Gajar Halawa (Carrot Dessert)

iSaltPepper-Gajar Halawa (Carrot Dessert)

With the month of November starts winter and the season of red, delicious, crunchy carrots.  Though nowadays (orange) carrots are available throughout the year in the supermarkets, the taste of dishes made of seasonal carrots is uncomparable. My two most favourite dishes are carrot pickle and carrot dessert which is called "Gajar Halawa" in India. 

Gajar Halwa is the best option to serve as a dessert at any party, small or big, birthday party, kitty party or a wedding. Serve it with GulabJamun or with ice cream. It is always delicious if cooked properly. Let's see how to cook it. 

iSaltPepper: Gajar (Carrots)

Ingredients:

• Carrots : 1kg
• Milk: 1 litre
• Sugar: 100gm (As per your taste)
• Pure ghee (clarified butter) : 3 Tablespoon
• Cardamon powder: 1 Teaspoon
• Sliced Cashews and Almonds: 1 Tablespoon (for decoration) (optional)

iSaltPepper-Gajar Halawa Ingredients

Procedure

• Wash, peel and finely grate carrots.
• Take a pan with a thick base and switch on the heat.
• Once hot, add ghee(clarified butter). Once it melts, immediately add grated carrots. 
• Stir the carrots thoroughly, keep stirring so that it won't get burnt and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Once carrots become softer and start changing colour add sugar.
• Again mix well and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, till all the sugar melts.
• Now add all milk and mix and keep on slow heat. 
• Keep stirring intermittently after every 4-5 minutes so that milk will not overflow and will not burn.
• Cooking this desert is a slow procedure,  it takes around 40 to 50 minutes. 
• Cook till all liquid evaporates and Gajar Haklawa becomes as shown in the photo. 
• Before switching off the heat add cardamom powder and mix well.
• At the end transfer it in a serving bowl (do not keep in the same hot pan) and decorate with sliced cashews and almonds.