Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa) without Ghee or Mawa

Ingredients

• 0.5 kg Carrots (red carrots, washed, peeled and grated using the large holes of a grater)
• 1.5 L Full‑fat Milk (whole milk, preferably 3.5% fat, cold)
• 150 g Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste; 10% of milk volume)
• 0.25 tsp Cardamom Powder (ground green cardamom, freshly ground if possible)
• 1 tbsp Ghee (for toasting nuts; can be omitted or replaced with butter)
• 2 tbsp Slivered Almonds (raw, toasted lightly in ghee)
• 2 tbsp Chopped Cashews (raw, toasted lightly in ghee)
• 2 tbsp Raisins (golden or dark, added with toasted nuts)

Instructions

1. Prepare the carrots

   Wash the carrots thoroughly, trim the ends, peel them, then grate using the large‑hole side of a box grater until you have about 0.5 kg of grated carrot.

   Time: PT15M

2. Boil the milk

   Pour 1.5 L of full‑fat milk into the heavy‑bottomed wok, place over medium‑high heat and bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 100°C

3. Cook carrots in milk

   When the milk is boiling, add the grated carrots. Stir gently at first; as the mixture thickens, increase stirring frequency. Continue cooking until the milk has reduced dramatically and the mixture is thick, about 45 minutes.

   Time: PT45M

   Temperature: Medium heat (≈80°C)

4. Add sugar and cardamom

   Stir in 150 g sugar and 0.25 tsp ground cardamom. Cook, stirring continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the halwa begins to release a glossy layer of ghee from the sides, about 20 minutes.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: Medium heat (≈80°C)

5. Toast nuts

   In a small pan, melt 1 tbsp ghee over low flame. Add slivered almonds, chopped cashews and raisins. Toast lightly until the nuts turn a light golden hue, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Low heat (≈60°C)

6. Finish the halwa

   Transfer the toasted nuts and raisins into the halwa, mix well so the nuts are evenly distributed. Turn off the heat.

   Time: PT2M

7. Serve

   Spoon the warm Gajar ka Halwa into serving bowls. It can be enjoyed hot, at room temperature, or chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice‑cream.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

3 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

8 g

Fiber

3 g