Gajar ka Halwa is certainly, one of the most common sweet dishes prepared in Indian homes, which mothers all over the country fondly make for their children lovingly. This dish is also loved by all other members of the household too. Even the bare mention of the name of – Gajar Ka Halwa, brings fond memories of childhood to even the toughest adult males & not to mention the remembrance of mouth-watering taste that remains for life, if you have tasted this dish for yourself, even once ever in life.
Although the dish is north Indian in origin, because of its lovely taste and easy Gajar ka halwa recipe, it has become popular throughout the country. In the north Indian state of Punjab, it is known as Gajrela. However, the great Indian diaspora living in the west may identify better, with the westernized name that it has acquired over the years – Carrot Halwa Recipe. For those who are not well versed with Indian languages, it would be helpful to mention that, the word in English which comes closest to Halwa in Hindi, is pudding. That being said, it has to be also clarified, that there is some fundamental difference between the two.
Although classically taken as a dessert, but the good feeling of satiety that it gives has also made many people take this as a snack or for tiffin purposes.
1) Carrots (Gajar) – 500 gm. The carrots should be young and very tender, so it would be juicy and easy to grate. These variety of carrots are also very easy to cook and gives a great taste.
2) Full Cream Milk (Whole Milk) – 2 liters
3) Pure Ghee (Clarified butter) – 4 tablespoons
4) Sugar – 150 gm
5) Almond (finely chopped) – 50 gm
6) Kaju (Cashews – finely chopped) – 50 gm
7) Kismis (Raisins) – 50 gm
8) Green Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
Nowadays most of the people have a hectic schedule and remain busy throughout the day, spending their time outside the home. Although they may have a desire to eat home cooked – Gajar ka Halwa but may find it difficult to spend a lot of time cooking, which unfortunately is one of the disadvantages of making Gajar ka Halwa, in the traditional way. For them, we are giving another quicker alternative, which uses Khoya instead of a large amount of milk.
1) Carrot – 500 gm (grated)
2) Ghee – 4 tablespoons
3) Khoya – 150 gm
4) Condensed milk (Milkmaid) – 250 gm
5) Almond (finely chopped) – 50 gm
6) Kaju (Cashews – finely chopped) – 50 gm
7) Kismis (Raisins) – 50 gm
8) Green Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
9) Normal whole milk – 1 cup
Health Benefits of Carrots - The tasty and crunchy carrots are one of the best health foods because of the high nutrition that it provides. Carrots contain a high amount of beta carotene which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Besides Vitamin A, carrots also provide a good number of other vitamins like – Biotin, Vitamin K1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C (which helps in reducing the severity of a cold). The potassium present helps in blood pressure control, while carotenoids reduce risks of cancer & improve eye health. Lowering blood cholesterol and promoting weight loss (by increasing satiety after meals & decreasing further food intake) are some other important health benefits of carrots.
The other components of this food preparation, like dry fruits & milk, also provide its share of vitamins, calories, and other nourishment. This favorite sweet dish in India is not just is a treat for taste buds but has also high food value. Here we have described two methods of cooking this dessert, the traditional variety for those who have sufficient time in hand & the 2nd method for those who are hard pressed for time. We hope this would allow all those, who love to cook, have a taste of this dessert in the confines of their home.