Gajar Halwa | Carrot Halwa | Gajrela | Indian Style Carrot Pudding

Gajar halwa is also known as Carrot halwa or Gajrela (as it’s known in Punjabi). Gajar ka halwa is a traditional North Indian dessert. It is made with carrot, ghee, milk, sugar, cardmom powder and dry fruits.

What is Gajar Halwa

Gajar ka halwa is also known as Carrot halwa or Gajrela (as it’s known in Punjabi) is a traditional North Indian dessert. There are many ways to prepare the simple and easy gajar ka halwa or carrot halwa. Here I am sharing the traditional method.

Gajar halwa is made by simmering freshly grated carrots with full fat milk, ghee, sugar and garnished with dry fruits. It is a perfect make ahead dessert for gathering and festivals.

 Authentically red carrots are used to prepare this halwa. As red carrots are much sweeter and juicier than other kind of carrots that’s what makes them perfect for the halwa. So if you can find use fresh red carrot which gives nice bright red color too. However you can use other types of carrots too, with a slight variation in the amount of sugar added to it while cooking.

Recipe Video

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How to make Gajar ka Halwa

1. Wash and dry the carrots. Peel and trim the top and bottom ends.

2. Grate the carrots using grater or a food processor.

3. Heat 3 tbsp of ghee in a heavy bottom pan on a low heat.

4. Once the ghee is hot add cashew, almond, pistachio and roast until crunchy then add raisin and roast until plump. Keep it aside.

5. Next to the same pan add the grated carrots and cook on medium flame for about 5 minutes or till their moisture is evaporated and the carrots changes in color slightly.

6. Add the whole milk to the cooked carrot and stir well. Let the carrots cook in the milk till the milk thickens or till 90% of the milk is absorbed. Keep stirring in between to prevent sticking to the bottom. This whole process can take about 40-50 minutes.

7. Now add the sugar and mix well. Once sugar melts halwa becomes very liquidy again. Stir in between and cook until the sugar is absorbed and the halwa starts releasing ghee.

8. Now add roasted dry fruits, cardmom powder, and remaining 1 tbsp ghee and mix everthing well.

9. Finally enjoy Gajar ka halwa.

Notes

If you can find use fresh tender red carrots, these are the perfect carrots to use for halwa.

Use full fat milk (whole milk).

You can store gajar halwa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can add ¼ cup mawa for richer taste.

If you want to make it vegan just replace milk with coconut milk and ghee with vegan butter.

Recipe Card

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