Classic Carrot Pudding (Gajar ka halwa)

Carrots are one of the healthiest vegetables! My mom always used to be after me (naughty kid) to have carrots to improve my eyesight :P Carrots are also known among kids due to the cartoon Bugs Bunny :P Carrots benefits are legendary. They can be served both as sweet & savory dishes. 

Halwa or Halva refers to many different types of dense, sweet yummy confections, served across the Subcontinent, Asia, Africa, the Balkans and the Jewish world. 


Today I am going to share with u a delicious Pakistani/North Indian most famous and popular dessert, Carrot Pudding (Gajar ka halwa/Gajraylla) which is made with grated carrots, milk, dry fruits and nuts. Its definitely not a diet food. :( Carrot halwa originated from nut dishes that were introduced by traders from the Middle East and Asia Minor during the Mughal period. Warm carrot halwa and icecream is a best combination served at many Pakistani wedding receptions. In Pakistan when winter comes, treasure of nature is not that far!! One of them is Sweet red carrots! This mouth drooling delicacy has different ways of preparation. One of the tried and tested delicious yet noteworthy methods have been discussed below! Enjoy winters with this hot & sweet Carrot pudding!




Ingredients:

Carrots                                                           1 kg, peeled, washed, grated
Full Cream Milk                                            1 - 1 & 1/2 liter
Sugar                                                              1 cup
Green cardamom (Choti Ilaychi)                   2-4
Crushed nuts                                                   3-4 tbsp. roasted 
Butter                                                              3 tbsp. heaped
Nido Powder                                                   4-5 tbsp.

Procedure:

Boil milk in a pan with cardamom powder and then add carrots in it. Cook on low flame until carrots are cooked & milk is dried. It will take appox. 30 - 40 minutes. Stir at intervals. The more time it will take on flame, the more enriched taste it will have :)

Next add butter and let the carrots fry in melted butter for 5 minutes.

Then add sugar, nuts & milk powder in it.

Cook until the water released from sugar is dried out & oil separates. 

At end you will have to stir repeatedly.

Decorate with crushed nuts and boiled eggs. Serve hot !! :)


Linking to : Cook with Red Event, Anus Event & Parchis Veg Kitchen, Celebration of freedom, Gayathri Cook Spot's WTML Event