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The Secret to Sweet Winter Memories
Gajar Ka Halwa is more than just a dessert—it’s an emotion. Passed down through generations, this iconic dish captures the essence of Indian winters like no other. Rich, aromatic, and brimming with the goodness of fresh carrots and dry fruits, this recipe promises to fill your home with warmth and your heart with happiness. Let’s recreate this classic together!
Ingredients:
- Fresh carrots (grated): 1 kg
- Full-cream milk: 1 liter
- Sugar: 200 grams (adjust to taste)
- Ghee (clarified butter): 4 tablespoons
- Khoya (mawa): 200 grams
- Cardamom powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dry fruits (cashews, almonds, pistachios): 50 grams (finely chopped)
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Wash and peel the carrots. Grate them finely using a grater or food processor for uniform texture.
- Chop the dry fruits and keep them aside for garnish.
- Cooking the Carrots:
- Heat a thick-bottomed pan or kadhai on medium flame. Add 2 tablespoons of pure deshi ghee in pan.
- When ghee melts add the grated carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the carrots soften slightly and release a sweet aroma.
- Adding Milk:
- Pour the full-cream milk into the pan. Mix well to consolidate the carrots and milk. To prevent sticking, cook on medium flame, stirring the mixture occasionally. Boil the mixture until the carrots reduce and absorb the milk.
- This process may take 20-25 minutes.
- Sweetening the Halwa:
- Once the milk has evaporated, add sugar. Stir constantly to melt the sugar.
- Cook for another 5-7 minutes. Until the halwa thickens and starts leaving the sides of the container.
- Enhancing the Flavor:
- Crumble the khoya. Mix it into the halwa. Stir well to combine.
- Add 2 tablespoons of ghee and sauté the halwa until it turns glossy and aromatic.
- Mix in cardamom powder and some chopped dry fruits for an extra flavour boost.
- Final Touch:
- Garnish the halwa with the remaining dry fruits.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the sweet and hot Gajar ka Halwa for the best taste.
Tips for Variations:
- For a healthier version, replace sugar with jaggery or a natural sweetener like honey (add jaggery after the halwa has cooled slightly to prevent curdling).
- Use low-fat milk to reduce calories.
- You can add raisins for an additional sweet-tart flavour.
Enjoy this delightful dessert with family & friends, or as a cozy treat during winter evenings!