YT Recipe

Gajar ka Halwa recipe

Gajar ka Halwa recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 8. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Hum Bihar Se Hain Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $23.75 total, $2.97 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Carrots (peeled and coarsely grated)
  • 5 tbsp Ghee (divided: 4 tbsp for cooking carrots, 1 tbsp for final mix)
  • 500 ml Milk (full‑fat milk for richness)
  • 200 g Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Cardamom Powder (freshly ground for best aroma)
  • 30 g Cashews (roughly chopped)
  • 30 g Almonds (sliced or slivered)
  • 30 g Raisins (golden raisins preferred)
  • 1 tbsp Extra Ghee (for finishing) (adds shine and richness)

Instructions

  1. Sauté nuts and raisins

    Heat 1 tbsp ghee in the kadhai over medium flame. Add cashews, almonds, and raisins; sauté for 2‑3 minutes until lightly golden. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium flame

  2. Grate carrots

    Peel the carrots and grate them using a fine grater. Keep the grated carrots in a bowl to retain moisture.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Sauté carrots in ghee

    Add the remaining 4 tbsp ghee to the same kadhai, heat on medium flame, then add the grated carrots. Stir continuously for about 4 minutes until the carrots soften and release a sweet aroma.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium flame

  4. Steam the carrots

    Cover the kadhai with a lid and let the carrots steam for 8 minutes on medium flame, stirring once halfway through.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: Medium flame

  5. Add milk and reduce

    Pour in 500 ml full‑fat milk, increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Stir regularly for about 20 minutes until the milk reduces and the carrots become tender.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low simmer

  6. Incorporate sugar

    When the milk is almost evaporated, add the 200 g sugar. Continue stirring; the sugar will release a little water. Cook for another 5‑7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the excess moisture evaporates.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Finish with ghee, cardamom, and nuts

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp ghee, 1 tsp cardamom powder, and the sautéed nuts and raisins. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes so everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low

  8. Serve

    Transfer the hot halwa to a serving dish, garnish with a few extra nuts if desired, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Gajar ka Halwa recipe

Recipe by Hum Bihar Se Hain Recipes

A traditional winter sweet from Bihar made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and aromatic nuts. This version skips the rich khoya and relies on slow cooking to achieve a silky, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture. Perfect for festivals, celebrations, or a cozy night at home.

MediumIndianServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
16m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 6m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$23.75
Total cost
$2.97
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Sautéing the nuts without burning them.
  • • Properly reducing the milk to achieve the right consistency.
  • • Ensuring the halwa does not stick to the pan during the final stages.

Safety Warnings

  • • Hot ghee can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • • Milk can boil over quickly; keep the lid slightly ajar if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Gajar Ka Halwa in Indian cuisine?

A

Gajar Ka Halwa is a beloved winter sweet across North India, especially in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab. Historically, it was prepared during festivals like Diwali and Holi to celebrate the harvest of fresh carrots, symbolizing prosperity and warmth.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Gajar Ka Halwa in Bihar cuisine?

A

In Bihar, the halwa is often made without khoya, relying on slow‑cooked milk for richness, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and a generous amount of ghee. Some families add a touch of khoya for extra creaminess, while others keep it simple as shown in this recipe.

cultural
Q

How is Gajar Ka Halwa traditionally served in Bihar during celebrations?

A

It is served warm in a shallow metal or earthenware dish, garnished with toasted nuts and sometimes a drizzle of extra ghee. It is offered as a prasad (sacred offering) and enjoyed alongside other festive sweets like peda and laddoo.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Gajar Ka Halwa traditionally associated with in Indian culture?

A

Gajar Ka Halwa is a staple for winter festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Makar Sankranti, as well as for weddings, birthdays, and religious pujas where sweets are part of the ritual offering.

cultural
Q

What other Bihar dishes pair well with Gajar Ka Halwa?

A

It pairs beautifully with savory dishes like Litti Chokha, as the sweet contrast balances the earthy flavors. It also goes well with a cup of masala chai or a glass of warm milk.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Gajar Ka Halwa versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include fresh carrots, full‑fat milk, ghee, sugar, cardamom, and nuts like cashews and almonds. Acceptable substitutes are plant‑based milk (for a dairy‑free version) and butter (instead of ghee), though the flavor profile changes slightly.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Gajar Ka Halwa?

A

Common errors include cooking on high heat, which scorches the milk; not stirring enough, leading to a grainy texture; and adding sugar too early, which can make the halwa watery. Follow the low‑heat reduction steps and stir continuously for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Gajar Ka Halwa recipe use milk reduction instead of khoya?

A

Milk reduction creates a creamy texture while keeping the recipe lighter and more accessible. Khoya adds richness but also extra cost and preparation time; the slow‑cooked milk achieves a similar depth of flavor without the extra step.

technical
Q

Can I make Gajar Ka Halwa ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the halwa can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on low flame with a splash of milk before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Hum Bihar Se Hain Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Hum Bihar Se Hain Recipes focuses on authentic Bihari and North Indian home‑cooking, showcasing traditional dishes, festive sweets, and everyday meals with clear step‑by‑step instructions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Hum Bihar Se Hain Recipes' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Hum Bihar Se Hain Recipes emphasizes regional authenticity, using locally sourced ingredients and simple kitchen tools. The host often shares cultural anecdotes and tips specific to Bihari cuisine, which sets the channel apart from broader Indian cooking channels that may focus on pan‑Indian or restaurant‑style recipes.

channel
More like this:Indian RecipesDessert RecipesMore by Hum Bihar Se Hain Recipes

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