Say hello to Gajar halwa - a seasonal Indian dessert made by simmering grated carrots with milk and sugar. My version is made with mawa (khoya) for extra richness and an irresistible grainy texture. I use Indian carrots when in season but supermarket carrots work just as well.
Cosy & warm.
Note – This recipe has been updated from the archives – first published December 2010. I’ve added new images and helpful content.
I've been watching my Mum make Indian sweets for over 2 decades now and gajar no halwo is guaranteed once every winter. She learnt the recipe from her Mum and we've been following the same techniques since. They don't use any shortcuts and use traditional techniques only. This provides the best flavour and texture of the carrots.
This is definitely one of those sweets that can be served at celebrations and prepared for simple meals. It's made with pretty humble ingredients - carrots, milk and sugar (like gajar kheer) - but the addition of nuts and mawa make it indulgent. Gajar halwa is prepared with similar techniques to dudhi halwa.
It's served throughout the year, but I think it's so cosy enjoyed warm in the winter months. I thought the best way to eat it was along with surti undhiyu and puffed up poori. Until I tried it at a wedding served warm with vanilla ice cream. You know what? I'm sold.
Ingredients Notes
Be sure to check out the full recipe and exact ingredient list below in the recipe card.
Carrots - my go-to is to use Indian carrots (also called delhi carrots) which are darker, almost red in colour. In the UK, you need to make a trip to Indian grocery stores. Supermarket carrots work well too - the only real difference is the colour. The carrots need to be washed, peeled and then grated.
Milk - I recommend using whole milk or full fat milk - it gives richness that is much needed for carrot halwa.
Mawa - aka milk solids which give richness and a grainy texture. I make mawa at home two ways - mawa with milk powder and mawa with ricotta cheese. Either will work or visit the dairy aisle of Indian grocery stores.
Ghee - the carrots are first sauteed in desi ghee. I use homemade ghee.
Sugar - plain white granulated sugar gives the cleanest taste and is also traditionally the sweetener that is used.
Cardamom powder - found in most Indian sweets. I make ground cardamom at home with whole green cardamom pods but you can use store-bought.
Nuts - I use almonds and pistachios sliced into slivers.
Step by Step Method & Tips
Here's how I make carrot halwa step by step. I've also included handy tips that I've learnt from watching the experts!
Start by heating some of the ghee in a pan and tip in the carrots. Saute the carrots on medium low heat for about 2 minutes or so. We aren't completely cooking the carrots here.
Once the milk goes in, then cook the carrots on low heat until all the milk dries up. This step can take around 10-15 minutes. Keep the heat low and KEEP STIRRING.
Make sure you use a heavy bottomed pan and a decent spoon/spatula. You don't want the milk to burn.
Once the milk dries up, tip in the sugar. You'll see the sugar releasing its own moisture. You need to gently cook the mixture until this dries up.
I have added some extra ghee at this stage. It's optional whether you add it. Adding a little more along with the sugar gives the gajar halwa a glossy look.
Then add in grated or crumbled mawa. The reason this goes in later is because mawa is already cooked. Add it too early and it'll burn. Keep mixing and you'll see ghee starting to appear at the sides of the pan.
Remove from the heat. Add in cardamom powder. Garnish with slivered nuts and serve warm or at room temperature.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Gajar halwa can be frozen for up to 1 month.
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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Gajar Halwa | Carrot Halwa
Ingredients
- 2 cups carrots washed, peeled and grated
- 2 cups milk whole
- ½ cup khoya or full fat milk powder
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup ghee
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 4-5 tablespoons pistachio and almond slivers
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom, pan or kadai add 2 tablespoon ghee and allow to melt.
- Tip in 2 cups carrots and saute for a couple of minutes or until moisture from the carrots dries up.
- Pour 2 cups milk, bring it to boil and cook over medium heat until all the milk gets dried up. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent any sticking. This step can take 12-15 minutes.
- Then add 1 cup sugar and remaining ghee of ¼ cup ghee and continuously stir for 6-8 minutes. Tip in ½ cup khoya.
- Stir well and fry on low heat until halwa looks glossy. Mix in ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- Garnish the halwa with 4-5 tablespoons pistachio and almond slivers.
Video
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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JishasKitchen says
wishing you a wonderful anniversary....and gajar ka halwa looks so yummy...perfect for the occasion...:)
Unknown says
again, wishes on your anniversary and wow what a great way to celebrate it.
Unknown says
Hi Jagruti,
Wishing you both a very happy marriage anniversary.
Feel so happy to see you both together.
And
Gajjar ka halwa is my favorite too.
Gayathri Anand says
Happy Anniversary wishes dear ...Halwa looks yummy and lovely clicks ..
Archana says
Hey Wish you many more years of happy married life & many more cups of Gajar Halwa!
Love pictures of both the halwa and you too.
Subhie Arun says
congrats n happi anniversary dear..u look v young... cant believe u married for 20 yrs....dear!wish u many more happy yrs together....!
Radhika @ foodfor7stages says
Wishing you and Raj zillion years of togetherness and love.Happy Anniversary.
Bo says
Happy Anniversary!
? says
Congratulations on your anniversary!
Umm Mymoonah says
20 years is really great, wish you many more years together happily. Halwa looks very sweet just like you 🙂
Veggie Hut says
Many Congratulations Jagruti on that milestone.. Wishin u many more to come! I must compliment u for the fact that it doesn look u have been married for 20 yrs.. U look so young!
Gajar ka halwa is my fav too..I had just posted it my last post too.. Also have a look at my ongoing event.. Winter Warmers.. Looking forward to ur entries!
Lastly.. Wishes for a hapy new year!
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks Jyoti.
Simplyfood says
Many many Congratulations on your 20th wedding anniversary.Wishing you many more joyous and wonderful happy years ahead.
Gajar ka halwa looks amazing and very tasty.Beautifully presented and clicked.
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks Nayna
Harini says
Wishing you many more anniversaries!! Congratulations!! This Halwa is yummy!
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks harini.
Indian Khana says
Wish you both Happy Anniversary...Halwa looks so gud n yum but you both looks much more better than the halwa ;)....Wish you both many more years to come ...muahh
jcookingodyssey says
Thank you Pari.
Love2cook Malaysia says
Happy 20 years of love Jag!!! Wish U both a long life together! 😀
Carrot Halwa makes me drool, bookmarked! 😀
jcookingodyssey says
Thanks a lot!