• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Sharmis Passions
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Baby Food
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Baby Food
  • About
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • About
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Sharmis Passions / Carrot Halwa Recipe (Gajar ka Halwa)

    Carrot Halwa Recipe (Gajar ka Halwa)

    Last Updated On: Mar 18, 2024 by Sharmilee J

    19
    Shares

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Carrot Halwa is a popular Indian dessert made with carrots, milk, sugar and ghee. Carrot Halwa also known as Gajar ka Halwa is a classic sweet dish that is often prepared during festivals, special occasions, and celebrations in India. Learn to make Carrot Halwa Recipe with step by step pictures and video.

    carrot halwa served in a cream bowl with golden rim with a gold spoon

    Carrot Halwa is loved by almost all as it never fails to impress anyone. Gajar ka Halwa is my most favorite dessert. I can relate my childhood memories with this Carrot Halwa as amma makes it often.

    About Carrot Halwa

    Gajar means carrot so halwa made using carrots is called Gajar ka halwa or Carrot Halwa. Carrot Halwa is often made during winters as its a popular sweet made in North India. Gajar ka Halwa is one of the sweets that clicked for me in the first attempt itself and after that no looking back, it comes out good every time I make it.

    Carrot Halwa is a popular Indian dessert made by sauteing carrots in ghee, simmering and cooking it in milk until its reduced to form thick milk solids which along with carrots gives a rich delicious halwa. Carrot halwa is popularly known as gajar ka halwa or gajar halwa.

    In North India red carrots or Delhi carrots are used. But here in South India the regular orange ooty carrots are used to make this halwa. Though Delhi Gajar tastes the best you can use any carrot to try this halwa. Carrot Halwa is called as Gajrela in Punjabi language.

    Carrot Halwa is a classic sweet dessert popular all over India. This halwa is made using carrots, milk, khoya, sugar, ghee and nuts. Khoya adds more richness to the halwa. I wanted to try the traditional way of making Carrot Halwa, the slow cooking process and this time I tried with khoya and the halwa turned out delicious.

    Carrot halwa can be served warm or cold. It can be garnished with nuts or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Vanilla ice cream with carrot halwa is a match made in heaven. It’s a delightful sweet enjoyed during special occasions or any time of the year.

    carrot halwa served in a beige colored bowl

    Carrot Halwa Video

    Similar Recipes

    • Bread Halwa
    • Badam Halwa
    • Wheat Halwa
    • Apple Halwa
    • Asoka Halwa

    Carrot Halwa Recipe – 3 ways

    • Open pot method : This is the traditional method of making carrot halwa but takes time and effort of stirring often to avoid from burning at the bottom. However slow cooking gives more taste to the halwa.
    • Pressure cooker method : This is quick to make and needs only little baby sitting and stirring. The texture of the halwa will be soft.
    • Instant pot method : Instant pot can be used to make halwa if made in bulk. You can just saute and slow cook it to get the perfect desired texture, taste and consistency.

    Carrot Halwa Ingredients

    • Carrots – Red Delhi Carrots are generally preferred for Carrot Halwa however you can use regular ooty carrots when they are not available in season. Ooty carrots are orange in color and is available throughout. Choose tender fresh carrots.
    • Ghee – Use pure homemade ghee for best flavor and aroma.
    • Milk – It is always best to use fresh milk to avoid it from curdling. You can use raw or boiled milk but I always prefer adding boiled milk.
    • Sugar- I have used white sugar, but you can replace it with brown sugar or cane sugar too.
    • Khoya – Khoya is nothing but dried evaporated milk solids.

    Method 1 : Open Pan Carrot Halwa

    This is the traditional method to make carrot halwa by sauteing carrots, simmering and cooking in milk and reducing it until its thick and comes to the desired consistency. This takes time and effort but worth it as it tastes so delicious.

    How to make Carrot Halwa Step by Step

    1.To a pan heat 1 tablespoon ghee add 1 tablespoon chopped nuts. You can add more nuts if you prefer.

    heat ghee and add the nuts to fry

    2.Fry until golden. Remove to a bowl and set aside.

    fry until golden and set aside

    3.Wash carrots well, trim the edges and peel off the skin. Grate it using a grater, measure 2 cups and add it.

    add shredded carrots

    4.Saute for at least 3-5 mins or until it shrinks a bit and the color changes.

    carrots are sauted in ghee

    5.Add 1 and 1/2 cups full fat milk (boiled).

    milk is being added to carrot halwa

    6.Keep the flame in low medium for the milk to reduce.

    carrots being cooked in milk

    7.It will nicely bubble and start reducing slowly, stir on and off. Cook for 10 mins or until milk reduces to 3/4th.

    carrots are cooked in simmering milk

    8.Keep stirring in between to avoid sticking a the bottom.

    give a quick mix with a ladle in between

    9.Keep scraping the sides for the milk solids, add it into the boiling mixture.

    cook until milk reduces

    10.Keep cooking in medium flame.

    cook until milk reduces

    11.Now milk is reduced to 3/4th.

    milk is reduced almost fully

    12.At this stage add 2 tablespoon unsweetened khoya. If you add sweetened khoya adjust sugar accordingly. You can completely skip this step if you do not have khoya.

    unsweetened khoya is being added

    13.Add 1/3 cup sugar.

    sugar is added

    14.Once you add sugar, it will again become runny, just keep cooking and stirring.

    the mixture is simmered

    15.Keep stirring so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

    cook until it becomes thick

    16.It will start to thicken.

    becomes thick and sticky

    17. Halwa becomes thick but still moist. The mixture comes together with a sticky texture that’s the right consistency.

    give a quick mix

    18.Now add 1 tablespoon ghee and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder.

    add ghee and cardamom powder

    19.Give a quick stir.

    give a quick mix

    20.Add fried nuts – I reserved half of it for garnish.

    add fried nuts and switch off

    21.Give a quick stir and switch off.

    carrot halwa is ready!

    Delicious Carrot Halwa is ready!

    carrot halwa almost got ready in the pan

    Method 2 : Pressure Cooker Carrot Halwa

    This pressure cooker Carrot Halwa is one of the easiest and quickest to make when you are pressed for time. With this pressure cooker method carrot halwa can be made quickly and takes very less time and effort when compared to the previous method. Though a slight compromise in taste and texture it still tastes delicious.

    carrot halwa cooked in pressure cooker served in small bowls

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups carrot grated
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoon ghee
    • 1 tablespoon chopped almonds / cashews
    • 1/8 teaspoon cardamom powder

    Method

    1. Trim the edges of carrots, peel the skin.Then shred the carrots.I used delhi carrot you can use ooty carrots too.
      peel the skin from carrots
    2. Measure and transfer to a bowl.Heat a teaspoon ghee in a pan.
      grate and measure
    3. Add carrots, saute for 5-7 mins.Then add milk.
      How to make pressure cooker gajar halwa recipe - Step3
    4. Mix it once, then pressure cook for 2 whistles in medium flame. Or you can simmer and leave it for 10 mins.
      How to make pressure cooker gajar halwa recipe - Step4
    5. When you open this is how it looks.Slightly goey with little milk. Now at this stage add sugar.
      How to make pressure cooker gajar halwa recipe - Step5
    6. Cook in medium flame until it shrinks.Finally add remaining ghee.
      thicken,add ghee
    7. Add cardamom powder, chopped almonds stir well and switch off. Serve hot or warm!
      add nuts, cardamom powder

    Method 3 : Instant Pot Carrot Halwa

    Instant pot is widely used for cooking these days as it makes life easier. This carrot halwa is no exception you can make it in instant pot too.

    • Set saute mode on for 10 minutes
    • Add ghee saute carrots until it shrinks and raw smell leaves
    • Add milk and mix it well
    • Cover with lid and set the mode to pressure cook. Cook for 15 minutes.
    • Let pressure release by itself. Open and give a quick mix.
    • Add sugar, khoya(if adding) and cook until thick.
    • Add ghee little by little until it comes to desired halwa consistency.
    • Add nuts , cardamom powder and give a quick mix. If you want fry nuts in ghee and add it.
    • Carrot halwa is ready!

    Expert Tips

    • Always saute carrots in ghee till raw smell completely leaves.
    • I used homemade condensed milk.
    • I used raw nuts, you can add ghee fried cashews / badams too
    • Using a thick bottomed utensil is a must.
    • Cooking the entire process in low or low medium flame is advisable.
    • The halwa keeps well for 2-3 days if refrigerated, in room temperature only for a day.
    • Cardamom powder is used for giving a mild flavour to carrot halwa but if you don’t prefer adding just skip it.
    • White sugar is usually preferred, but you can replace it with jaggery or brown sugar too.
    • You can even add saffron strands and raisins in addition.
    • You can use Delhi carrots(red carrots) or regular ooty carrots.

    Serving and Storage

    Carrot Halwa served with vanilla ice ice cream is a match made in heaven, if you haven’t tasted the combo then you should do it right away. You can serve it with any flavored ice cream though vanilla is the best combo. You can serve halwa with ice cream or as such too.

    Carrot Halwa keeps well in room temperature for one day. If refrigerated you can extend shelf life up to 2 days.

    FAQS

    1.Which type of carrot is good for Carrot Halwa?

    Red carrots also called as Delhi carrots are best to make this halwa. However you can try this halwa with ooty or regular carrots too.

    2.Is Carrot Halwa good for health?

    Low fat Carrot Halwa is healthy. You can use low fat milk and jaggery or dates as sweetener to make a healthy low fat version. However regular carrot halwa in small quantities on those rare occasions can be had as a dessert which is surely good.

    carrot halwa in a gold spoon in a bowl

    If you have any more questions about this Carrot Halwa do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter .

    Tried this Gajar ka Halwa ? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

    📖 Recipe Card

    CarrotHalwa4
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa Recipe

    Carrot Halwa is a popular dessert made by sauteing carrots, simmering carrots with milk to get a rich delicious gajar ka halwa. Gajar ka Halwa is one of the most popular deserts served in any party or wedding or any other celebration. Carrot halwa is also known as gajar halwa or gajar ka halwa.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time45 minutes mins
    Servings4
    AuthorSharmilee J

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups carrots grated tightly packed
    • 1 and 1/2 cups milk boiled and cooled
    • 1/3 cup sugar
    • 2 tablespoon ghee
    • 2 tablespoon khoya optional
    • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
    • 1 tablespoon nuts

    Instructions

    One pot Carrot Halwa

    • To a pan heat 1 tablespoon ghee add 1 tablespoon chopped nuts. You can add more nuts if you prefer.
    • Fry until golden. Remove to a bowl and set aside.
    • Wash carrots well, trim the edges and peel off the skin. Grate it using a grater, measure 2 cups and add it.
    • Saute for at least 3-5 mins or until it shrinks a bit and the color changes.
    • Add 1 and 1/2 cups full fat milk (boiled).
    • Keep the flame in low medium for the milk to reduce.
    • It will nicely bubble and start reducing slowly, stir on and off. Cook for 10 mins or until milk reduces to 3/4th.
    • Keep stirring in between to avoid sticking a the bottom.
    • Keep scraping the sides for the milk solids, add it into the boiling mixture.
    • Keep cooking in medium flame.
    • Now milk is reduced to 3/4th.
    • At this stage add 2 tablespoon unsweetened khoya. If you add sweetened khoya adjust sugar accordingly. You can completely skip this step if you do not have khoya.
    • Add 1/3 cup sugar.
    • Once you add sugar, it will again become runny, just keep cooking and stirring.
    • Keep stirring so that it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
    • It will start to thicken.
    • Halwa becomes thick but still moist. The mixture comes together with a sticky texture that’s the right consistency.
    • Now add 1 tablespoon ghee and 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder.
    • Give a quick stir.
    • Add fried nuts – I reserved half of it for garnish.
    • Give a quick stir and switch off.
    • Delicious Carrot Halwa is ready!

    Pressure Cooker Carrot Halwa

    • Trim the edges of carrots, peel the skin.Then shred the carrots.I used delhi carrot you can use ooty carrots too.
    • Measure and transfer to a bowl.Heat a teaspoon ghee in a pan.
    • Add carrots, saute for 5-7 mins.Then add milk.
    • Mix it once, then pressure cook for 2 whistles in medium flame. Or you can simmer and leave it for 10 mins.
    • When you open this is how it looks.Slightly goey with little milk. Now at this stage add sugar.
    • Cook in medium flame until it shrinks.Finally add remaining ghee.
    • Add cardamom powder, chopped almonds stir well and switch off. Serve hot or warm!

    Instant Pot Carrot Halwa

    • Set saute mode on for 10 minutes
    • Add ghee saute carrots until it shrinks and raw smell leaves
    • Add milk and mix it well
    • Cover with lid and set the mode to pressure cook. Cook for 15 minutes.
    • Let pressure release by itself. Open and give a quick mix.
    • Add sugar, khoya(if adding) and cook until thick.
    • Add ghee little by little until it comes to desired halwa consistency.
    • Add nuts, cardamom powder and give a quick mix. If you want fry nuts in ghee and add it.
    • Carrot halwa is ready!

    Video

    Notes

    • Don’t add sugar before carrots are cooked.
    • Adjust sugar according to your preference.
    • Always saute carrots in ghee till raw smell completely leaves then add milk.
    • Using a thick bottomed utensil is a must.
    • Cooking the entire process in low or low medium flame is advisable.
    • You can even add saffron strands and raisins in addition.
    • The halwa keeps well for 2-3 days if refrigerated, in room temperature only for a day.
    Nutrition Facts
    Carrot Halwa Recipe | Gajar ka Halwa Recipe
    Amount Per Serving (75 g)
    Calories 329 Calories from Fat 153
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 17g26%
    Saturated Fat 9g56%
    Trans Fat 0.01g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Cholesterol 33mg11%
    Sodium 120mg5%
    Potassium 375mg11%
    Carbohydrates 40g13%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 32g36%
    Protein 7g14%
    Vitamin A 10908IU218%
    Vitamin C 4mg5%
    Calcium 239mg24%
    Iron 0.4mg2%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sharmispassions or tag #sharmispassions
    Like our video?Subscribe to our youtube channel to get latest updates!

    19
    Shares

    Filed Under: Desserts, Easy Sweets, halwa main, Halwa Recipes, Indian Sweets, Recently Updated, Sharmis Passions

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anitha

      February 26, 2022 at 11:16 am

      Tried the carrot halwa with condensed milk. Absolutely delicious 😋 can blindly trust your recepies . Thank you ❤️

      Reply
    2. Shaheen

      November 05, 2023 at 8:49 am

      “I recently tried the Gajar ka Halwa recipe, and it was a delightful experience.

      Reply
      • Sharmilee J

        November 05, 2023 at 9:06 pm

        Thank you so much for trying!
        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    4.59 from 12 votes (10 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello, I’m Sharmilee - author,recipe creator and photographer behind Sharmis Passions.

    More about me →

    Latest Recipes

    • Aloo Tikki Recipe
    • Ghee Coffee | Bulletproof Coffee
    • Potato Rice | Aloo Rice
    • Mango Jelly Recipe

    See more new recipes →

    Popular Recipes

    • Cajun Potatoes Recipe (Barbeque Nation Style)
    • Black Tea
    • icing sugar3
      Icing Sugar Recipe | How to make Icing Sugar
    • homemade chocolate01
      Homemade Chocolate

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Stay Connected

    Copyright © 2025 Text,Images and Content Copyrighted by Sharmis Passions

    Managed by Host My Blog

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.