Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe

Winter in India is incomplete without a warm bowl of Gajar Ka Halwa. This traditional dessert, made from red winter carrots, milk, ghee, sugar, and fragrant Saptrishi Elaichi and Dalchini, is celebrated for its rich taste, comforting warmth, and melt-in-mouth texture. Households across India prepare Gajar Ka Halwa during festive gatherings, winter nights, and special family occasions. It is not only delicious but also deeply nostalgic—reminding many of homemade winter treats, family celebrations, and slow-cooked traditions.

What Makes Gajar Ka Halwa a Winter Superfood?

The charm of Gajar Ka Halwa lies in its star ingredient: red Delhi carrots. These seasonal carrots are naturally sweet, rich in colour, and loaded with vitamins, making them ideal for winter desserts. When slow-cooked in milk and ghee, the carrots develop a caramelised sweetness that forms the base of this beloved sweet.

The spices used—Saptrishi Elaichi and Dalchini—add warmth, digestion benefits, and fragrance to the Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe. Both cinnamon and cardamom are considered winter-friendly spices because they generate heat in the body and enhance immunity.

Additionally, nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins add texture, crunch, and nutritional value. Ghee provides richness, supports digestion, and acts as a natural preservative, helping the halwa last longer.

Ingredients Needed for Gajar Ka Halwa

To prepare an authentic, melt-in-mouth Gajar Ka Halwa, start with fresh winter carrots and high-quality dairy. Using Saptrishi Elaichi and Dalchini enhances flavour and brings out the traditional aroma associated with this dessert.

Main Ingredients

• 1 kg red carrots, peeled & grated

• 1 litre full-cream milk

• 4–5 tbsp ghee

• ¾ cup sugar

• 3–4 tbsp khoya (optional but recommended)

• 2 tbsp chopped Saptrishi almonds

• 2 tbsp chopped Saptrishi cashews

• 1 tbsp raisins

• 1 tbsp pistachios (optional)

Saptrishi Spices

• ½ tsp Saptrishi Elaichi Powder

• ¼ tsp Saptrishi Dalchini Powder

How to Prepare Gajar Ka Halwa: Step-by-Step Method

Step A: Preparing the Carrots

Grate the carrots finely so they soften easily during cooking. Thinly grated carrots cook faster, absorb flavours better, and give Gajar Ka Halwa a creamy, smooth texture.

Step B: Reducing the Milk

Heat one litre of full-cream milk and allow it to simmer until slightly thickened. Pre-reducing the milk ensures your Gajar Ka Halwa turns creamy rather than watery.

Step 1: Combine Carrots and Milk

Add the grated carrots to the simmering milk and cook until both reduce and thicken. This stage forms the flavour base of the Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe and typically takes 20–25 minutes.

Step 2: Add Ghee for Richness

Adding ghee after carrots soften allows them to absorb maximum flavour, giving the halwa its signature richness and glossy finish.

Step 3: Add Sugar

Sugar melts and loosens the mixture temporarily. Continue cooking until it thickens again and turns deeper in colour.

Step 4: Add Khoya

Khoya makes the halwa taste like it came from a sweet shop. It adds richness and enhances the creaminess of the Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe.

Step 5: Add Saptrishi Elaichi & Dalchini

Add Saptrishi Elaichi and Dalchini to give the halwa a warm, aromatic finish.

Step 6: Add Dry Fruits

Roasted nuts and raisins add crunch and texture. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.

Expert Tips for the Best Gajar Ka Halwa

• Use red Delhi carrots for authenticity.

• Cook patiently on medium-low flame.

• Add sugar only after carrots soften and water evaporates.

• Do not skip ghee—it enhances taste and texture.

• Add khoya for mithai-shop style flavour.

• Add spices at the end for fresh aroma.

These tips guarantee a perfect bowl of Gajar Ka Halwa every time.

Variations of Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe

1. Jaggery Gajar Ka Halwa

Use jaggery powder instead of sugar for a healthier version.

2. Khoya Gajar Ka Halwa

Add more khoya for richer, festival-style halwa.

3. Milkmaid Halwa

Use condensed milk for a creamier, quicker version.

4. Dry Fruit Halwa

Add chopped dates, figs, and extra nuts for a nutritious variation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Halwa watery?

Cook longer on low flame.

Halwa sticky?

Carrots need more roasting OR sugar was added too early.

Not rich enough?

Add more ghee or khoya.

No fragrance?

Increase Saptrishi Elaichi slightly.

Serving Ideas for Gajar Ka Halwa

• Serve warm with nuts on top.

• Pair with vanilla ice cream.

• Use as prasad during festivals.

• Serve after dinner as a comfort dessert.

This versatility makes Gajar Ka Halwa perfect for any occasion.

Nutritional Benefits of Gajar Ka Halwa

Carrots provide Vitamin A, beta-carotene, antioxidants, and fiber. Milk adds protein and calcium. Nuts add healthy fats and minerals. Ghee supports digestion and immunity. This makes Gajar Ka Halwa a delicious yet nutrient-dense winter treat.

For more healthy recipes and spice-based dishes, explore this -
https://saptrishifoods.com/blogs/news/monthly-snack-flavours-combo-benefits-for-tasty-evenings