Carrot Halwa – Gajjar Ka Halwa

One would never have thought that you could make desserts with vegetables. Some of the more authentic and popular Indian sweets are made using carrots, pumpkins and squash, milk and milk solids. Orange is at colour significant of auspicious occasions and festivities and these vegetables naturally fit the colour criterion. Carrot halwa is relished as a rich royal dessert on these festive occasions, a typical North Indian dessert.

Carrot Halwa – Gajjar Ka Halwa

2015-11-17 14:03:07

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Ingredients

1. 1 lb. carrots, about 8-10
2. 11/2 cups homogenized milk
3. 8 cardamom pods, whole
4. 5 tbsp. ghee (clarified butter) or butter
5. 1/2 cup sugar, to taste
6. 1-2 tbsp. golden raisins (optional)
7. 4 tbsp. shelled, unsalted pistachios
8. ¼ cup dried powder milk
9. 2 sheets of silver foil (optional)
10. Whipped cream, optional

Prepare Ahead

1. • Peel and grate the carrots in the food processor.
2. • Crush the cardamoms, slightly.
3. • Coarsely chop the pistachios.
4. • Have all other ingredients ready.

Cooking Method

1. • Put the grated carrots, milk and cardamom pods in a heavy bottomed pan.
2. • Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. • Reduce the heat to medium low and cook stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated. The carrots should be of a thick consistency. (Takes about 25-30 minutes) and well coated with the thickened milk.
4. • Add the butter or ghee to the carrot mixture. Stir and fry until the carrots are a rich reddish colour and have a nice sheen. About 15 minutes. Adjust the heat if necessary.
5. • Add the dried milk powder to this mixture and cook for a further 5-10 minutes, stirring well.
6. • Now add the sugar, raisins and 2 tbsps of pistachios. Stir and fry for a further 2 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and set aside.
7. • This halwa can be served warm with or without cream or with cardamom flavored custard or vanilla ice cream.
8. • Garnish with the remaining chopped pistachios and silver foil.
9. Serves 8-10 people

Notes

1. • In order to crispen the halwa and give it a little more sheen, microwave for 4-5 minutes uncovered, stirring well halfway through the cooking.
2. • Gajjar Halwa can also be served in individual chocolate cups garnished with the chopped pistachios.
3. • The halwa can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Do not add the garnish until just prior to serving. Reheat in the oven at 275°F. until heated through.

Khaana Sutra https://khaanasutra.com/