Gajar Halwa
An authentic dessert recipe from Punjab, India
Cook Time
60 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
EasyCategory
DessertIngredients
For 4 servings
1000g Red carrots, grated
500ml Full-fat milk
200g Sugar
80ml Ghee
6g Cardamom powder
30g Cashews
30g Raisins
25g Almonds, slivered
15g Pistachios, slivered
100g Khoya (mawa)
10 ingredients needed
💡 Pro Tip: Gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish
Heat ghee in a large, heavy pan. Add grated carrots and cook on high heat, stirring, for 5 minutes.
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Add full-fat milk and bring to boil. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until all the milk is absorbed, about 25–30 minutes.
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Add sugar and mix well. The mixture will become loose — continue cooking until it thickens again and all liquid is absorbed.
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Add crumbled khoya and mix well. Cook for 5 more minutes.
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Add cardamom powder, cashews, and raisins. Stir well.
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Cook until the halwa leaves the sides of the pan and ghee begins to separate.
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Garnish with slivered almonds and pistachios.
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Serve warm or at room temperature.
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Chef's Tips
Use Delhi/Punjab winter red carrots — they are sweeter and have a deeper flavour than orange carrots.
The key is patience — cook until all milk is fully absorbed before adding sugar.
Adding khoya at the end adds richness and a distinct milky fudginess.
Gajar Halwa is a winter festival staple in Punjab — it is at its best in December-January.
About This Dish
Gajar Halwa is a traditional dessert dish from Punjab, India. This authentic recipe provides exact measurements for cooking 4 servings.
- Use Delhi/Punjab winter red carrots — they are sweeter and have a deeper flavour than orange carrots. - The key is patience — cook until all milk is fully absorbed before adding sugar. - Adding khoya at the end adds richness and a distinct milky fudginess. - Gajar Halwa is a winter festival staple in Punjab — it is at its best in December-January.
Category
Dessert
Cook Time
60 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy