Ingredients
Main Ingredients | मुख्य सामग्री:
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गाजर | Carrots (grated) – 4-5 मध्यम आकार की | 4-5 Medium-sized
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दूध | Full-Cream Milk – 2 कप | 2 cups
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चीनी | Sugar – 1/2 कप (स्वाद अनुसार) | 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
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घी | Ghee – 2 बड़े चम्मच | 2 tablespoons
For Flavor and Garnish | स्वाद और गार्निश:
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इलायची पाउडर | Cardamom Powder – 1/4 चम्मच | 1/4 teaspoon
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कटे हुए मेवे | Chopped Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Raisins) – 1/4 कप | 1/4 cup
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मावा (वैकल्पिक) | Khoya/Mawa (optional) – 1 बड़ा चम्मच | 1 tablespoon
Directions
Preparing the Carrots (गाजर की तैयारी):
Wash the carrots thoroughly, peel them, and grate them finely using a grater. Set aside.
Sautéing the Carrots (गाजर भूनें):
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai on medium heat.
- Add the grated carrots and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring continuously, until they soften and release a pleasant aroma.
Cooking with Milk (दूध में पकाएं):
Pour 2 cups of full-cream milk into the pan with the sautéed carrots.
- Stir the mixture well and let it come to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow the milk to simmer.
Adding Sugar and Flavor (चीनी और स्वाद डालें):
Once the milk has reduced, add 1/2 cup of sugar and mix well.
- Continue cooking on low heat, stirring regularly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens further.
- Add cardamom powder for an aromatic touch and mix evenly.
Optional Step – Adding Mawa (मावा डालें):
If using mawa (khoya), crumble it into the halwa and mix well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the halwa becomes creamy and rich.
Roasting Dry Fruits (मेवे भूनें):
In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee and lightly roast chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins until golden brown.
- Add the roasted dry fruits to the halwa and mix thoroughly.
Serving (परोसें):
Transfer the Gajar Ka Halwa to a serving dish.
- Garnish with additional roasted nuts or a sprinkle of cardamom powder.
- Serve warm for a cozy treat or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Recipe Note
Tips for Perfect Gajar Ka Halwa
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Use Fresh Red Carrots:
Juicy, seasonal red carrots are ideal for their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
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Slow Cooking is Key:
Simmer the halwa on low heat for a rich and creamy texture.
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Avoid Skipping Ghee:
Ghee enhances the flavor and aroma of the halwa.
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Add Mawa for Extra Creaminess:
If you prefer a richer halwa, mawa adds a luxurious, melt-in-mouth texture.
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Roast Dry Fruits:
Lightly roasted nuts give a crunchy contrast to the soft halwa.
Cultural Significance
Gajar Ka Halwa holds a special place in Indian cuisine, especially during the winter months when red, juicy carrots are in season. This dessert is a highlight of festivals, weddings, and family gatherings, embodying the richness and warmth of Indian traditions. The slow-cooked process of thickening milk with carrots and ghee gives this dish its signature flavor and texture. In many households, making Gajar Ka Halwa is a cherished ritual that brings families together to celebrate love and togetherness.
