Carrot Halwa

My kid's favorite recipe.It's known as Gajar ka Halwa in Hindi. Before elaborating the recipe, Let me brief you a small history of how this delicious recipe evolved into our Indian cuisine?

This was first introduced during the Mughal period and the name originates from an Arabic word "Halwa", which means "sweet"It is made from carrot (in Hindi: Gajar); so it is known as Gajar ka Halwa (meaning pudding of carrot). It is strongly associated with Punjab.

Ingredients :
2 cups Shredded Carrot
2 cups Milk
1/4 cup Sugar
2 or 3 Cardamom

For Garnishing :
Raisin - 10 nos or as required
Cashew nuts - 6 nos or as required

Method :
1. Stir in the milk in a non-stick pan on a medium/high heat until the 2 cups of milk is reduced to one cup. Stir in continuously so that it doesn't stick to the bottom. Turn off the heat once the Milk is close to a semi solid form. Pour it into a bowl and keep it aside.
2. Put the unsalted butter/Ghee in the same non-stick pan and stir until it melts well. Add the shredded carrot and stir it well until it's raw smell goes off (For 10 mins).
3. Now add in the milk and stir it for 7 to 8 mins.
4. Now add the cardamom powder and sugar. Mix until they are combined well.
5. Garnish with the Cashews and raisins (If you want,you can roast them in Ghee one by one).

Hint : You can powder the cardamom by adding sugar to it. You need 1 tablespoon of sugar for 3 cardamoms

Reference:
www.manjualskitchen.com

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