Gajar Ka Halwa

Gajar Ka Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert made primarily from carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It is also known as carrot halwa or gajrela and is particularly popular in North Indian states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of Gajar Ka Halwa are red carrots, full cream milk, sugar, and ghee. Additional ingredients can include cardamom, raisins, almonds, and cashews. The preparation involves grating the carrots, boiling them in milk until the milk evaporates, and then adding sugar and ghee. The mixture is then cooked until it reaches a halwa-like consistency. The dish is often garnished with dry fruits before serving.

Cultural Significance

Gajar Ka Halwa is a staple dessert in Indian households, especially during the winter months when red carrots are in season. It is also commonly prepared for festive occasions and celebrations such as Diwali, Holi, and Eid al-Fitr. The dish is served hot and is often paired with vanilla ice cream or rabri.

Variations

There are several variations of Gajar Ka Halwa. Some recipes use condensed milk or khoya instead of milk to save on cooking time. There is also a vegan version of the dish that uses almond milk and coconut oil in place of milk and ghee.

See Also

• Indian sweets
• Pakistani cuisine
• List of carrot dishes