Spiced Indian Gajar Halwa with Cardamom and Cashew Nut

Name: Spiced Indian Gajar Halwa with Cardamom and Cashew Nut
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 1 kg carrots; 2 cups full-fat milk; 1 cup sugar; 3-4 green cardamom pods; 1/2 cup ghee; 1/2 cup cashew nuts; 1/4 cup raisins; 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios; 1 teaspoon saffron strands

A sweet and fragrant Indian dessert made with grated carrots, cardamom, and cashews

Gajar Halwa is a classic Indian dessert known for its rich and sweet flavors, made from grated carrots simmered in milk and ghee, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

1 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Gajar Halwa

1 kg carrots

peeled and grated

2 cups full-fat milk

1 cup sugar

adjust to taste

3-4 green cardamom pods

crushed

1/2 cup ghee

1/2 cup cashew nuts

chopped

1/4 cup raisins

For the Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

1 teaspoon saffron strands

soaked in warm milk

Preparation

Prepping the Carrots

Peel and grate carrots

Peel and grate the carrots using a medium grater for an ideal texture.

Remove excess moisture

Ensure the grated carrots are free of excess moisture by patting with a paper towel.

Set aside carrots

Set aside for further use.

Preparing the Garnishes

Chop pistachios

Chop the pistachios finely for garnish.

Soak saffron

Soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk to release their color.

Set aside garnishes

Set aside the garnishes for later.

Cooking Process

Simmering

Add the grated carrots and milk to a heavy-bottomed pan. Simmer on medium heat until the milk is mostly absorbed.

Flavoring

Stir in the ghee, sugar, cardamom, cashews, and raisins. Cook until the mixture thickens and the ghee starts separating from the halwa.

Stir constantly to prevent sticking.

Finishing

Once thickened to your liking, remove from heat and prepare to serve hot.

Plating & Serving