Ever since I can remember gajar ka halwa has been one of my favourite dessert. This was something my mom made for me every year on my birthday. With dollops of ghee oozing out, this definitely is the way to have carrots. My sis was home few months ago and she decided to make this halwa for her friends. Offended though I was initially at the fact that she was not making it for me but for her friends, how much can a poor soul torment oneself when dollops of ghee and carrots beckon.
So I gave up my anger and indulged myself into this pleasure. We always go for shortcuts as youngsters and have no patience to break our hands stirring halwa the whole day so my sis has used condensed milk instead of milk alone and waiting for it to evaporate. Nevertheless the cardamom, raisins and ghee have solemnly shared the bride- the carrot and isn't she a beauty. This is one happily ever after story I cannot resist.
Ingredients for Gajar ka halwa
Gajar/Carrots- 11/2 kg grated
Ghee- 250 ml
Milk- 1 litre
Sugar- 100 gm
Condensed milk- 1 tin 300 ml
Cardamom powder- 2 tsp
Raisins- 10-15
Direction
Grate the carrots. This is the part I hate the most because I always end up with chapped fingers.
In a pot add half the ghee and add the grated carrots. Saute them for a while and cook the grated carrots with milk and sugar. Let the carrots cook with the milk and when it reduces to half the quantity add the ground cardamom powder.
Mom always suggests grinding of cardamom with a tsp of sugar she says this makes the process easier so I do it religiously. In a small pan heat ghee and fry the raisins keep these aside. When the carrot- milk mixture has thickened add the condensed milk. I use half the tin when I want it less sweet.
Now add rest of the ghee followed by the raisins and let it simmer on slow fire.
Keep stirring though you would not need to frequently if it is a non stick pan.When the mixture starts drying up ghee oozes out, this is an age old trick with halwas. Take the pot off the fire and let it cool. I love the halwa warm so even when I store it in the fridge ,.I keep reheating it each time I have it.
