Gajar ka Halwa

Carrot halwa, or gajar ka halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert that's deliciously rich and creamy. This recipe uses whole milk, not condensed milk. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a real treat!

Cooking Time : 1hr 30min

Prep Time : 10 min

Total Time : 1hr 40min

Servings: 8

Ingredients
  1. Two tablespoons ghee or oil
  2. Two pounds carrots, grated
  3. One and half quarts whole milk
  4. Two cups white sugar
  5. Half cup raisins or sultanas
  6. One and half teaspoons ground cardamom
  7. One pinch saffron threads
  8. Eight tablespoons chopped pistachio nuts
Directions
  1. First Step
    • Heat ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat and add carrots.
    • Cook and stir briefly, about 3 minutes.
    • Pour in milk and increase heat; bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
    • Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, and stirring occasionally until moisture evaporates, about 1 hour.
  2. Second Step
    • Bring carrot mixture back to a boil; add sugar, raisins, cardamom, and saffron.
    • Cook and stir until mixture has thickened, about 10 minutes.
  3. Third Step
    • Ladle carrot halwa into 8 individual serving dishes.
    • Top each serving with 1 tablespoon pistachios. Serve warm or chill before serving.
Tips

Use a hand grater to prepare the carrots. Using a food processor makes them too watery.