Papaya and Carrot Halwa Recipe
Papaya and Carrot Halwa is a delightful and aromatic North Indian dessert that beautifully blends the sweetness of papaya with the earthy, natural flavor of carrots. This vibrant, creamy dish is an unexpected twist on the traditional halwa, offering a unique texture and richness. With the warm fragrance of cardamom and saffron, topped with crunchy almonds, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any celebration. Simple to make and bursting with flavors, Papaya and Carrot Halwa makes for an excellent sweet treat during festivals like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, or any family gathering.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Papaya (peeled and grated) | 4 cups |
| Carrot (Gajjar) (grated) | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 3/4 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Saffron strands | 2 strands |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) (sliced) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 25g
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by peeling and grating the papaya and carrots. Ensure the papaya is ripe, as it will add natural sweetness and creaminess to the halwa. Set these ingredients aside.
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Cooking the Halwa Base: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the ghee and allow it to melt. Once the ghee is hot, add the grated papaya and carrots to the pan. Sauté the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you begin to smell a pleasant aroma. The vegetables will soften slightly.
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Simmer with Milk: Pour the milk into the pan with the papaya and carrot mixture. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Let the mixture simmer on a low flame, allowing the milk to reduce and thicken. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom.
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Cook Until Thickened: Continue cooking until most of the liquid evaporates, and the mixture becomes thick and sticky. You will notice that the halwa starts to leave the sides of the pan, which indicates that it’s cooked properly.
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Finishing Touches: Once the halwa reaches a thick, glossy consistency, add a tablespoon of ghee and mix it in well. Stir in the cardamom powder, saffron strands, and sliced almonds. The saffron will impart a beautiful golden hue to the dish, while the almonds will add a delightful crunch and richness.
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Serve and Enjoy: Turn off the heat and transfer the halwa to a serving dish. You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgence, serve the Papaya and Carrot Halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Serving Suggestions:
Papaya and Carrot Halwa is perfect as a standalone dessert or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fusion twist. It’s an ideal sweet treat for special occasions, family gatherings, or festive celebrations like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, or Holi. The natural sweetness of the papaya, combined with the creamy texture of the halwa, makes it a standout dessert that everyone will enjoy.
Enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this simple yet indulgent North Indian dessert. With its beautiful color, delightful aroma, and smooth texture, Papaya and Carrot Halwa will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Tips:
- If you prefer a sweeter halwa, you can adjust the sugar according to your taste.
- You can also garnish the halwa with pistachios or cashews for added flavor and texture.
- For a richer taste, you can substitute some of the milk with condensed milk.
This Papaya and Carrot Halwa is an innovative dessert that combines the goodness of two superfoods—papaya and carrots—into a deliciously creamy, aromatic dish that everyone will love!
