Carrot Halwa
Carrot Halwa: A Sweet Indian Delight
Carrot Halwa, also known as Gajar Halwa, is a delightful Indian dessert that warms the heart and satisfies the sweetest cravings.
Made with grated carrots, creamy milk, and a hint of ghee, this dish combines flavors and textures in a truly uplifting manner.
Whether it’s a festive occasion or a cozy evening at home, making Carrot Halwa brings a touch of joy that is hard to match. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciously comforting treat!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
Why I Love This Carrot Halwa
Carrot Halwa holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish filled with memories of family gatherings and celebrations.
It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone together, and the smell of roasting carrots and semolina fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.
What I love most is how easy it is to prepare — it’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert but elegant enough for a festive occasion.
Plus, the combination of nutty flavors and sweet cardamom makes each bite simply irresistible!
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup semolina (sooji)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup nuts (cashews, almonds)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Raisins (optional)
How to Make Carrot Halwa
Step 1: Prepare the Ghee and Semolina
In a pan, heat the ghee on medium heat. Once hot, add the semolina and roast it, stirring continuously until it turns golden brown. This forms a fragrant base for our halwa.
Step 2: Sauté the Carrots
Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them for a few minutes. You want them to soften slightly and blend beautifully with the roasted semolina.
Step 3: Add Milk
Pour in the milk, bringing it to a gentle boil. The mixture should begin to simmer, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
Step 4: Sweeten the Mixture
Reduce the heat and add the sugar, stirring well to ensure it melts completely. As it thickens, the sweet scent will become even more enchanting.
Step 5: Mix in the Flavors
Stir in the cardamom powder, nuts, and raisins (if using). Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Remove the pan from heat. Carrot Halwa is best enjoyed warm, so dish it out into bowls and serve immediately for that delightful warmth and comfort!
Tips & Variations
- Serving Suggestions: Serve Carrot Halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a modern twist. The warm halwa and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast!
- Presentation: Garnish with additional nuts or a sprinkle of cardamom for an attractive finish.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a healthier version, consider using less sugar or a natural sweetener. You can also swap the semolina for quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Nut Options: If you’re nut-sensitive, feel free to skip the nuts altogether or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Delicious Variations
- Rava Kesari: A sweet semolina dessert infused with saffron.
- Gulab Jamun: Soft, syrup-soaked dumplings made from milk solids.
- Kheer: Creamy rice pudding flavored with cardamom and nuts.
- Ladoo: Round sweet balls made from a variety of ingredients, including chickpea flour or coconut.
Serving Suggestions for Carrot Halwa
Carrot Halwa is best served warm, making it a delightful dessert for any evening meal or festive gathering.
Pair it with a nice cup of spiced chai or saffron-infused hot milk for a traditional touch.
If you want a cohesive dessert experience, consider serving it alongside Gulab Jamun for a delicious Indian sweet platter.
Storage and Leftovers
To store your Carrot Halwa, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
You can refrigerate it for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in small portions; it should stay fresh for about a month.
Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it has thickened.
Helpful Questions
Can I use other sweeteners instead of sugar?
Yes, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to your taste.Is it necessary to peel the carrots?
Peeling is not required, but washing them thoroughly is essential to remove any dirt.Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Replace ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk.How do I know when the halwa is done?
It’s done when the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, creating a dense yet creamy texture.What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated or served cold; they still taste great! You can also use them as a filling for crepes or pastries for a creative breakfast idea.
With this easy recipe for Carrot Halwa, you’ll soon be creating memories of your own, filled with sweet aromas and joyful gatherings around the table. Enjoy the journey of making this traditional dessert!
Print
Carrot Halwa
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Carrot Halwa, also known as Gajar Halwa, is a delightful Indian dessert made with grated carrots, creamy milk, and a hint of ghee. It’s a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup semolina (sooji)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup nuts (cashews, almonds)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Raisins (optional)
Instructions
- In a pan, heat the ghee on medium heat. Once hot, add the semolina and roast it, stirring continuously until it turns golden brown.
- Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them for a few minutes.
- Pour in the milk, bringing it to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and add the sugar, stirring well to ensure it melts completely.
- Stir in the cardamom powder, nuts, and raisins (if using). Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat. Dish out into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
For a modern twist, serve Carrot Halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Can be refrigerated for up to 3–4 days or frozen for a month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.