Carrot Halwa Recipe – Authentic Indian Gajar Ka Halwa with Almonds

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Carrot Halwa Recipe – Authentic Indian Gajar Ka Halwa with Almonds

Hey everyone! If there’s one dessert that screams ‘comfort’ and ‘festive cheer’ in my family, it’s Gajar Ka Halwa. Seriously, my grandmother’s recipe is legendary, and I’ve been trying to perfect it ever since I first stood beside her in the kitchen, mesmerized by the magic. This microwave version is my little shortcut to that same warm, fuzzy feeling – perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours stirring a pot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Carrot Halwa (or Gajar Halwa, as it’s also known!) is unbelievably easy to make, especially with the microwave method. It’s rich, flavorful, and has that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies – don’t tell the kids! It’s a classic Indian dessert that’s perfect for celebrations, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 500 gm carrots, peeled and grated (about 4 medium-sized)
• 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 ½ cup low-fat milk (240ml)
• ½ cup sugar (100gm)
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tsp ghee (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp almonds, crushed (about 15gm)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things make all the difference:

• Carrots: Fresh, sweet carrots are key. The sweeter the carrot, the less sugar you’ll need. Red carrots are traditionally used, but orange ones work beautifully too.
• Ghee: Don’t skimp on the ghee! It adds a unique richness and flavor that you just can’t replicate. Good quality ghee makes a huge difference.
• Milk: I usually use low-fat milk to keep things a little lighter, but full-fat milk will give you an even richer, creamier halwa. Feel free to experiment! Using full-fat milk will reduce the microwave time slightly.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, heat the 1 tbsp of ghee in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds. You just want it melted, not sizzling.
2. Add the grated carrots and mix well to coat them in the ghee. Then, microwave on high for 3 minutes. This helps soften the carrots a bit.
3. Pour in the milk and microwave for another 6 minutes. Remember to stir every 2 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Now for the good stuff! Mix in the sugar and cardamom powder. Microwave for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you want the halwa to thicken and the milk to evaporate.
5. Once it’s thickened to your liking, let the halwa rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become even more divine.
6. While the halwa rests, heat the 1 tsp of ghee in a separate bowl for 30 seconds. Add the crushed almonds and microwave for 3 minutes, until lightly toasted.
7. Pour the almond garnish over the halwa and mix well. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Stirring is your friend! Don’t skip the stirring steps, especially during the longer microwave sessions. It prevents sticking and ensures everything cooks evenly.
• Microwave power varies. Keep an eye on the halwa and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Don’t be afraid to add a splash more milk if it seems too dry.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the ghee for plant-based ghee and the milk for almond or soy milk. It works beautifully! My friend, Priya, swears by cashew milk for extra creaminess.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
• Spice Level: If you love a stronger cardamom flavor, feel free to add a little more – up to 1 ½ tsp.
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali, I like to add a pinch of saffron for a luxurious touch. For Holi, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds a festive green hue.

Serving Suggestions

Gajar Ka Halwa is wonderful on its own, but it’s even better with a dollop of cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped nuts always adds a nice crunch. It’s also lovely served warm with a cup of masala chai.

Storage Instructions

Leftover halwa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. It might thicken up a bit when chilled, so add a splash of milk when reheating if needed.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I make this halwa ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.
• What type of carrots are best for gajar ka halwa? Red carrots are traditional, but orange carrots work just as well. The key is to choose sweet, fresh carrots.
• How do I prevent the halwa from sticking to the bottom of the microwave? Stirring frequently is the best way to prevent sticking. Using a deep, microwave-safe bowl also helps.
• Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar? Yes, you can! Jaggery or maple syrup are good alternatives, but they will slightly alter the flavor.
• What is the role of ghee in this recipe, and can I substitute it? Ghee adds a unique richness and flavor that’s essential to the halwa. While you can substitute it with oil, the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Enjoy making this delicious Gajar Ka Halwa! I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!