Caroot Halwa

Carrot Halwa, also known as Gajar ka Halwa, is a popular Indian dessert made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee (clarified butter), and flavoured with cardamom and nuts. It is a rich and indulgent sweet dish that is often prepared during festivals or special occasions. Here's a recipe for Carrot Halwa:

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups grated carrots
2. 2 cups full-fat milk
3. 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
4. 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
5. 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
6. 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) for garnish
7. A pinch of saffron strands (optional) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
2. Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté them in the ghee for a few minutes until they soften slightly and release their aroma.
3. Pour the milk into the pan with the carrots and mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the carrots in milk, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the milk reduces and thickens. This process may take around 30-40 minutes.
5. Once the milk has significantly reduced and the carrots have cooked thoroughly, add the sugar to the pan and mix well. Continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens further.
6. Add the cardamom powder and mix well to enhance the flavour.
7. In a separate small bowl, soak a pinch of saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes (optional). Add this saffron-infused milk to the carrot mixture and stir well. This step adds a beautiful aroma and colour to the halwa.
8. Cook the halwa for a few more minutes until it reaches a thick and glossy consistency.
9. Remove the pan from heat and garnish the carrot halwa with chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) on top.
10. Serve the Carrot Halwa warm or chilled, as desired. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream.