Gajar Halwa

gajar_halwa

Gajar Halwa is a popular Indian dessert that is made using grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. This rich and decadent dessert is traditionally served during special occasions like weddings, festivals, and family gatherings.

The origins of Gajar Halwa can be traced back to North India where it was traditionally made during the winter months when carrots were in season. The dish was originally made with jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar) instead of sugar, as it was the preferred sweetener in the region. However, over time, sugar became more readily available and was eventually used in place of jaggery.

The process of making Gajar Halwa is quite simple but requires patience and attention to detail. The first step is to grate the carrots and cook them in a pan with ghee until they become soft and tender. Then, milk is added to the pan and the mixture is left to simmer until the milk has been fully absorbed by the carrots. Finally, sugar and cardamom powder are added to the pan to give the dessert its sweet and aromatic flavor.

One of the things that makes Gajar Halwa so unique is its texture. The grated carrots give the dish a slightly crunchy texture which contrasts beautifully with the creamy milk and buttery ghee. The addition of nuts and raisins also adds a delicious crunch and chewiness to the dish.

Gajar Halwa is often garnished with more nuts and sometimes even with a sprinkling of edible silver or gold foil (known as vark). This adds a touch of elegance and makes it the perfect dessert to serve at special occasions.

In addition to being delicious, Gajar Halwa is also quite nutritious. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight, skin, and immune function. Carrots are also a good source of dietary fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full for longer and supports digestive health.

Overall, Gajar Halwa is a beloved dessert that is rich in culture, tradition, and flavor. Whether enjoyed at a special occasion or as an indulgent treat, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg of grated carrots
  • 1 liter of whole milk
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of ghee or clarified butter
  • 1 tsp of green cardamom powder
  • 2-3 tbsp of raisins
  • 2-3 tbsp of chopped cashews
  • 2-3 tbsp of chopped almonds

Instructions:

  1. In a heavy-bottom pan or kadhai, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the grated carrots and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until the carrots start to soften.

  2. Reduce the heat to low and add the milk, stirring occasionally. Allow the milk to simmer with the carrots, stirring frequently for about 45-50 minutes or until the milk has been absorbed and evaporated.

  3. Add sugar and cook until the mixture becomes thick and the sugar has dissolved.

  4. Add the cardamom powder and stir well.

  5. Add the raisins, cashews, and almonds, and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

  6. Serve hot or cold, garnished with more nuts if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful and delicious Indian Gajar Halwa!