Gajar Ka Halwa – Sweet Carrot
Ok, this post has nothing to do with Mexican food. Gajar Ka Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert, but browsing some food websites I came across this dish that immediately caught my attention. I was fascinated by the idea: it’s like arroz con leche but with carrots. I even discovered that there are variations as Carrot-beetroot Halwa and Carrot-papaya Halwa. Mmm…Obviously I tried to make a light version of Gajar Ka Halwa, so I didn’t use condensed milk and ghee (clarified butter) as in most of the recipes I saw. I’ve never tried an original Gajar Ka Halwa, so I can’t compare flavors, but I really liked my version. The spices give it an incredible flavor, so different to what I’m used to. It’s like cooking carrots in a chai latte. This sweet pudding is traditionally eaten during festivities in India and Pakistan. It is famous because it is considered a healthy nutritious dessert. Besides it has some vegetarian characteristics, it’s really easy to prepare and it taste delicious. In Hindi, “Gajar” means carrot and “Halwa” means sweet. In my house the opinion about its taste was divided; my brother and my dad didn’t like the idea of eating “sweet vegetables” as dessert (they devour carrot cake,… what do they think it is made of?) My mom and I really liked it, we are even thinking about the Carrot-Papaya Halwa. So, as always, I think it’s a matter of taste and it depends on how risky you are for trying new dishes. Hope you like to experiment in the kitchen as I do, because you have to try this Gajar Ka Halwa!
- 1 kg (35 oz) carrots
- 2 cups skim light
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 200 gr (7 oz) sugar
- 25 gr (0.88 oz) butter
- Wash and shred the carrots.
- In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, add the carrots, milk, cardamom, nutmeg and sugar. Cook for 15-20 minutes, moving constantly. The sugar should be completely dissolved and the carrot should be tender.
- Add the butter and keep stirring. Remove from heat when it has a semi-firm consistency.
- You can serve hot or at room temperature.
- Enjoy!
- You can sprinkle ground cinnamon.
- You can garnish with roasted, chopped, pecans.