Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya Recipe

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Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya Recipe is a popular Indian sweet made with freshly grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee and khoya.

Gajar ka halwa is a centuries-old traditional Indian dessert. It is a favorite dish during the winter months when carrots are in season. The carrots add a sweetness and natural sweetness to the halwa, while the khoya provides a richness and creaminess.

Also known as Carrot Halwa or Gajrela or Gajar Pak or Gajorer Halua, this rich and indulgent sweet treat is especially popular during festive seasons and celebrations.

Jump to:

• Why Should You Make This Gajar ka Halwa?
• Ingredients
• How to Make Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya
• Servings
• Storage
• FAQs
• You Might Also Like
• Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya Recipe

Why Should You Make This Gajar ka Halwa?

The halwa tastes the best when it is cooked by mom. I remember in my childhood every winter we used have carrot halwa quite often. Even in my college days when I used to come home, my mother used to prepare this dish especially for me.

Now following my mother's tradition, I prepare gajar ka halwa at least once during Winter months. Recently, I was craving for this halwa, especially looking at all the food posts in different social media. I could have it in a restaurant but frankly speaking my taste buds do not satiate with them. I feel they cook grated carrots in sugar syrup instead of milk (cost cutting idea I guess) and later sprinkle grated khoya on top which is quite awful.

As it takes a bit time (grating, slow cooking) and is high in calories, I try to make at least once or twice during winter to keep my taste buds and weighing scale in check.

Ingredients

Gajar or Carrots: The key ingredient of this dish is gajar or carrot. Red carrot is mainly used for the halwa however, you can use locally available orange carrot for the recipe.

Khoya: As the term gajar ka halwa with mawa suggests, mawa, or khoya, is another crucial ingredient of this dish. You can either use homemade khoya or store bought khoya.

Milk: I used full fat milk in this recipe since it gives the sweet dish a rich flavor.

Sugar: I use sugar for the sweetness in this recipe. If you want to make gajar ka halwa with jaggery you have to substitute sugar with jaggery. Since I haven't tried it, feel free to try in your kitchen and report back to me.

Nuts & Dry Fruits: Cashew nuts and raisin.

Ghee: Use good quality deshi ghee (clarified butter) for better outcome.

How to Make Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya

Follow the step-by-step instructions and learn the authentic gajar ka halwa with khoya recipe.

Although preparing gajar ka halwa is simple, it does require some time.

Boil milk in a heavy bottomed vessel until it is reduced to 2/3 of its original volume. Keep on stirring to avoid burning at the bottom. You can also use evaporated milk and that will reduce the time of cooking.

Wash and pat dry the carrots. Later peel and grate the carrots. This step is time consuming. You can grate the carrots a day before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If you are preparing a large batch of carrot halwa then you can use chopper machine to reduce your load. However, I prefer the old traditional way of grating carrots instead of using chopper or grinder.

Set aside the grated carrot for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, dry roast the cashew nuts in ghee and keep them aside.

In a wok, heat the ghee and add the grated carrots. Fry them for 5-8 minutes before adding the cardamom powder.

Then add the reduced milk and simmer over low heat until it evaporates. Stir constantly to keep the pan from sticking.

Now stir in the sugar and khoya. Allow to blend them uniformly with the remaining ingredients while continuously stirring.

Turn off the heat before the halwa entirely evaporates. Mix in the raisins and cashew nuts. It can be served hot or cold.

Servings

Gajar ka halwa is served at the end of the meal as a dessert. Some prefer to have it as warm, and some prefer chilled. You can also serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. You may also stuff patishapta (Bengali-style crepe) with this delicious halwa.

Storage

You can store carrot halwa in refrigerator in an airtight container for 10 to 12 days.

You can take out the required portion in a microwave safe bowl and microwave it for few seconds before consuming it and keep the remaining portion in the refrigerator to consume later. You can also have it chilled.

FAQs

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