Gajar Halwa Recipe with Khoya (Carrot Halwa)

This gajar halwa recipe is very popular North Indian halwa recipe and made mostly during the winter season when carrots are in season. Today I am sharing the traditional method of making carrot halwa which takes hours to ready.

You will need 5 ingredients to make this delicious carrot halwa.

In north india regions, it is known as Gajrela. My mom usually makes this gajar halwa with khoya during the wintery mornings. And we eat it in the breakfast. I know, it is weird to have it as a breakfast. But this is what we have been enjoying. A bowl of warm carrot halwa in the chilly winter morning meaning a bowl of heaven!!!

Carrot halwa is usually made during festivals like Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, Karwa chauth or any other, you just name it. It can be made on special occasions as well. I have seen this gajar halwa made with khoya in wedding menu as well.

You will need, Main 5 ingredients to make gajar halwa

• Ghee
• Juicy red carrots
• Full fat Milk
• Sugar
• Khoya (Mawa)

Also, You will also need a good amount of time and strong arms to stir things very frequently.

Traditionally the milk and carrot is cooked on low flame. The process of evaporating the milk slowly takes some time.

Here I have made only 2 servings still took me 40 minutes. So if making a big batch then it may take around 2-3 hours.

Also, you need to stir the gajar halwa occasionally during the cooking process. And more frequently at the end of cooking process. You will get good arm exercise, so be ready for that.

After investing this much time, muscle strength and love in making carrot halwa, the end result is super yum, rich halwa. All the efforts and time spent are totally worth it.

OK, I heard you. Short on time? Go for below methods:

1. Gajar halwa in pressure cooker (takes only 20 minutes from start to finish)
2. Gajar halwa made with condensed milk (takes only 15 minutes from start to finish)
3. Instant pot Carrot halwa (takes 20 minutes and made with condensed milk)

How to make Gajar Halwa Recipe with Khoya?

1) Grate the carrots using box grater. I made smaller batch, so I use the box grater. If making larger quantity then I would suggest using food processor for grating. Otherwise you will get good arm exercise.

2) Heat the ghee in a pan on medium heat.

3) Once melted and hot add grated carrots and saute.

4) Cook for 2-3 minutes, stir in between. You will get nice aroma of carrots.

5) Add milk and stir.

6) Bring it to a boil and let it simmer.

7) As it is simmering milk starts to evaporate. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and also run the spatula to the bottom of the pan as well to make sure that it is not sticking.

8) All the milk is evaporated and it becomes almost dry. It took me about 20 minutes. If making larger quantity then this might take more time.

If using knoya then add now, let it melt. (NOTE: You can make gajar halwa with khoya or without khoya. Khoya can be added to halwa to make it more rich and creamy. This time I have skipped the addition of khoya.)

9) Now add sugar and mix.

10) As sugar melts, halwa will become runny again.

11) Mix in cardamom powder.

12) Let it boil till all the liquid dries out. Continue stirring as needed. It took me 15 minutes. Now turn off the stove.

13) Lastly add chopped almonds, cashews and raisins.

14) Mix well.

This carrot halwa can be served warmed of chilled. You can store it in the refrigerator for 1 week or in freezer for 1 month.

Serving suggestions: Serve this halwa as a dessert after/with your meal. For fancy serving for your guests, serve warm halwa with scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It tastes too yummm.

Check out more halwa recipes
Lauki halwa  //  Pumpkin halwa  // Sweet potato halwa  // Papaya Halwa