Carrot halwa, a vibrant and intensely flavorful dessert, is a beloved treat in many parts of the world. Its rich, warm spices and the natural sweetness of carrots create a comforting and utterly delicious experience. This classic recipe delivers a halwai-style halwa, meaning it achieves that melt-in-your-mouth texture and intense flavour usually found only in professional sweet shops. We'll guide you through achieving this luxurious texture, using simple ingredients and techniques that even novice cooks can master. Forget the overly sweet, watery versions – this recipe focuses on creating a deeply satisfying halwa that's perfectly balanced in sweetness and spice.
This 2.5kg carrot halwa recipe is designed for a larger batch, perfect for sharing with family and friends or for special occasions. It might seem daunting at first, but the step-by-step instructions make the process surprisingly straightforward. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create a halwa that will impress everyone? Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Grater or Chopper
- Large Pan or Pot
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Carrots: 2.5 kg
- Sugar: 400g (or 500g for sweeter halwa)
- Green Cardamom: 3-4
- Saffron: a pinch (optional)
- Desi Ghee (Clarified Butter): 60-70g (4-8 tablespoons)
- Khoya (Dried Milk Solids): 750g
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Carrots
- Peel and wash the carrots thoroughly.
- Grate or chop the carrots into fine pieces. This process takes around 2-3 minutes per kg of carrots.
Step 2. Cook the Carrots with Sugar and Spices
- Add the grated carrots to a large pan or pot.
- Add sugar and green cardamom to the carrots. Stir for 2-3 minutes until carrots release water.
- Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften and melt.
- Uncover the pan and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates and the carrots are well-melted.
- Add saffron (if using).
Step 3. Incorporate Ghee and Khoya
- Add desi ghee and stir for 3-4 minutes until well combined.
- Add khoya, stirring until it is thoroughly mixed with the carrots. Reduce heat or turn off stove to prevent hardening.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Continue to cook and stir until the halwa reaches your desired consistency.
Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe
Tips
- Wash the grater/chopper thoroughly after use to remove any iron or steel residue.
- If you prefer a less sweet halwa, reduce the sugar quantity.
- Avoid increasing the flame too high, especially when the carrots are still firm, to prevent burning.
- The key to delicious halwa is to ensure the carrots are fully melted and soft.
- Use good quality khoya; homemade is ideal.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use less carrots? I only need a smaller batch.
Absolutely! This recipe is easily scaled down. Just reduce the quantities of all ingredients proportionally. For example, halving the recipe would yield approximately 1.25kg of halwa.
2. What can I do if my halwa is too thick or too thin?
Too thick? Add a little more milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, while stirring continuously. Too thin? Continue to cook it uncovered on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency.
With this recipe, you've mastered the art of creating a truly exceptional 2.5kg carrot halwa, achieving that coveted halwai-style texture and flavour. Impress your friends and family with this rich and delicious dessert, perfect for any celebration. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your culinary efforts!