Carrot Halwa (Gajar Halwa)

CARROT HALWA

Gajar Ka Halwa, a popular winter dessert of India made primarily from carrots, offers several health benefits due to its nutritious ingredients.

Here are some key advantages of consuming this delightful dish:

Health Benefits of Gajar (Carrots)

It also provides Vitamin C and Vitamin K, contributing to overall health and immunity1.

Rich in Vitamins:

Gajar is an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is essential for good vision and eye health. The carrots used in the dish contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A.

Boosts Immunity:

• The high Vitamin C content in carrots helps enhance the immune system, making it particularly beneficial during the winter months when colds and flu are more common. The addition of ghee and dry fruits further boosts its immunity-boosting properties. Milk adds calcium and protein, which are vital for bone health, while nuts provide healthy fats and antioxidants23.

Supports Digestive Health:

• Carrots are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain gut health. This fiber content can also assist in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting a feeling of fullness, beneficial for weight management23(Health Note: Reduce Sugar and consume brown Sugar / Sugar free substitues for reduced sugar intakes)
• Provides Warmth: Provides Warmth: Consuming carrots, especially during winter, can help keep the body warm. Ghee, a key ingredient, is considered a “winter superfood” due to its healthy fats that provide energy and warmth1
• Promotes Skin Health: The Vitamins A and C present in Gajar can contribute to better skin health by promoting cell regeneration and protecting against skin damage.

In short, Gajar Ka Halwa is a delicious treat enjoyed during the winter months, it also packs numerous health benefits that make it a worthwhile addition to your diet when consumed in moderation.

Red carrots are a vibrant variety of carrots known for their distinct color and nutritional benefits. Their skin is bright red due to high levels of lycopene, a natural antioxidant pigment also found in tomatoes and watermelons. They possess a firm, crunchy texture with an earthy sweet flavor which is ideal for Gajar Halwa.

Substitutes:

Baby carrots can be used to make Gajar Ka Halwa. Using baby carrots may result in a slightly different texture, but they will still provide the necessary sweetness and flavor for the dish

Ingredients

• Carrots: 650 grams
• Rinse and peel the skin and set aside Grate the carrots (about 4 to 4.5 cups grated)

• Full fat Whole Milk (to avoid Mawa/Khoya): 4 cups
• Ghee: 4 tablespoons
• Sugar: 10 to 12 tablespoons (to taste)
• Cardamom Powder: ½ to 1 teaspoon (or 5 to 6 green cardamom pods, powdered), Nutmeg powder 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, small piece of Cinnamon stick/Cinnamon powder – 1/4 teaspoon
• Nuts:
  • Almonds: 10 to 12 (sliced or chopped)
• Raisins: 2 tablespoons (golden raisins are preferred)
• Saffron Strands: A pinch (optional)

Instructions

1. Preparation of Carrots:
   • Finely grated carrots, helps them cook evenly in a steam cooker and blend well with the milk. Allow 3 whistles to cook evenly with full fat milk

1. Cooking the Mixture:
   • Cook in a pressure cooker, to enable the grated carrots to blend well with the whole full fat milk, small Cinnamon stick and cardamon seeds.
   • Allow 3 whistles to cook evenly with full fat milk.

• In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, pour the cooked grated carrots and whole full fat milk completely.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• In a small sized kadai slightly fry the cashews and dried grapes (Kishmish) until slightly golden in ghee, do not over fry it.

1. Simmering:
   • Continue cooking until the milk reduces significantly, about 20-30 minutes. The carrots should become tender during this time.
2. Adding Ghee and Sugar:
   • Once the milk has reduced by about 75%, add the ghee, sugar. Stir well to combine.

1. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat, stirring frequently until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.

1. Final Touches:
   • When the halwa reaches your desired thickness, add the chopped and fried nuts (cashews and almonds) and raisins. If using saffron, add it at this stage as well.
   • Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional few minutes until everything is well incorporated
2. Serving:
   • Serve Gajar Ka Halwa hot, warm, or even chilled as per your preference. It can be garnished with additional nuts before serving.

Instructions

This traditional dessert is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions due to its rich flavor and comforting texture. Enjoy your homemade Gajar Ka Halwa!

Kitchen Tip :

Wet Tissue Paper Trick

• Catch Overflow: Spread tissue paper around the cooker whistle. This will help catch any overflow, preventing a mess in your kitchen

Avoid Overfilling

• Follow Fill Lines: Never fill the pressure cooker above the maximum fill line. Overfilling can cause liquid to escape through the pressure release valve or between the lid and pot4. Leave adequate headspace for ingredients that may expand during cooking.

Maintain Whistle Condition

• Keep Clean: Ensure that the whistle is free from food particles, as blockages can disrupt steam flow and cause leaks. Regularly clean it to maintain proper functioning.

Control Cooking Temperature

• Use Moderate Heat: Start with high heat to build pressure quickly, then reduce to medium heat once steam is established. This helps maintain a stable cooking environment without excessive pressure buildup that might lead to leaks

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