Gajar Ka Halwa is the Indian dish that best mixes comfort, tradition, and nostalgia. This rich, creamy pudding made with grated carrots, milk, ghee and sugar is a winter must-have in India. It’s also called Carrot Halwa. This delicacy has won hearts throughout generations, whether you name it gajar halwa ka, gajar ka halwa carrot dessert or Indian Gajar ka Halwa.
This post will show you how to make Gajar Ka Halwa step by step, using both the traditional slow-cooked approach and the faster one that uses condensed milk or khoya (mawa). We’ll also learn about how many calories there in gajar ka halwa, how healthy it is and how to store or freeze it for later.
What is Gajar Ka Halwa?
Gajar Ka Halwa, or Gajrela in North India, is a traditional Indian dessert made of grated red carrots boiled in milk, sugar, and ghee. This sweet treat comes from Punjab and is commonly eaten during winter festivals like Diwali, Holi and Lohri. The slow cooking procedure caramelizes the milk and brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, which is what makes it smell and taste so good. In the north India winter wedding season in every wedding party you will find one common dessert is Gajar ka halwa .
You’ll find several variations of Gajar Ka Halwa recipes —
- Gajar Ka Halwa with Condensed Milk
- Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya or Mawa
- Gajar Ka Halwa in Pressure Cooker
- Instant Pot Gajar Ka Halwa
No matter how you make it, the end result is always indulgent!
Video Guide For Gajar ka Halwa
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Ingredients for Gajar Ka Halwa
Here is the Ccomplete list of ingredients for Gajar Ka Halwa (serves 4):
- 1 kg of Carrots (ideally red Delhi carrots or orange carrots)
- 1 liter of full-fat milk
- ¾ cup of sugar (Add more or less to taste)
- 4 tablespoons of ghee (Clarified butter)
- ½ teaspoon of Cardamom powder (Elaichi)
- ½ cup of khoya or mawa (Optional for a richer texture)
- 2 tablespoons of Chopped Cashews and a Almonds
- 1 Tablespoon of Raisins
To make Gajar Ka Halwa with condensed milk, use ½ cup of condensed milk in place of sugar and some of the milk.
Preparation of Gajar Ka halwa (Step-by-Step)
Let’s start the Preparation of Gajar Ka Halwa the traditional way.
- Wash and Grate the Carrots
After a good washing, remove the carrots’ peels and use a medium-sized grater to grate them. Carrots of any color (orange ones) would do in this Gajar Ka Halwa dish, but red Delhi carrots are best.
- Boil the Milk
Pour the full-fat milk into a skillet with a heavy bottom and heat it until it boils. When it starts to bubble, turn down the heat and let it simmer.
- Add Grated Carrots
When the milk is hot, stir in the grated carrots. Gently mix while cooking over medium heat. To avoid sticking, stir regularly.
- Cook Till Milk Reduces
This is the most important step of making Gajar Ka Halwa. Once the carrots are cooked, reduce heat to a simmer and let the milk evaporate. At least thirty to forty minutes is the normal time required.
- Add Sugar and Ghee
Add sugar when the milk has thickened. It is usual for the halwa to get little watery again. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is absorbed. Finally add and mix the ghee.
- Add Khoya or Mawa
If you’re using khoya, smash it up and mix it into the halwa. This makes the texture richer and the taste better. Gajar Ka Halwa with Condensed Milk is another way to make this dish that uses condensed milk.
- Add Cardamom and Nuts
Finally, add in the cardamom powder, roasted almonds, cashews and raisins. Mix everything together thoroughly and simmer for more five to seven minutes.Your authentic Gajar Ka Halwa is ready to serve!
Tips for Cooking Gajar Ka Halwa
- Always use full-fat milk for creamy texture.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Red carrots (desi gajar) give the best color and sweetness.
- You can cook Gajar Ka Halwa in a pressure cooker to save time — just cook grated carrots and milk for 1 whistle, then add sugar and ghee.
- For a quicker version, use Gajar Ka Halwa instant pot or make Gajar Ka Halwa with condensed milk recipe for creamy results in less time.
Gajar Ka Halwa Variations
- Gajar Ka Halwa with Condensed Milk
Half the amount of milk and half a cup of condensed milk will be enough to make Gajar Ka Halwa using condensed milk. This version is more quick, flavorful, and delightfully creamy.
- Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya
Try the Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya recipe if you like a thick, traditional texture. To get the traditional halwai taste, add crumbled khoya just before serving.
- Gajar Ka Halwa without Khoya
You can completely skip the khoya for a lighter version. Even without khoya, the Gajar Ka Halwa tastes delicious when boiled in milk for a long enough period of time. You will love this Gajar ka halwa without khoya In my house this is called gajarbhatt.
- Gajar Ka Halwa in Pressure Cooker
carrot Halwa can be prepared in a pressure cooker on busy days; simply heat shredded carrots and milk until one whistle, then open and continue cooking until thickened.
- Gajar Ka Halwa Instant Pot Version
For ghee and carrots, use the saute mode, then pressure cook for 5 minutes. This Gajar Ka Halwa recipe is simple to follow and helpful for beginers.
Serving Suggestions
Gajar Ka Halwa can be served warm or chilled.
- For a royal dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For special occasions, top it with silver leaf (varak) and chopped pistachios.
- You might use it as a filling in Gajar Ka Halwa cake, Gajar Ka Halwa cheesecake, or even Gajar Ka Halwa blondies for a change.
If you’re looking for Gajar Ka Halwa near me, most Indian sweet stores sell it fresh in the winter, but homemade is always the most delicious.
Calories and Nutrition of Gajar Ka Halwa
Here’s a quick breakdown of Gajar Ka Halwa nutrition and calories (approximate values):
| Quantity | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | ||||
| 1 cup (150g) | 320 kcal | 14g | 42g | 6g | ||||
- Calories in Gajar Ka Halwa: ~320 kcal per cup
- 1 cup Gajar Ka Halwa calories: Depending on whether to use khoya or condensed milk
- Healthy Gajar Ka Halwa recipe: For a lighter version, use less ghee and jaggery instead of sugar.
Gajar Ka Halwa is very rich, but it is also very healthy. Carrots are high in Vitamin A and antioxidants, while milk adds calcium and protein.
Storage and Shelf Life
You can store Gajar Ka Halwa in the fridge for up to a week.
- Let Gajar Ka Halwa to cool fully before storing it in airtight containers to freeze.
- Reheat with a little milk or ghee in a microwave or over low heat.
Gajar Ka Halwa does not lose flavor when frozen.
FAQs on Gajar Ka Halwa
What is Gajar Ka Halwa in English?
Carrot Halwa, also known as Carrot Pudding, is prepared by simmering grated carrots with milk and sugar.
How to make Gajar Ka Halwa recipe at home?
Grate the carrots, boil them in milk, add sugar and ghee, and then finish with khoya or condensed milk. That’s an easy recipe for Gajar Ka Halwa for beginers.
How to prepare Gajar Ka Halwa in a cooker?
Put grated carrots, milk and pressure cooker on high heat. After 1 whistle open the cooker and stir in sugar and ghee.
What is the difference between Gajar Ka Halwa and Gajrela?
Both are similar but Gajrela uses more milk and rice. but Gajar Ka Halwa uses more carrots and khoya.
Can we eat Gajar Ka Halwa in fast?
Yes! It is good for fasting days if made only from ghee, milk, and sugar (without grains).
Can we make Gajar Ka Halwa with orange carrots?
yes. You can use both red or orange carrots. Orange carrots make the color brighter.
What are the benefits of Gajar Ka Halwa?
This vitamin A powerhouse also improves eyesight, strengthens immunity, and brings comfort during the cold season.
Why This Is the Best Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe
This is the authentic Gajar Ka Halwa recipe that tastes just like the one your mom makes at home in winters. You can’t completely copy the caramelized flavor of slow-cooked milk in condensed milk versions, but both are good in their own way. This recipe will help you make Gajar Ka Halwa that tastes like it came from a halwai, whether you’re making it for Diwali or just to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Final Thoughts
Gajar Ka Halwa is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a way to show love, happiness and Indian food history. From the first smell of grated carrots cooking in ghee to the last spoonful of rich, nutty goodness, every bite is pure bliss.
This recipe for Gajar Ka Halwa is a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings and make you feel better. You’ll see why this is one of India’s most famous sweets.
