Carrot Halwa Recipe – Easy Indian Sweet with Ghee & Coconut

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Carrot Halwa Recipe – Easy Indian Sweet with Ghee & Coconut

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a classic Indian sweet that’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. This Carrot Halwa (Gajar ka Halwa) recipe is a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s perfect for festive occasions, or just when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day. I first made this for Diwali a few years ago, and it was a huge hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your grandma’s complicated halwa recipe (though hers is probably amazing too!). It’s streamlined, uses simple techniques – like the pressure cooker – and delivers that authentic, rich flavor we all crave. Plus, the combination of sweet carrots, fragrant ghee, and toasted coconut is just heavenly. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it’s easier than you think!

Ingredients

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

• 500 grams carrots (about 4 medium-large)
• 0.5 cup sugar (approximately 100 grams)
• 0.25 cup corn flour (approximately 30 grams)
• 1 cup water (240 ml)
• 2 tbsp ghee (approximately 30 grams)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec. Getting these right makes all the difference!

Carrots: Choosing the Right Variety

For the best halwa, you want carrots that are sweet and vibrant. Indian carrots are traditionally used, but you can absolutely use regular orange carrots. Just make sure they’re fresh and firm. I find that the thinner carrots tend to be sweeter.

Ghee: The Importance of Clarified Butter

Ghee is essential for that authentic halwa flavor. It adds a richness you just can’t get with other oils. If you’ve never made ghee before, it’s surprisingly easy! You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or make your own.

Desiccated Coconut: Fresh vs. Dried

I usually use desiccated coconut for convenience, but if you have access to fresh coconut, go for it! Toasting the coconut really brings out its flavor.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness to Your Preference

The amount of sugar is adjustable. Start with ½ cup and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Corn Flour: Achieving the Perfect Texture

Corn flour helps thicken the halwa to that perfect, slightly sticky consistency. Don’t skip it!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, give your carrots a good wash and chop them. You can grate them, but I prefer to chop them for a slightly more rustic texture.
2. Pop the chopped carrots into your pressure cooker with about ½ cup of water. Pressure cook for 2 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally. They should be beautifully tender.
3. Once cooled slightly, blend the cooked carrots into a smooth puree. A quick strain through a sieve helps remove any stringy bits for an extra smooth halwa.
4. In a heavy-bottomed pan, mix the carrot puree with the sugar, corn flour, and 1 cup of water.
5. Now, the fun part! Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly. This is important to prevent sticking. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken.
6. Add the ghee and continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture starts to come together and separate from the sides of the pan. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
7. Pour the halwa into a parchment paper-lined tray. Level it out with a spatula. Let it set for about an hour.
8. Once set, cut into your desired shapes and roll them in desiccated coconut. And that’s it! Time to enjoy.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this halwa even better:

Achieving the Right Consistency

The halwa should be thick enough to hold its shape, but still slightly moist. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or water.

Preventing Sticking & Burning

Constant stirring is key! Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute the heat evenly.

The Role of Ghee in Flavor Development

Don’t be shy with the ghee! It’s what gives the halwa its signature flavor. Cooking the halwa in ghee until it separates from the pan is crucial for that rich, caramelized taste.

Variations

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

Vegan Carrot Halwa

Swap the ghee for coconut oil or vegan butter. It won’t have quite the same flavor, but it’s still delicious! My friend, Priya, makes a fantastic vegan version with cashew cream.

Gluten-Free Carrot Halwa

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your corn flour is certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.

Spice Level: Adding Cardamom & Saffron

A pinch of cardamom powder or a few strands of saffron adds a beautiful aroma and flavor. My family loves a little cardamom in ours.

Festival Adaptations: Diwali & Holi Special

For Diwali, I like to add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. For Holi, a vibrant sprinkle of edible color makes it extra festive!

Regional Variations: North Indian vs. South Indian Styles

North Indian halwa tends to be richer and more ghee-laden, while South Indian versions sometimes incorporate milk solids (khoya).

Serving Suggestions

Carrot halwa is delicious on its own, but it’s also lovely served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. It’s a perfect dessert after a hearty Indian meal.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover halwa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of carrots are best for halwa?

Sweet, vibrant carrots are best. Indian carrots are traditional, but regular orange carrots work well too.

Can I make carrot halwa without ghee?

You can, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Coconut oil or vegan butter are good substitutes.

How do I prevent the halwa from becoming too sticky?

Constant stirring and using the right amount of corn flour are key.

Can I add nuts to this carrot halwa recipe?

Absolutely! Almonds, pistachios, and cashews are all delicious additions.

How long does carrot halwa stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Enjoy making this recipe! I hope it brings a little sweetness to your life. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!