Gazar Halua, also known as Carrot Halwa or Gajar Ka Halwa, is a popular Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It is a traditional winter delicacy and is often served at weddings, festivals, and special occasions. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of preparing Gazar Halua at home.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of carrots
- 1 liter of full-fat milk
- ½ cup of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of ghee
- 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
Instructions:
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Wash the carrots thoroughly, peel them and grate them using a grater or a food processor. Make sure to remove any excess moisture from the grated carrots.
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In a heavy-bottomed pan or a kadhai, heat the ghee on medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the grated carrots and sauté for 10-12 minutes until they turn soft and release their juices.
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Now, add the milk to the pan and mix well. Let the mixture come to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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After 30-40 minutes, the milk would have evaporated, and the mixture would have thickened. At this stage, add the sugar and mix well. Continue stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened further.
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Add the cardamom powder, saffron (if using), and chopped nuts. Mix well and let the Gazar Halua cook for another 5-10 minutes.
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Turn off the heat and let the Gazar Halua cool for a few minutes. You can serve it warm or cold, garnished with some more chopped nuts.
Tips:
- Use full-fat milk for a creamier and richer Gazar Halua.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. If you like it less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar.
- You can also add some khoya (dried milk solids) to the Gazar Halua for a richer and creamier texture.
- You can store the Gazar Halua in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
In conclusion, Gazar Halua is a delicious and comforting dessert that can be prepared easily at home. With the above instructions and tips, you can make a perfect Gazar Halua that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!