Monday, December 15, 2014

Gajar ka Halwa / Carrot Halwa / Gajraila


Gajar ka Halwa, also known by the name "Gajraila" in Pakistan has become a worldwide popular dessert . In India, Gajar ka Halwa is prepared during Diwali, Holi and many other festivals .You can serve warm Gajar ka Halwa as is or you can top warm halwa with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. It tastes extremely good in either case.






In my house, I am the one who is partial to savory food items while DH and DS  have a sweet tooth. Its not that I don't like sweets. Its just that I am very choosy when it comes to sweets. Gajar ka Halwa is one such sweet dish that I loooovee so much:) I don't need any reason (festivals, celebrations etc) to make this amazing dessert. I make it all the time and though it takes some time to cook, it gets over with in no time:) I have learnt this recipe from my mum.

I have used raw cane sugar in this recipe but you can use regular sugar. The amount of sugar can be adjusted as per taste.I have used poppy seeds in this recipe. The seeds add a little crunch to the halwa. I have used a thick bottomed non-stick pan to make the halwa.


So here is how you can make this dessert..


INGREDIENTS:
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml
  • Carrots (grated) : 4 cups (tightly packed)
  • Poppy seeds : 1.5 tbsp (optional)
  • Clarified butter or Ghee : 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp
  • Full Fat Milk : 1.5 cups (See notes *)
  • Cashewnuts: 10
  • Sliced Almonds : 1 tbsp
  • Saffron : 1 pinch
  • Sugar : 1 cup ( adjust according to taste)
  • Cardamom powder / Elaichi Powder : 3/4 tsp
PROCEDURE:
  • Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a thick bottomed  non-stick pan. Firstly,add the poppy seeds and fry them for 2-3 minutes. Once done, add the grated carrots and saute them in the same ghee until the rawness of the carrots is gone. It takes about 5- 7 minutes.




  • While the carrots are being sauted in ghee, add almonds and saffron to the milk and heat .(I heated the milk in the microwave).

  • Now add this milk to the carrots .Mix well and cook them covered.



  • When the you see that the carrots have cooked, remove the lid and cook the carrots uncovered. The milk will start to reduce and finally evaporate.


  • Once you see that most of the milk has dried up, add the sugar. Keep stirring  until all the moisture has evaporated.

  • Add in  cardamom powder , cashew nuts and crushed pistachios. Mix well.

  • Lastly add in the remaining 1 tbsp of ghee and mix well.

  • Serve hot or warm . You can also serve hot gajar halwa with cold vanilla ice cream on top. Tastes awesome.



NOTES:
  • You can also make this halwa with low fat milk. I have made this dish with low fat milk and it tastes equally good.
  • You can adjust the amount of sugar as per the sweetness you desire.
  • I have not fried the cashews, but you may if you want.





8 comments:

  1. Hi Shubha,
    Very nice job.
    My god, it looks so scrumptious. I can't take my eyes away from this halwa.

    ReplyDelete
  2. such a sweeet eye treat dear... colorful carrot halwa...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ty dear:) the carrots here have a beautiful color..it fun cooking with them:)

      Delete
  3. Thnx for visiting my space ,Halwa looks great & happy Blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've always wanted to make Gajar Ka Halwa... I will try out your recipe sometime.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please do try and please let me know your feedback:) Have a good weekend!!

      Delete