Gajar Ka Halwa is a beloved Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and nuts. This rich and creamy dessert is especially popular during the winter months and is often served at festivals and special occasions. The key to a perfect Gajar Ka Halwa lies in slow-cooking the carrots in milk until they are tender and the milk is fully absorbed. The addition of ghee, sugar, and cardamom gives the halwa its distinctive flavor and aroma.
Making Gajar Ka Halwa at home allows you to enjoy this traditional dessert with fresh ingredients and the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re familiar with Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Gajar Ka Halwa is sure to become a favorite.
Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe
Ingredients
For the Halwa:
- 1 kg carrots grated
- 1 liter whole milk
- 4 tablespoons ghee clarified butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 10-12 cashews chopped
- 10-12 almonds sliced or chopped
- 2 tablespoons golden raisins
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrots
- Rinse and peel the carrots. Grate them using a hand grater or a food processor.
Step 2: Cook the Carrots in Milk
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, combine the grated carrots and milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer.
- Cook the carrots in the milk, stirring frequently, until the milk is reduced and absorbed by the carrots. This process can take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 3: Add Ghee and Sugar
- Once the milk is mostly evaporated, add the ghee and sugar to the mixture.
- Stir well and continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the halwa thickens and the ghee starts to separate from the mixture.
Step 4: Add Cardamom and Nuts
- Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
- Add the chopped cashews, almonds, and golden raisins. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the Gajar Ka Halwa warm, garnished with additional chopped nuts if desired.
Tips and Information
- Carrots:ย Use fresh, juicy carrots for the best results. Red carrots are traditionally used in India, but orange carrots can also be used.
- Milk:ย Whole milk gives the halwa a rich and creamy texture. You can also use condensed milk to reduce cooking time.
- Ghee:ย Do not skimp on the ghee, as it adds a rich flavor and helps in cooking the carrots evenly.
- Serving:ย Gajar Ka Halwa can be served warm or cold. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Making Gajar Ka Halwa at home is a wonderful way to experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine. The combination of grated carrots, milk, ghee, and nuts creates a dessert that is both comforting and delicious.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a complete and hearty dessert.
ย Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this halwa is sure to be a hit.