Gajar Halwa

Ingredients

• 1 kg Carrots (fresh, seasonal, peeled and cut into 1‑inch strips)
• 2 tbsp + 1 tsp Ghee (2 tbsp for sautéing carrots, 1 tsp for frying nuts)
• 0.5 liter Full‑Fat Milk (whole milk for richness)
• 1.25 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
• 1 tsp Cardamom Powder (ground green cardamom)
• 3 tbsp Cashews (chopped; 2 tbsp for frying, 1 tbsp for garnish)
• 3 tbsp Almond Flakes (toasted; 2 tbsp for frying, 1 tbsp for garnish)
• 3 tbsp Pistachio Flakes (toasted; 2 tbsp for frying, 1 tbsp for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Carrots

   Peel the carrots, discard the white core, and cut them into 1‑inch strips.

   Time: PT10M

2. Heat Ghee in Pressure Cooker

   Add 2 tbsp ghee to the pressure cooker and heat over medium flame until hot.

   Time: PT2M

3. Sauté Carrots

   Add the carrot strips, stir, and sauté for about 2 minutes.

   Time: PT2M

4. Add Milk and Pressure Cook

   Pour in 0.5 liter full‑fat milk, stir, close the lid, and cook on medium flame for two whistles (≈8 minutes).

   Time: PT8M

5. Toast Nuts

   While the halwa cooks, heat 1 tsp ghee in a pan, add 2 tbsp chopped cashews, almond flakes, and pistachio flakes; fry until golden brown (≈3 minutes). Remove and set aside.

   Time: PT3M

6. Release Pressure

   After two whistles, turn off the flame and let the pressure cooker sit for 5 minutes until the steam subsides, then open safely.

   Time: PT5M

7. Mash Carrots

   Using a masher, gently mash the carrot pieces to a coarse puree.

   Time: PT2M

8. Add Sugar and Cook to Thicken

   Stir in 1 ¼ cup sugar, then cook over medium flame, stirring every few minutes, until the milk evaporates and the mixture thickens (≈12 minutes).

   Time: PT12M

9. Finish with Cardamom and Nuts

   Add 1 tsp cardamom powder and the toasted nuts (reserve a handful for garnish). Mix well for 1 minute.

   Time: PT1M

10. Plate and Garnish

    Transfer the halwa to a serving dish, garnish with the remaining nuts, and serve warm.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

250

Protein

2 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

2 g