Gajar ka halwa, known by various names such as gajorer halua, gajrela, gajar pak, and carrot halwa, is a delightful dessert originating from the Indian subcontinent. This sweet treat involves simmering grated carrots in a pot with water, milk, sugar, and cardamom, all while stirring consistently. It’s often served with a lavish topping of almonds and pistachios, which are sautéed in ghee, a traditional clarified butter widely used in Indian cooking, adding richness and aroma to this beloved delicacy.
With an active time of 1 hour and 10 minutes and a total time of 1 hour and 55 minutes, this recipe yields 4 to 5 servings.
Experience the Richness of Gajar ka Halwa: A Beloved Punjabi Tradition
Indulge in the intricate and heavenly taste of Gajar ka Halwa, a beloved dessert hailing from Punjab celebrated for its subtle sweetness. Perfected over numerous experiments, this recipe guarantees a dish that combines opulence with a touch of healthiness. Despite an active cooking period of just over an hour and a total preparation time of less than two hours, this recipe promises an authentic culinary journey with manageable effort. Delve into each phase of the process and cherish every instant spent creating this delightful delicacy within the confines of your own kitchen.
Ingredients required to make Gajar ka Halwa:
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 to 6 tablespoons ghee
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds, or cashews)
- 1 1/2 pounds carrots (about 8 carrots), peeled and coarsely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed cardamom seeds (optional)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, plus more to taste
Directions for Crafting Gajar ka Halwa: Step-by-Step Guide
- Reduce the Milk (Active Time: 20 min, Total Time: 20 min):
Begin by heating milk in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Lower the heat to maintain a gentle boil and continue cooking until the milk reduces to about 1 1/2 to 2 cups.
- Toast the Nuts (Active Time: 2 min, Total Time: 22 min):
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped nuts and sauté until they turn golden and become crisp, roughly 2 minutes. Set them aside on a paper towel.
- Cook the Carrots (Active Time: 15 min, Total Time: 37 min):
In the same skillet, introduce the grated carrots and cook over medium heat until they begin to soften, approximately 15 minutes. Add additional ghee if necessary.
- Combine Ingredients (Active Time: 30 min, Total Time: 67 min):
Integrate the reduced milk and crushed cardamom seeds (if desired) into the skillet with the carrots.
Increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the carrots absorb the milk.
- Sweeten the Halwa (Active Time: 10-12 min, Total Time: 79-81 min):
Incorporate the light brown sugar into the mixture and continue cooking until it thickens. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- Caramelize and Serve (Active Time: 10 min, Total Time: 91-93 min):
For immediate serving, add ghee and cook until the halwa develops a slight caramelization.
Before serving, adorn with the toasted nuts.
- Serve and Enjoy (Total Time: 1 hour 55 min):
For the best flavor, prepare the halwa earlier in the day or the day before serving.
Just before serving, reheat portions in ghee, garnish with nuts, and relish the indulgent flavors of this timeless Punjabi dessert, gajar ka halwa.
Cook’s Tip:
To save time, you can opt for canned unsweetened evaporated milk instead of whole milk. However, using fresh whole milk will provide superior flavor and texture. Make sure to grate the carrots coarsely to retain the desired texture in the halwa. Adjust the amounts of sugar and ghee to suit your taste preferences.
Official Source
Nutritional breakdown:
Carrots:
Carrots boast an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritional powerhouse that promotes overall health. When included in a well-rounded diet, carrots contribute to bolstering the immune system, supporting wound healing, and promoting digestive health. Additionally, studies have linked their consumption to a reduced risk of certain cancers, underscoring their value as a beneficial dietary addition.
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, carrots are also a plentiful source of antioxidants, which are vital for neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. These free radicals, generated from both internal processes and external factors, can damage cells if left unchecked. While the body naturally eliminates many free radicals, dietary antioxidants, such as those found in carrots, play a crucial role, especially during times of increased oxidative stress.
Carrots also provide a notable amount of vitamin C, another essential antioxidant that supports immune function. Incorporating vitamin C-rich foods into your diet can enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections and maintain overall health. Moreover, early research suggests that vitamin A, present in carrots, plays a key role in regulating immune responses, further emphasizing the immune-boosting properties of this nutritious vegetable.
Nuts:
Nuts and seeds are nutritional powerhouses, packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Their consumption helps regulate body weight by promoting satiety and reducing fat absorption. Additionally, the unsaturated fats and nutrients present in nuts and seeds offer protective effects against heart disease and diabetes.
Ghee:
Ghee, once criticized, has undergone a reassessment fueled by research uncovering its myriad health advantages. In contrast to past perceptions, ghee is now acknowledged as a boon for overall health. Abundant in beneficial fats, ghee fosters favorable cholesterol levels and poses no threat to heart health. Furthermore, it nurtures digestive wellness, fortifies the immune system, and furnishes essential vitamins such as A, E, and K, especially when sourced from grass-fed cows.
Here are some noteworthy benefits of ghee:
- Healthy Fats: Ghee harbors beneficial fats that support favorable cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart ailments.
- Digestive Health: Ghee consumption fosters a healthy gut, potentially reducing the risk of ulcers and cancer.
- Immune System Support: Ghee’s butyric acid content aids in producing disease-fighting T cells, bolstering the immune system.
- Essential Vitamins: Ghee serves as a reliable source of vitamins A and E, vital for liver health, hormone balance, and fertility.
- Anti-inflammatory and Anti-cancer Properties: Ghee’s butyric acid and antioxidants bestow anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.
- Lactose Intolerance: Ghee is lactose-free, making it safe for individuals with dairy intolerances.
- Skin Health: Ghee’s antioxidant and moisturizing properties promote healthy skin, aiding in repair and softening.
- Hair Health: Ghee’s vitamin E content enhances hair thickness and scalp health, alleviating dryness and itchiness.
- Bone Health: Vitamin K in ghee aids calcium absorption, promoting robust bones and dental health.
- Thyroid Function: Ghee assists in hormone balance, potentially benefiting thyroid health.
- Weight Loss: Ghee boosts metabolism, aiding weight loss by burning excess fats.
- High Smoke Point: Ghee’s stability at high temperatures makes it ideal for cooking without generating harmful free radicals.
- Menstrual Health: Ghee’s hormone-balancing properties may alleviate menstrual issues like PMS and irregular periods.
- Appetite Stimulant: Ghee stimulates appetite in both children and adults.
- Taste Enhancer: Ghee enriches the flavor of dishes, enhancing their appeal.
- Detoxification: Ghee attracts toxins in the body, aiding in cleansing and overall detoxification.