Taige Shukla
By Taige Shukla
Happy Diwali Saathee family! It’s that time again when all our favorite snacks and sweets are being served all around. This is one of my favorite times of the year. Gajar ka Halwa, or carrot halwa, is a dessert that’s often served at special occasions or during holidays such as Diwali. The dish is also very popular when carrots are in season during the winter months in India, almost every household will have it prepared. While the cooking process takes a bit of time due to the milk having to fully incorporate, this is actually a very simple recipe to have on hand and a crowd favorite! Try serving it with ice cream for an even more delicious experience. Enjoy!
Special thanks to: Charu Shukla (Amma)
Servings: 4-5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
5 large carrots (about 2 cups shredded)
3 cups whole milk
½ cup milk powder (or khoya or mawa)
¼ cup ghee
¾ cup sugar
Pinch of cardamom powder
Optional: saffron, nuts for garnish
Directions
Start by adding shredded carrots and milk to a large pot and bring to a boil. Let simmer on medium heat until the milk has completely soaked in to the carrots. Stir occasionally to ensure the mixture does not stick to the bottom.
Optional: mix in a few strands of saffron for a more aromatic flavor.
Once the milk has fully incorporated, add in sugar, cardamom powder, and half the ghee. Continue to stir for about 10 more minutes, until all liquid is soaked up.
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the remaining ghee. Then slowly mix in the milk powder until well incorporated. Continue to stir until the ghee begins to separate.
Finally, top with roasted nuts or saffron strands.
Serve at room temperature within 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week, be sure to warm it up before serving.
