Carrot Pola Recipe – Easy Indian Sweet with Cashews & Cardamom

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Carrot Pola Recipe – Easy Indian Sweet with Cashews & Cardamom

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a simple, comforting Indian sweet that’s bursting with flavour, you’ve come to the right place. I remember making this Carrot Pola for the first time during a Diwali celebration with my family – it was a huge hit, and it’s been a favourite ever since! It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the warm, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen is just heavenly. Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Carrot Pola is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a little slice of comfort. It’s wonderfully soft and subtly spiced, making it perfect for any occasion – from festive celebrations to a cozy afternoon tea. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies (don’t tell the kids!). It’s relatively quick to prepare, and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Carrot Pola:

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (about 200g)
• 4 large eggs
• 3 tbsp sugar (approx. 45g)
• 4 tbsp milk powder (approx. 40g)
• A fat pinch of cardamom powder (about ¼ tsp)
• 1 tbsp ghee (approx. 15ml)
• As needed cashewnuts and raisins (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Carrots: Choosing the Right Variety

Any sweet carrot variety will work beautifully here. I prefer the Indian variety if I can find it, but regular orange carrots are perfectly fine too. Just make sure they’re nice and fresh!

Cardamom Powder: Freshness and Aroma

Cardamom is key to that authentic Indian flavour. Use freshly ground cardamom powder whenever possible – it makes a world of difference. If you’re using store-bought, check the expiry date to ensure maximum aroma.

Ghee: The Importance of Quality

Ghee adds a lovely richness and flavour. Using a good quality ghee really shines through in the final product. You can use homemade or store-bought, whichever you prefer.

Milk Powder: Full Fat vs. Low Fat Options

Full-fat milk powder will give you a richer, creamier Pola. However, you can use low-fat milk powder if you’re watching your calories – it won’t drastically change the flavour.

Regional Variations in Sweeteners

Traditionally, jaggery (gur) is used in many Indian sweets. Feel free to substitute the sugar with 3 tbsp of grated jaggery for a more rustic flavour!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, boil the chopped carrots until they’re beautifully tender. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain them really well – we don’t want a soggy Pola!
2. Now, pop the cooked carrots into a blender along with the eggs, sugar, milk powder, and that lovely cardamom powder. Blend everything together until you have a super smooth batter. No lumps allowed!
3. Heat the ghee in a deep saucepan over very low heat. Make sure the ghee coats the entire base of the pan – this prevents sticking.
4. Gently pour the carrot mixture into the pan. Now, patience is key! We’re going to cook this on very low heat.
5. Sprinkle the cashews and raisins over the batter. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook until the top sets. To check if it’s done, gently touch the surface – it shouldn’t stick to your finger. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
6. Once cooked, let the Pola cool slightly before inverting it onto a plate. Slice and serve warm. It’s absolutely divine!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make the perfect Carrot Pola:

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The key to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth Pola is to cook it on very low heat. Don’t rush the process!

Preventing Sticking During Cooking

Make sure the ghee is evenly distributed across the pan before pouring in the batter. Using a non-stick pan also helps.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

If you prefer a less sweet Pola, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 2 tablespoons.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun variations:

Vegan Carrot Pola

Substitute the eggs with 1/2 cup of applesauce and use a plant-based milk powder. Use a plant-based butter instead of ghee.

Gluten-Free Carrot Pola

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

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Nutmeg or Saffron)

A pinch of nutmeg or a few strands of saffron can add a lovely warmth and complexity to the flavour. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of saffron for special occasions.

Festival Adaptations (Holi, Diwali)

During Diwali, I like to add a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a festive touch. For Holi, you could add a tiny drop of food colouring to the batter for a vibrant hue!

Serving Suggestions

Carrot Pola is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A warm glass of milk is also a classic pairing.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Pola can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is Pola and where does it originate from?

Pola is a traditional Indian sweet, particularly popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat. It’s typically made with vegetables like carrots, beetroot, or pumpkin, and has a soft, custard-like texture.

Can I use carrot juice instead of cooked carrots?

While you can use carrot juice, the texture won’t be quite the same. Cooked carrots provide a natural thickness and sweetness that juice lacks.

How do I know when the Pola is cooked through?

The Pola is cooked when the top is set and no longer sticky to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the centre – it should come out clean.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking.

What can I substitute for ghee?

You can use butter or vegetable oil as a substitute for ghee, but the flavour won’t be quite as rich.

Enjoy making this delightful Carrot Pola! I hope it brings a little sweetness to your day. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!