Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe (Carrot Halwa)
Slow-cooked grated carrots in cardamom-infused milk, sweetened with sugar and topped with pistachios — India's most loved winter dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, finely grated
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp ghee
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp golden raisins
- Pinch saffron threads (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add grated carrots and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- 2
Pour in all the milk and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- 3
Cook uncovered, stirring every 5 minutes, until the milk is fully absorbed and the carrots are soft and dark. This takes 40-50 minutes — be patient.
- 4
Add sugar and stir well. The mixture will release moisture. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until it thickens again.
- 5
Add ground cardamom and raisins. Stir for 2 more minutes.
- 6
Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with slivered almonds, pistachios, and saffron threads. Serve warm.
Chef's Notes
Gajar ka halwa is the quintessential Indian winter dessert — grated carrots slow-cooked in whole milk until caramelized, then enriched with ghee, sugar, and aromatic cardamom. Every spoonful is warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
The Right Carrots
Traditional gajar halwa uses red/pink Delhi carrots (gajar) which are sweeter and more tender. If unavailable, regular orange carrots work well — just increase the sugar slightly. Avoid baby carrots, which lack the flavor depth you need.
Low and Slow Is Non-Negotiable
The magic of halwa happens during the slow reduction of milk. As the carrots absorb the milk over 40-50 minutes, they transform from raw to silky and sweet. Stirring frequently prevents burning and ensures even cooking. This is a labor of love, and it's worth every minute.
Garnishing & Serving
Top with slivered pistachios, almonds, and a pinch of saffron for a stunning presentation. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fusion twist. At Spice Room, our gajar halwa is a seasonal favorite — check our dessert menu or visit any of our Denver locations.
SPICE ROOM Kitchen
Culinary Team
The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.
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