There’s a certain kind of warmth this dessert brings, the kind that lingers. If you love gajar ka halwa but dread grating kilos of carrots, this no-grate version keeps the soul of the classic while saving your wrists and your patience. You’ll get the same slow-cooked, caramelized sweetness, cardamom perfume, and rich, nutty finish. (Image: AI-generated)
Ingredients
– Carrots: 1 kg, tender red winter carrots (peeled)
– Milk: 1 liter, full-fat (or 750 ml if using khoya)
– Sugar: 150-220 g, adjust to taste (start on the lower side if carrots are very sweet)
– Ghee: 4-6 tbsp (plus 1-2 tbsp for roasting nuts)
– Khoya (optional): 150-200 g, crumbled (for richness and quicker thickening)
– Cardamom: 4-5 pods, seeds powdered (or ½ tsp cardamom powder)
– Nuts: 2-3 tbsp sliced almonds, cashews; 1 tbsp pistachios (optional)
– Raisins: 1-2 tbsp (optional)
– Saffron: A pinch soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)
– Salt: A tiny pinch to enhance sweetness (optional) (Image: AI-generated)
Skip the grater, keep the texture
– Food processor method: Cut peeled carrots into chunks and pulse to a coarse mince. Aim for rice-sized bits, not a puree.
– Blender method: Add carrot chunks and use the pulse function in short bursts. If your blender tends to puree, add just enough milk (2-3 tbsp) to help movement, but stop early to retain texture. (Image: AI-generated)
Bloom the nuts: Heat 1-2 tbsp ghee in your kadai. Add nuts and sauté on low until lightly golden. Toss in raisins until they plump. Remove and set aside. (Image: AI-generated)
Sweat the carrots: Add the remaining ghee. Tip in the chopped/pulsed carrots with a tiny pinch of salt. Sauté on medium-low for 6-8 minutes until their raw aroma mellows and color deepens. (Image: AI-generated)
Slow cook in milk: Pour in the milk (and saffron milk if using). Stir, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Cook uncovered, stirring every 3-4 minutes so it doesn’t catch. Let the carrots absorb milk and soften; this takes 20-30 minutes depending on your chop size. (Image: AI-generated)
Optional richness with khoya: When the mixture looks like a soft porridge and most milk is absorbed, add crumbled khoya. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes until incorporated and homogenous. (Image: AI-generated)
Sweeten and perfume: Add sugar and cardamom powder. The mixture will loosen as sugar melts; keep cooking on medium-low, stirring frequently. After 8-12 minutes, it will thicken again and start to look glossy. (Image: AI-generated)
Caramelize for depth: Continue cooking, scraping the sides and bottom, letting the halwa slowly reduce. A thin film of ghee starts releasing, and you’ll see the mixture pull together. This stage, another 5-10 minutes, adds that halwai-style flavor. (Image: AI-generated)
Finish and garnish: Fold in the roasted nuts and raisins. Taste and adjust sugar or cardamom. If you like a richer finish, swirl in 1 tbsp ghee. Serve warm. (Image: AI-generated)
