This Gajar Ka Halwa Is A Perfect Delight For Those Chilly Evenings
Experience the true taste of winter with this luxurious and aromatic gajar ka halwa recipe.
Contributed By
OT StaffDecember 7, 2025

Gajar ka halwa is a quintessential winter dessert from the kitchens of North India.
Few winter desserts are as iconic as Gajar ka Halwa, one of my favorite treats. My fondest childhood memory is not just eating the halwa but peeling carrots with my grandmother the day before. Preparation days were eventful as Dadi took over the kitchen. The scents of ghee, carrots, and sugar woke us early. Dadi’s magic was unmistakable, and no hotel or restaurant could match her halwa. Over the years, her gajar ka halwa has become synonymous with winter, offering the warmth we crave.
Prepared slowly over a gentle flame, this heirloom delicacy transforms red carrots into something luxurious: soft, glossy strands simmered in milk with ghee, khoya, and cardamom. The recipe has passed through generations and places, but the soul remains in North India’s winter kitchens.
This version stands out for its rich ingredients and the integrity of its method. No shortcuts or condensed milk—just slow roasting, reduction, and care. The result is deeply aromatic, intensely carrot-forward halwa, rich in warm, milky flavors. Whether served warm on a quiet evening or for a special occasion, this halwa proves that simple ingredients, given time and care, can become true delicacies.
Quick Info
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 90 min
Total Time 110 min
Servings 6
Difficulty medium
Ingredients
- Grated red winter carrots - 1.5 kg
- Full-fat milk - 1 l
- Ghee - 5 tbsp
- Sugar - 1 cup
- Unsweetened and crumbled Khoya/mawa - 200 g
- Green cardamom powder - 0.5 tsp
- Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) - 0.25 cup
- Raisins - 2 tbsp
- A few strands of saffron - 0 g
- Rose water or kewra water - 0.5 tsp
Instructions
Step-1
Wash and peel the carrots. Grate them using the large-hole side of a grater for the best texture.
Step-2
Heat milk in a heavy-bottom kadhai. Let it become warm while you finish grating — this reduces cooking time.
Step-3
Add the grated carrots to the milk. Turn heat to medium and cook uncovered. Stir every 5–7 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook for 30-40 minues, until most of the milk has evaporated and the carrots have fully softened. (Tip: This slow reduction step develops flavour with time so don’t rush it).
Step-4
Add 4–5 tbsp ghee. Sauté the mixture on medium heat. Continue until the carrots take on a glossy look and the raw smell disappears. (This step will take anywhere between 15-20 minutes).
Step-5
Stir in sugar and the halwa will loosen as the sugar melts. Cook again until thick and glossy. Mix in the crumbled khoya which gives richness and renders the classic taste of halwa.
Step-6
Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Add nuts and raisins.
Step-7
Cook 2–3 minutes more, then turn off the heat.
Step-8
Add rose/kewra water right at the end for aroma.
Step-9
Top with ghee-fried nuts (as garnish). Serve hot, warm or at room temperature
Note:
- Double the ingredients when cooking for more people to ensure everyone gets a fluffy stack.
- Swap out eggs for mashed bananas, yogurt, or flaxseed mix if you're vegetarian or allergic to eggs.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra soft and airy pancakes.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to get fluffier pancakes.
- Cook on medium-low heat to avoid burning while ensuring even cooking.
- Add vanilla extract or cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor.
- Top with fresh fruits, nuts, or honey for a delicious and healthy twist.
Recipe
Prep Time 20 min
Cook Time 90 min
Total Time 110 min
Servings 6
Difficulty medium
Ingredients
- Grated red winter carrots - 1.5 kg
- Full-fat milk - 1 l
- Ghee - 5 tbsp
- Sugar - 1 cup
- Unsweetened and crumbled Khoya/mawa - 200 g
- Green cardamom powder - 0.5 tsp
- Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) - 0.25 cup
- Raisins - 2 tbsp
- A few strands of saffron - 0 g
- Rose water or kewra water - 0.5 tsp
Instructions
Step-1
Wash and peel the carrots. Grate them using the large-hole side of a grater for the best texture.
Step-2
Heat milk in a heavy-bottom kadhai. Let it become warm while you finish grating — this reduces cooking time.
Step-3
Add the grated carrots to the milk. Turn heat to medium and cook uncovered. Stir every 5–7 minutes to prevent sticking. Cook for 30-40 minues, until most of the milk has evaporated and the carrots have fully softened. (Tip: This slow reduction step develops flavour with time so don’t rush it).
Step-4
Add 4–5 tbsp ghee. Sauté the mixture on medium heat. Continue until the carrots take on a glossy look and the raw smell disappears. (This step will take anywhere between 15-20 minutes).
Step-5
Stir in sugar and the halwa will loosen as the sugar melts. Cook again until thick and glossy. Mix in the crumbled khoya which gives richness and renders the classic taste of halwa.
Step-6
Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Add nuts and raisins.
Step-7
Cook 2–3 minutes more, then turn off the heat.
Step-8
Add rose/kewra water right at the end for aroma.
Step-9
Top with ghee-fried nuts (as garnish). Serve hot, warm or at room temperature
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