Carrot Halwa

Carrot Halwa, also known as "Gajar ka Halwa," is a classic Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (about 7-8 medium-sized) carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 liter whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios), chopped
• 4-5 green cardamom pods, powdered
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• A few strands of edible silver foil (varak) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a grater. Set aside.
   • Crush the cardamom pods to obtain the powder. Soak saffron strands in 1 tablespoon of warm milk and set aside.

2. Cook the Carrots:

   • In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat.
   • Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them for 8-10 minutes until they soften and release their juices.

3. Add Milk:

   • Once the carrots are slightly cooked, pour in the whole milk and mix well.
   • Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.

4. Simmer:

   • Cook the carrots in milk on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the milk reduces and thickens, and the carrots are fully cooked. This may take about 30-40 minutes.

5. Add Sugar:

   • Once the carrots are cooked and the milk has thickened, add sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine.

6. Add Flavors:

   • Add the powdered cardamom and soaked saffron (along with the milk) to the carrot mixture. Mix well.

7. Add Nuts:

   • In a separate small pan, heat the remaining ghee. Add chopped nuts and roast them until golden brown. Add the roasted nuts to the carrot mixture and mix well.

8. Cook Further:

   • Cook the carrot mixture for another 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously, until the halwa reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency and the ghee starts to separate from the sides of the pan.

9. Garnish:

   • Garnish the Carrot Halwa with additional chopped nuts and edible silver foil (varak), if using.

10. Serve:

    • Serve the Carrot Halwa warm or at room temperature as a delicious dessert. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

11. Storage:

    • Leftover Carrot Halwa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.

Enjoy the rich and aromatic Carrot Halwa, a quintessential Indian dessert loved by all! Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference by adding more or less sugar.