into the halwa for flavor.

In a separate small bowl, soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes. Then add the saffron-infused milk to the halwa and stir it in. This step is optional but adds a beautiful color and aroma to the halwa.

Continue cooking the halwa for a few more minutes until it reaches a thick and pudding-like consistency. The ghee should start separating from the halwa.

Turn off the heat and garnish the Gajar ka Halwa with the chopped nuts. You can either mix the nuts into the halwa or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.

Serve the Gajar ka Halwa warm or chilled as per your preference. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination.

Gajar ka Halwa is a comforting and indulgent dessert that is perfect for festivals, special occasions, or whenever you're craving something sweet and satisfying.