Dessert · Indian ·

Gajar ka Halwa with Saffron and Pine Nuts

Name: Gajar ka Halwa with Saffron and Pine Nuts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 kg carrots, peeled and grated; 1 liter full-fat milk; 200 g sugar; 100 g ghee (clarified butter); 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1 pinch saffron threads, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk; 50 g pine nuts, lightly toasted; 2 tbsp golden raisins

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

4.6(506 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 15, 2025

Gajar ka Halwa with Saffron and Pine Nuts — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Gajar Ka Halwa Base

For the Aromatics

For the Garnish

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 521 kcal
Protein: 8.2 g
Carbs: 61.9 g
Fat: 28.1 g
Fiber: 5.4 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3127 kcal
Protein: 49.3 g
Carbs: 371.7 g
Fat: 168.4 g
Fiber: 32.5 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 kg carrots peeled and grated	410	9.6	95.6	1.2	28
1 liter full-fat milk	620	32	47	34	0
200 g sugar	800	0	200	0	0
100 g ghee (clarified butter)	900	0	0	100	0
1 tsp ground cardamom	6	0.2	1.5	0.1	0.5
1 pinch saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk	1	0	0.1	0	0
50 g pine nuts lightly toasted	335	7	13.5	33	3
2 tbsp golden raisins	55	0.5	14	0.1	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Carrot Base

1
Heat Ghee
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee over medium heat.
2
Sauté Carrots
Add grated carrots and sauté for 10 minutes until they start to caramelize.
Tip: Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture.
3
Add Milk
Pour in the milk; bring to a gentle boil, stirring every few minutes.

Infusing with Aromatics

1
Add Sugar and Cook
Once carrots are softened, stir in sugar and continue cooking until thickened.
Tip: Ensure constant stirring to prevent sticking and burning.
2
Add Aromatics
Add cardamom and saffron milk, mixing well to distribute evenly.
3
Final Cook
Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated and the mixture is glossy.