About the Dish
If there’s one dessert that can make winter feel like a cozy hug, it’s Gajar ka Halwa! This rich, creamy, and absolutely drool-worthy treat is basically a warm, sweet bowl of happiness. Made with grated carrots slow-cooked in milk, sugar, and ghee, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you forget about the cold and focus on pure indulgence.
Born in the kitchens of North India (shoutout to Punjab! 🙌), this halwa has been ruling festive thalis and family feasts for generations. Traditionally made by slow-cooking carrots in full-fat milk until they turn soft and dreamy, it gets an extra kick from cardamom, crunchy nuts, and sometimes even saffron for that royal touch.
But let’s be real—whether it’s Diwali, Holi, a wedding, or just a random winter evening, Gajar ka Halwa doesn’t need an occasion. It’s that one dessert that Nani & Dadi swear by, Moms make in big batches, and we just can’t stop eating! And if you want to take things up a notch? Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold magic moment.
Recipe
Ingredients
Directions to make
- 1 kg carrots (gajar), peeled & grated
- 4 cups (1 liter) full-fat milk
- ¾ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- ½ cup khoya (mawa) (optional, but adds richness)
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- 1 tbsp raisins (optional)
- A pinch of saffron (optional, for extra flavor)
Step 1 : Grate the Carrots
- Wash, peel, and grate the carrots finely using a grater or a food processor. (Pro tip: The finer the grating, the smoother the halwa!)
- In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, pour full-fat milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the grated carrots and stir well.
- Let it cook on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the milk reduces and thickens. This takes about 30-40 minutes.
- Once the milk has evaporated, add ghee and sauté the carrots for 5-7 minutes until they turn slightly glossy.
- Stir in the sugar and mix well. The mixture will become slightly watery again—keep stirring until it thickens.
- Add khoya (if using) and mix well for extra richness.
- Sprinkle cardamom powder for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Add chopped nuts, raisins, and saffron (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with more nuts and a drizzle of ghee for that final touch.
- Serve warm, either as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist!
