Decadent Gajar Ka Halwa
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of this delicious Gajar Ka Halwa, a traditional Indian dessert made with fresh grated carrots, sweetened condensed milk, and aromatic cardamom. This warm pudding has a creamy texture and a delightful sweetness that will melt in your mouth. Perfect for festive occasions or as a comforting sweet treat, this recipe serves 20 people, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and celebrations. Garnish with nuts or dried fruits for an extra touch of elegance!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
2 lbs (Grated)
Evaporated Milk
12 ounces (Canned)
Sweetened Condensed Milk
14 ounces (Canned)
Cardamom Pods
5 (Crushed)
Ghee
4 tablespoons (Melted)
Powdered Milk
5 tablespoons (Mixed with water to form a paste)
Instructions
1
In a heavy deep saucepan, combine the grated carrots, evaporated milk, and crushed cardamom pods. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally.
2
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook until the mixture thickens and most of the evaporated milk is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Add the sweetened condensed milk and ghee to the carrot mixture. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens further and the carrots are soft.
4
In a small bowl, mix the powdered milk with a little water to form a smooth paste. Once the halwa is close to fully dry, fold this paste into the carrot mixture, stirring well to incorporate it.
5
Cook for an additional few minutes until everything is well combined and reaches your desired consistency.
6
For an elegant finish, garnish with chopped nuts, soaked raisins, or a drizzle of fresh cream before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gajar Ka Halwa?
Gajar Ka Halwa is a traditional Indian carrot pudding known for its rich, aromatic flavors and creamy texture.
How many servings does this Gajar Ka Halwa recipe yield?
This specific recipe is designed to serve 20 people, making it perfect for large gatherings.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of grated carrots, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, ghee, cardamom, and powdered milk.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be fresh and finely grated before starting the cooking process.
What kind of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and a paste made from powdered milk.
What spice gives this dessert its signature aroma?
Crushed cardamom pods provide the aromatic flavor profile for this traditional dessert.
What type of saucepan is recommended?
It is best to use a heavy deep saucepan to ensure even cooking and to accommodate the volume of ingredients.
How do I prevent the halwa from sticking to the pan?
You should stir the mixture occasionally during the simmering stage and frequently once it begins to thicken.
When should I add the sweetened condensed milk?
The sweetened condensed milk should be added once the initial mixture of carrots and evaporated milk has thickened and most of the liquid is absorbed.
How is the ghee used in this recipe?
Four tablespoons of melted ghee are added along with the condensed milk to add richness and help the carrots soften.
What is the purpose of the powdered milk?
Powdered milk is mixed with water to form a paste and folded into the halwa near the end to enhance the texture and richness.
What is the initial cooking temperature?
The mixture is initially brought to a boil over medium heat.
What should I do once the mixture reaches a boil?
Once it boils, you should reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the evaporated milk is mostly absorbed.
How many cardamom pods are required?
The recipe requires 5 crushed cardamom pods.
What garnishes are recommended for an elegant finish?
You can garnish the halwa with chopped nuts, soaked raisins, or a drizzle of fresh cream.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, Gajar Ka Halwa is a vegetarian-friendly Indian dessert.
Can this be served at festive occasions?
Absolutely, it is described as a festive sweet and a celebration recipe ideal for special events.
What should the final consistency of the halwa be?
The halwa should be thick, the carrots should be soft, and the mixture should be relatively dry but creamy.
How much evaporated milk is used?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk.
How much sweetened condensed milk is used?
The recipe uses one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
How much powdered milk do I need?
You will need 5 tablespoons of powdered milk to create the finishing paste.
Is the ghee added before or after the carrots are soft?
The ghee is added while the carrots are still cooking to help them reach a soft consistency.
What is the texture of this dessert like?
It has a delightful, creamy texture that is designed to melt in your mouth.
Do I need to add extra sugar?
No extra sugar is mentioned as the sweetened condensed milk provides the necessary sweetness.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, this is a traditional Indian carrot pudding recipe.
How long should the powdered milk paste be cooked?
After folding in the powdered milk paste, cook for an additional few minutes until well combined.
What does 'decadent' imply for this recipe?
It implies a rich and indulgent version of the dessert using ghee, condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Can I use different types of nuts for garnish?
Yes, the recipe suggests using chopped nuts of your choice for an extra touch of elegance.
Does the recipe require frequent stirring?
Yes, especially after adding the condensed milk and as the mixture dries out, frequent stirring is necessary.
What is another common name for Gajar Ka Halwa?
It is also commonly known as carrot pudding.