Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa) is one of the most beloved Indian desserts, especially during winters. Made with juicy red carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, this classic sweet dish is rich, comforting, and often made for festivals like Diwali, Holi, and family get-togethers.
In this blog, you’ll get a detailed, easy-to-follow Gajar Halwa Recipe with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and variations that other recipe blogs often miss. Let’s make the perfect Gajar ka Halwa at home!
Ingredients for Carrot Halwa Recipe
- Carrots (red/winter variety) – 1 kg (grated)
- Full-fat milk – 1 litre
- Sugar – ¾ cup to 1 cup (as per taste)
- Ghee – 3 to 4 TSP
- Cardamom powder – ½ TSP
- Cashews – 10 (halved)
- Almonds – 10 (sliced)
- Raisins – 10–12
Optional:
- Khoya (mawa) – ½ cup (for rich flavor)
Step-by-Step Gajar ka Halwa Recipe in English:
Step 1
- Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a hand grater or food processor.
Step 2
- In a heavy-bottomed kadhai or non-stick pan, pour the full-fat milk and bring it to a boil.
- Add grated carrots and cook on medium flame.
- Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Let the carrots simmer in milk until the mixture reduces and thickens.
Step 3
- Once most of the milk is absorbed, add sugar. Stir well.
- The mixture will become slightly runny again — continue to cook until it thickens again.
- Add ghee and mix. You’ll notice a shine and aroma as ghee blends in.
Step 4
- Add cardamom powder and mix.
- Fry cashews, almonds, and raisins in 1 TSP ghee and add to the halwa.
- If using khoya, add now and cook for 3–5 minutes.
Step 5
- Cook until the ghee starts releasing from the sides.
- Serve warm or cold, garnished with more nuts if desired.
Gajar Halwa Recipe in Hindi
गाजर का हलवा रेसिपी हिंदी में
आवश्यक सामग्री:
- गाजर – 1 किलो (कद्दूकस की हुई)
- फुल क्रीम दूध – 1 लीटर
- चीनी – ¾ कप या स्वाद अनुसार
- घी – 3 से 4 टेबल स्पून
- इलायची पाउडर – ½ छोटा चम्मच
- काजू – 10 (आधे कटे हुए)
- बादाम – 10 (पतले कटे हुए)
- किशमिश – 10–12
- खोया (वैकल्पिक) – ½ कप
बनाने की विधि:
- गाजर को धोकर छीलें और कद्दूकस कर लें।
- कढ़ाही में दूध उबालें और उसमें कद्दूकस की हुई गाजर डालें।
- धीमी आंच पर दूध सूखने तक पकाएं, बीच-बीच में चलाते रहें।
- अब इसमें चीनी डालें और फिर से पकाएं जब तक मिश्रण गाढ़ा न हो जाए।
- घी डालें और अच्छी तरह मिलाएं।
- इलायची पाउडर डालें और तले हुए ड्राय फ्रूट्स मिलाएं।
- अगर खोया डाल रहे हैं, तो अंत में डालें और 3–5 मिनट पकाएं।
- जब घी किनारों से अलग होने लगे तो गाजर का हलवा तैयार है।
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Gajar Halwa
- Use red Delhi carrots for the best flavor and color.
- Always use full-fat milk or even add some condensed milk for extra richness.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning and sticking at the bottom.
- Add khoya or milk powder for a quick thickening shortcut.
Variations of Gajar Ka Halwa
- Instant Gajar Halwa: Use condensed milk and skip sugar to cut down cooking time.
- Vegan Gajar Halwa: Use almond or coconut milk and vegan ghee or oil.
With Khoya: Add grated khoya towards the end for a traditional, rich halwa.
FAQ
Can I make gajar halwa without milk?
Yes, you can use condensed milk or even coconut milk for a variation.
How to store gajar halwa?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I freeze carrot halwa?
Yes. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Which type of carrot is best for halwa?
Red Delhi carrots (winter carrots) are ideal for traditional gajar ka halwa.
Is gajar halwa healthy?
In moderation, yes. It’s rich in vitamin A and calcium, but also high in sugar and fat.
