Recipe: Carrot Halwa
Description: Indulge in the irresistible delight of Carrot Halwa, a cherished Indian sweet that warms the heart and delights the taste buds with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. This dessert, hailing from the northern regions of India, holds a special place in the culinary traditions of many households, offering a perfect treat during chilly winter months or any time you crave something sweet and soul-satisfying.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5 stars based on 2 reviews)
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 18
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 170.2
- Fat Content: 4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 13.9mg
- Sodium Content: 80.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.6g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 24.8g
- Protein Content: 3.4g
Ingredients:
- 1 large carrot
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 400-500g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 cardamom pods, powdered
- A pinch of saffron strands
- 3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- Optional: food color for vibrant hue
- Chopped almonds or pistachios for garnish
Instructions:
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Peel and grate the carrots: Begin by preparing the star ingredient of this delectable dessert. Peel the carrots and grate them finely, ensuring a smooth texture that will blend beautifully into the halwa.
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Cook the carrots with milk: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the grated carrots with milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
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Thicken the mixture: Stir the carrot and milk mixture occasionally as it boils, allowing it to reduce and thicken gradually. This process may take some time, but the patience will be rewarded with a lusciously creamy texture.
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Continuous stirring: As the mixture begins to thicken, increase your attention to it, stirring continuously to prevent any sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.
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Add sugar: Once the mixture has reduced considerably and attained a thick consistency, it’s time to add the sugar. Gradually sprinkle in the sugar, adjusting the quantity according to your preferred level of sweetness.
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Enhance the flavor: To elevate the flavor profile of your carrot halwa, incorporate the aromatic spices. Add the powdered cardamom and a pinch of saffron strands, infusing the dessert with delightful hints of warmth and fragrance.
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Introduce ghee and color: Next, add the ghee to the mixture, allowing it to melt and blend in thoroughly. If desired, add a small amount of food color to achieve a vibrant orange hue, characteristic of traditional carrot halwa.
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Final simmer: Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering the halwa, stirring gently, until the mixture reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency. You’ll notice the ghee oozing out slightly, indicating that the halwa is perfectly cooked.
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Serve hot: Once the carrot halwa has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Transfer it to serving bowls, garnishing each portion with a sprinkle of chopped almonds or pistachios for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
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Enjoy the indulgence: Serve the carrot halwa piping hot, allowing its aromatic fragrance to tantalize your senses before taking the first spoonful. Delight in the creamy texture, the comforting warmth, and the harmonious blend of flavors that make this dessert a true culinary masterpiece.
Cook’s Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the milk with condensed milk or evaporated milk.
- Adjust the sweetness of the halwa according to your preference by varying the amount of sugar added.
- To save time, you can use a food processor to grate the carrots quickly and uniformly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or gently reheated before serving.
With its irresistible allure and rich, creamy texture, Carrot Halwa is sure to become a beloved addition to your dessert repertoire, perfect for sharing with family and friends on special occasions or simply as a comforting indulgence on a cozy evening at home. Embrace the warmth of this classic Indian sweet and savor every spoonful of its delightful goodness! 🥕🍨
