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India · Dessert

Gajar Halwa

40 min
190 kcal
6 servings

By eatmundo · July 12, 2026

Gajar Halwa🇮🇳Sharvarism · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

4 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Gajar Halwa. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Confection34 recipes from 15 countriesSee all 4 matches

A decadent, slow-cooked carrot pudding that is a winter staple in India. It balances the earthiness of fresh carrots with the richness of reduced milk and a hint of cardamom.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Gajar Halwa from another cuisine is Om Ali (Egypt): the two share 53% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
6 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Finely grate 500g of fresh carrots using a box grater.

  • 2

    In a heavy-bottomed pan, sauté the carrots with a tablespoon of ghee for 5 minutes.

  • 3

    Pour in 500ml of whole milk and simmer over medium heat.

  • 4

    Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the milk reduces completely and thickens.

  • 5

    Add 100g of sugar and continue to stir until the mixture turns glossy and fragrant.

  • 6

    Add a pinch of cardamom powder for an aromatic finish.

  • 7

    Cook for another 5 minutes until the excess liquid evaporates.

  • 8

    Turn off the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

  • 9

    Garnish with slivered nuts like almonds or pistachios for texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gajar Halwa?

Gajar Halwa is a sweet carrot-based pudding originating from India, prepared with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, often garnished with cardamom, almonds, and pistachios. It is typically served warm as a dessert during winter months and festive celebrations.

What type of carrot should I use for Gajar Halwa?

Use firm, deep red Delhi carrots if available, as they are naturally sweeter and softer than standard orange carrots.

Should I grate the carrots finely or coarsely?

Use a medium-sized grater to create strands that are thick enough to retain texture during the long cooking process without turning into mush.

How do I know when the Gajar Halwa is done?

The dish is finished when all the milk has evaporated, the carrot mixture turns a deep, glossy color, and the ghee begins to separate from the sides of the pan.

Can I substitute fresh milk with condensed milk?

Yes, but if using condensed milk, omit or significantly reduce the added sugar to prevent the halwa from becoming cloyingly sweet.

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