Gajar ka Halwa with Saffron and Pine Nuts

Name: Gajar ka Halwa with Saffron and Pine Nuts
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 kg carrots; 1 liter full-fat milk; 200 g sugar; 100 g ghee (clarified butter); 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1 pinch saffron threads; 50 g pine nuts; 2 tbsp golden raisins

An Exquisite Indian Dessert

Enjoy a fragrant and luscious Indian carrot pudding infused with saffron and topped with crunchy pine nuts.

1 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Gajar Ka Halwa Base

1 kg carrots

peeled and grated

1 liter full-fat milk

200 g sugar

100 g ghee (clarified butter)

For the Aromatics

1 tsp ground cardamom

1 pinch saffron threads

soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk

For the Garnish

50 g pine nuts

lightly toasted

2 tbsp golden raisins

Preparation

Preparing the Carrot Base

Heat Ghee

In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee over medium heat.

Sauté Carrots

Add grated carrots and sauté for 10 minutes until they start to caramelize.

Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture.

Add Milk

Pour in the milk; bring to a gentle boil, stirring every few minutes.

Infusing with Aromatics

Add Sugar and Cook

Once carrots are softened, stir in sugar and continue cooking until thickened.

Ensure constant stirring to prevent sticking and burning.

Add Aromatics

Add cardamom and saffron milk, mixing well to distribute evenly.

Final Cook

Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated and the mixture is glossy.

Cooking Process

Carrot Caramelization

Sauté carrots in ghee until they start caramelizing.

Milk Reduction

Simmer milk with carrots until it reduces and thickens.

Final Enrichment

Add sugar and saffron, cook until completely absorbed.

Plating & Serving