Gajar Ka Halwa with step by step pictures. Indian carrot pudding made using carrots, sugar, ghee and fried nuts. This halwa taste amazing when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Carrot halwa is one of the popular recipe around the world. It is one of the most searched indian sweets on the internet. I am sure every one loves a good bowl of warm carrot halwa. Recently carrot halwa with vanilla ice cream has become a very popular dessert in every restaurants which is one of my favourite apart from jamun with ice cream.
Delicious halwa made using carrots simmered in milk and cooked in sugar. Carrot halwa with condensed milk is a very popular sweet all over india.
About Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe
Gajar means carrot. Gajar ka halwa is a combination of nuts, milk, sugar, khoya and ghee with grated carrot. Halwa made using carrots cooked in ghee and simmered in milk and cooked till halwa consistency. Indian carrot pudding made with freshly grated carrots. Halwa taste amazing with a scoop of ice cream. Carrot halwa recipe is a popular dessert all over india. This particular halwa is made using carrots, sweetened condensed milk which adds more richness to the halwa. You can make carrot halwa with sugar and skip the condensed milk too.
Carrot Halwa Recipe Video
Similar Recipes,
Wheat Halwa
Custard Powder Halwa
Badam Halwa
Kasi Halwa
Cornflour Halwa
In this blog post, I have shared two versions of making carrot halwa. I have posted a traditional carrot halwa and a mawa carrot halwa made using mawa (khoya) and condensed milk.
Carrot Halwa Recipe & Ingredients
The main ingredients for halwa are
- Carrots - you can use desi carrot or regular carrot. what ever you use grate it finely. somedays I grate it using large grater as well.
- Milk - use full fat milk for richer and tasty carrot halwa.
- Ghee - always when making indian sweets try to get the pure desi ghee for best tasting halwa.
- Nuts - use mixture of nuts as you prefer. I usually use cashews, almonds, pistachios.
- Khoya - if you are using khoya then it is fine. you can use store bought khoya or hoemmade. check my khoya recipe.
- Condensed milk - this is entirely optional but adding milk maid makes it super rich and yummy.
- Sugar - of course you need a hefty amount of sugar to make this sweet. but you can adjust it totally to your taste.
Carrot Halwa Making Step by Step
Cooking Carrots
Heat ghee in a kadai. Now Add in grated carrot and saute. Pour in milk and mix well Simmer the flame and cover it with a lid. Let this cook for 15 mins until the carrot is cooked completely.
Mixing in sweetener
Add in sugar and mix well. Cook this whole thing for 10 mins till the mix leaves the sides. Add in cardamom powder as well. Let this cook until the halwa gets thickened.
Preparing garnish
Now heat some ghee. Fry mixed nuts till golden. Add in the nuts and mix well. Serve hot, warm or cold.
Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy Bottom Pan
- Grater
Ingredients
Traditional Carrot Halwa Recipe
- 3 large Carrot grated
- 2 cups Full Fat Milk
- ½ cup Ghee
- 3 tbsp Cashews
- ½ cup Sugar or to taste
- 4 piece Cardamom pods
- 1 pinch Saffron
Carrot Halwa Recipe using Khoya & Condensed Milk
- 4 large Ooty Red Carrot grated finely
- 2 cups Milk
- ¼ cup Ghee
- ¼ cup Mixed Nuts
- ½ cup Sugar
- ½ cup Condensed Milk
- 1 tsp Cardamom powder
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Khoya
Instructions
Traditional Carrot Halwa Recipe
- Heat half of the ghee in a kadai. Fry some badam pieces in this till golden and remove it..
- Now Add in grated carrot and fry for 5 mins.
- Pour in milk and bring that to boil.
- Simmer the flame and cover it with a lid. Let this cook for 20-30 mins until the carrot is cooked through and milk is evaporated.
- Now add in sugar and mix well. Throw in the cardamom too.
- Now add in a pinch of saffron yellow colour and mix well.
- Let this cook until the halwa gets thickened. It will take around 10-15 mins.
- Now add in remaining ghee and mix well.
- Add in the nuts and mix well. Cook this until the halwa leaves the sides of the pan.
- Switch off the flame and serve hot.
Carrot Halwa Recipe Using Khoya & Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Heat ¼ cup ghee in a kadai. Now Add in grated carrot and fry for 5 mins..
- Pour in milk and bring that to boil..
- Simmer the flame and cover it with a lid..Let this cook for 15 mins until the carrot is cooked through and milk is evaporated.
- Now add in sugar and condensed milk and mix well.
- Cook this whole thing for 10 mins till the mix leaves the sides.add in cardamom as well.
- Let this cook until the halwa gets thickened..
- Now heat the remaining ghee. Fry almonds or any nuts till golden.
- Add in the nuts and mix well. Cook this until the halwa leaves the sides of the pan.
- Switch off the flame and serve hot or cold.
Video
Notes
INSTANT POT GAJAR KA HALWA RECIPE
- Set your instant pot to saute mode.
- Add ghee and let it heat. Once the ghee is hot add carrots and saute for 5 mins.
- Add milk and mix well.
- Now cover the instant pot with a lid. cook for 15 mins.
- Once the carrot is cooked, add in sugar, khoya and condensed milk if using.
- Saute this for at least 10 mins so it gets thick.
- Slowly add little ghee and fried nuts and mix well.
- Once the mixture gets in halwa consistency, serve.
PRESSURE COOKER CARROT HALWA RECIPE
- heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pressure cooker. add in grated carrots and mix for 2 mins.
- add in milk and sugar to the pressure cooker. mix well till sugar is mixed completely.
- cover the pressure cooker and let it cook for 3 whistle.
- let the pressure escape by itself.
- open the cooker, mix well.
- add in fried nuts and more ghee if using.
- mix once and serve.
Version 1: Carrot Halwa Recipe
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| Take all your ingredients. |
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| halwa is done |
Version 2: Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe (using Khoya & Condensed Milk)
This is the modern version of carrot halwa using khoya and condensed milk which creates a mawa flavoured carrot halwa. Gajar ka halwa made using milk maid is so rich and so tasty. It is almost like a milky tasting halwa.
In this version I used desi gajar (desi carrot). I also used milk maid (sweetened condensed milk) and khoya.
Step By Step Pictures
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| Take your carrot. I used these desi carrots |
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| grate it using a fine grater |
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| heat ghee in a pan |
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| add in grated carrots |
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| saute them |
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| cook them for 5 mins or so |
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| add milk |
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| cook till carrots are completely cooked |
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| mix them occasionally. |
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| now it has almost thickened up. crumble khoya into this and mix well. |
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| once you add khoya it will get thick |
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| add sugar |
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| mix well |
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| add in sweetened condensed milk. I used milk maid. |
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| stir well. cook till it thickens. |
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| after few minutes of cooking, this is how it looks. |
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| keep mixing and cook till it gets halwa like texture. |
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| add cardamom powder |
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| now it has started leaving the sides |
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| heat some ghee in a pan. add your nuts and fry till golden |
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| add fried nuts along with ghee in the halwa. |
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| mix well |
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| gajar ka halwa done |
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| serve |
Pressure Cooker Carrot Halwa Recipe
Making carrot halwa in pressure cooker is very healthy. Cooking in pressure cooker consumes very less ghee when compared to other method. Follow same recipe measurements as mentioned in the recipe card.
- heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pressure cooker. add in grated carrots and mix for 2 mins.
- add in milk and sugar to the pressure cooker. mix well till sugar is mixed completely.
- cover the pressure cooker and let it cook for 3 whistle.
- let the pressure escape by itself.
- open the cooker, mix well.
- add in fried nuts and more ghee if using.
- mix once and serve.
Instant Pot Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe
Instant pot is widely used in the recent days. And making carrot halwa in instant pot is possible. It is pretty easy as well. This is how you make a tasty healthy carrot halwa in instant pot. Follow same recipe measurements as mentioned in the recipe card.
- Set your instant pot to saute mode.
- Add ghee and let it heat. Once the ghee is hot add carrots and saute for 5 mins.
- Add milk and mix well.
- Now cover the instant pot with a lid. cook for 15 mins.
- Once the carrot is cooked, add in sugar, khoya and condensed milk if using.
- Saute this for at least 10 mins so it gets thick.
- Slowly add little ghee and fried nuts and mix well.
- Once the mixture gets in halwa consistency, serve.
Frequently asked questions
Is Gajar Ka Halwa Healthy?
When compared to other indian sweets gajar has much more nutrients and less fat. It totally depends on how much ghee or sugar you are using in your halwa. Be conscious and adjust it accordingly to make carrot halwa a healthy dessert.
When is Carrot halwa served?
At festival time many people prefer vegetarian dishes as well as desserts in their Thali. Gajar ka halwa is a popular dessert all over India and often served at most festivals. The dish is popular among adults as well as children.
When was carrot halwa invented?
The gajar ka halwa was first introduced during the Mughal period. Gajar ka halwa (meaning pudding of carrot or Halwa of carrot). It is very popular across the world, but it is more of a punjabi dessert.
How is carrot halwa made?
Gajar ka halwa originally contained carrots, milk and ghee but nowadays includes many other ingredients like khoya and condensed milk. Combination of cream, condensed milk and khoya i carrot halwa gives the pudding a milky mava flavor.
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the Junkie book
by the time i made something chocolate, your choc giveaway was long a thing of past!!
this is delicious...had it at a dinner jus two days back!!
Rocio Valle Gonzalez
I must do it!! I love carrot, so it is perfect!!
Thanks for share!!
hugs, from spain! 😉
Harini
Very nice..
Chitra
carrot halwa looks so good:)
Priya
Who will say no to carrot halwa, awesome..
MyKitchen Flavors-BonAppetit!.
Carrot Halwa luks yumm.Luv ur delicious recipes here in this wonderful blog,Arthi.Thanks for dropping in and the add.Following U.
Rekha shoban
yummy n delicious halwa...perfectly done!!nice presentation!
Nalini's Kitchen
wow! carrot halwa looks so tempting and yummy,lovely clicks.
Cool Lassi(e)
Carrot Halwa looks super tempting!
Amina Khaleel
carrot halwa looks delicious.. it is one of my favorites... liked your step by step pictures... glad to follow you.. do visit me sometime..
Mélange
Reading your diwali tale,I conveyed my daughter that my concurrence for crackers is not standing.Bitter no Aarthi ? I have to think now dear.
I have seen several gajar halwa recipes so far in the blog world.I haven't seen such a royal presentation but.Extremely tempting and classic Aarthi.Hats off to you.
veena krishnakumar
Halwa looks awesome!!!!And i am scared with these diwali rockets too, never can predict which way they turn:-)
Gayathri Kumar
Halwa looks so yummy..
Ann
I'm SO glad everyone was safe from the fire. The halwa look really, REALLY good! Thanks for sharing (and thanks for the step-by-step pictures)
Sharmilee! :)
Looks so delicious...yummy looking!
RAKS KITCHEN
Lovely pictorial of carrot halwa! lOoks irresistible !
Yuvana's Favourites
my favourite sweet. next time when you do this just add grated dairymilk chocolate. you ll love it.
Aruna Manikandan
looks perfect and delicious dear 🙂
cooking varieties (wan)
hi aarthi many thanks for your visit, really appreciate that.
for a start, let me wish you all the best in blogging and looking forward to follow your recipes. have a nice day
The Pumpkin Farm
Love the way you have presented the halwa
Tina
delicious halwa...
Alba
Love your blog and indian receipts! I follow you from now on 🙂
I didn't know halwa but it looks yummy!
Alba
M.R.T.E
que buena pinta tiene, siento lo de la casa. al menos oslo fué un susto. saludos
SavithaRaj's Spice Land
Sorry to hear about the fire incident..happy to know you guys are fine..and for the recipe...its an ever favorite dessert..
Catherine
It does look delicious and very interesting. Blessings, Catherine xo
jeyashrisuresh
need a cup of vanila icecream to pair with this yummy halwa.
Cajunlicious
Love the flavors in this and it looks incredible!
mykitchentrials
Sorry about the fire, lets hope this diwali is safe for everyone.
Carrot halwa looks absolutely fantastic! Drool worthy pictures 🙂
Rajani
Rosita Vargas
Hermoso plato me encanta la zanahoria luce espectacular,abrazos grandes, hugs,hugs.
teresa Blackburn
Wonderful images with all the beautiful serving pieces. Very festive and special.
Bhasky
Can we add milkmaid along with sugar?
suganya
Love your recipes.... really awesome... I'm going to try this for new year
Aarthi
@BhaskyIf u want you can add..
Anonymous
Hi, can i use bread instead of carrot?
Aarthi
@Anonymousnot sure..haven't tried it so far.
Sandhya G.
If we add condensed milk in place of sugar , how much quantity should we add?
Aarthi
@Sandhya G.it deoends on ur sweetness, add it and taste then add more..
Anonymous
I tried it aarthi but it tastes like paalkova. I don't know why..
Anonymous
Could u pls tell me why it tastes like palkova???
Aarthi
@Anonymousbecause u have cooked it in milk so it will like milky
Janani Selvaraju
Tried this todayand it turned out so so yummy....got appreciated by my mom...thanks aarthi...keep rocking......
Anonymous
Hai Aarthi, Can we use butter instead of ghee?
Aarthi
@Anonymousyes u can use
Anonymous
It came out really sooo good !!!!tastes yummy!!!! Thank you aarthi for ur pictorial representation 🙂 🙂
Anonymous
Delicious halwa 🙂
Aarthi you can use Kova. It will give more taste than condensed milk.
Priscilla
Hi Aarthi
Can I use more sugar and milk to substitute condensed milk?? is condensed milk compulsory?
Aarthi
@Priscillacondensed milk makes it more tasty
check this recipe to make this without condensed milk
http://yummytummy-aarthi.blogspot.com/2011/10/carrot-halwa-gajar-ka-halwa-sweets-for.html
Anonymous
Hi Aarthi ! Dish looks wonderful will definitely try it ! Once doubt can we completely use condensed milk instead of little bit of sugar ? Will the taste differ ?
Anonymous
I tried this recipe really it was very nice.
can we add kova for this recipe and in which step can u pls tell me
Anonymous
I tried this recipe really it was very nice.
can we add kova for this recipe and in which step can u pls tell me
Anonymous
can we add kova to this recipe if it can be added can u pls tell when it can be added after which step
Aarthi
yes u can, add it after u add sugar
sheraz
your recipe is looks very nice and tasty
Daania
We need to add boiled or raw milk
Aarthi
boiled
Zara
I made the carrot halwa and it turned out super yum!! Thank you so much for the recipe.
Much love from Sri Lanka❤️