Gajar ka Halwa Recipe
Gajar ka Halwa is India's beloved winter dessert — grated red carrots slow-cooked in milk and ghee until they melt into a rich, fragrant pudding. Finished with cardamom, nuts, and a touch of sugar, it is warm, jewel-red, and deeply comforting. No Indian winter feels complete without it.
- Prep time
- 20 mins
- Cook time
- 40 mins
- Total time
- 60 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Calories
- 480
Ingredients
- 1 kg red carrots, peeled and finely grated
- 1 litre full-fat milk
- 4 tablespoons ghee
- 1/2 cup sugar, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 1 tablespoon chopped cashews
Instructions
- Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add the grated carrots, stirring for 5 minutes until they soften and smell sweet.
- Pour in the milk and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring often, for 30 to 35 minutes until most of the milk is absorbed.
- Add the sugar and cardamom powder and continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns glossy.
- Stir in half the almonds, pistachios, and raisins, reserving the rest for garnish.
- Cook for 2 more minutes until the halwa pulls away from the sides of the pan and the ghee glistens on the surface.
- Serve warm, garnished with the remaining nuts and a few extra raisins.
Pro tips
- Grate the carrots finely — coarse grating makes a stringy, uneven halwa.
- A heavy pan and frequent stirring prevent the milk from catching and burning.
- Taste before adding all the sugar; sweet winter carrots need far less than you expect.
- Serve it warm — the ghee and cardamom aromas are at their best straight from the pan.
Frequently asked questions
Which carrots are best for Gajar ka Halwa?
Red Delhi carrots give the best colour and sweetness, but any sweet, fresh carrots work — just grate them finely and cook them patiently.
Can I make Gajar ka Halwa faster?
Yes — use condensed milk to speed things up, or reduce the milk by half and add a little khoya for richness in less time.
How long does Gajar ka Halwa keep?
It keeps for 4 to 5 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully with a splash of milk. It also freezes well for a month.
Is Gajar ka Halwa very sweet?
It is a dessert, so it is naturally sweet — but you can reduce the sugar to taste, especially if your carrots are very sweet.
