New Delhi: Winter in northern India feels special, doesn’t it? The air’s crisp, the sun’s gentle, and everything just seems cosier. But for me, it’s really about the food. And nothing says winter like a bowl of warm, buttery Gajar ka Halwa.
If you’ve had it before, you already know. It’s sweet, rich, and just melts in your mouth. It’s not just a dessert—it’s pure comfort. You take fresh carrots, cook them with milk and sugar, and finish it off with ghee. It sounds simple, but the magic happens slowly. The carrots soak up the milk and get all soft and creamy. And the smell of cardamom? It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop and take a deep breath.
Growing up, this was the dessert we’d always have in the winter. My mom made it for family dinners, but sometimes she’d make a small batch just because we asked. She always said, “Good food doesn’t need a reason.” And she was right.
Want to make it? It’s easier than you think. Here’s how:
Carrot Halwa recipe
Ingredients for Carrot Halwa:
- 4-5 medium-sized grated carrots
- 1 cup full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (as per taste)
- 2-3 tbsp ghee
- 4-5 cardamom pods (crushed) or 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 10-12 cashews, almonds, and/or pistachios (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash and peel the carrots, and grate them finely with the help of a box grater or a food processor.
- Take a heavy-bottomed pan, and heat 1-2 tablespoons of ghee over medium flame.
- Add the grated carrots to this and saute them for at least 2-3 minutes until they soften and start to release their aroma.
- In this, pour the milk and stir.
- Let this mixture boil and then reduce the heat.
- Cook the carrots in the milk while stirring occasionally, until the milk gets absorbed and the carrots turn soft, This will take about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the carrots turn tender, add the sugar and crushed cardamom and stir well.
- Cook this for another 5-7 minutes until the sugar is dissolved completely and the mixture gets a thick consistency.
- Add the remaining ghee to the halwa and mix it well.
- Cook it for another 2-3 minutes, so that the ghee gets mixed and enhances the flavour.
- Once the halwa gets a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat.
- The gajar ka halwa is ready. Garnish it with chopped nuts and raisins and serve hot.
And that’s it. It’s the kind of dessert you make when you want to slow down and enjoy something truly special. Whether it’s for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s worth every spoonful.
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