The other day I was craving so much for something sweet - something which reminds me of home, gives me the feeling of my mom by my side, gets done with minimum work and effort yet delectable enough to get lost in its senses! That's a huge order isn't it? Then BINGO!!!!! Carrot Halwa - a.k.a Gajar Ka Halwa or for more broader understanding Indian Carrot pudding. What? You haven't heard of it? You have not tasted it yet? You must be kidding me!! Go Go now - Take a skillet and make them now - its worth moving every small muscle including your tongue :)
My mom makes one of the best carrot halwa ( and so do a billion other mothers! Moms are such - especial!) and more so the fact that she used to make them specifically for an occasion - Birthday? No, Wedding Anniversary? - Naaaaaah! mmmmm? Did you say Festivals? Nope - Our festivals have South Indian sweets. Then whats the occasion you ask? You wouldn't guess it at all - She made it every last day of my exams - be it stupid unit tests, Term exams or the main annual examinations! yeah I know what you are thinking - "This girl must have been a total hardworking girl who aced her exams so much so that her mom made it even before the results"!! hehehe jokes on you! My marks, my performance or my so called "hard work" had nothing to do with it. She was just happy that I was happy that my exams were over ( or she had some other secret "at last relief from bickering" reasons - I dunno. But I got this favorite without fail.
So after making the halwa, one spoon in hand and mom's photo in another, I spent some good quality minutes with her in my thoughts --aaah those days! While I get lost in nostalgic thoughts, check out my mom's recipe ( tweaked by me)
Heat a non stick pan, heat the ghee and then add the carrots, saute till the raw smell of the carrots is replaced by distinct aroma.
Then add both the milk and cook for another 10min or until the milk is almost absorbed.
Add sugar and cardamom and cook further till it all comes to a single mass.
Now garnish this with the pistachios if using and cashews and let the taste buds take over. You can also use raisins for this recipe although I personally like this as it is.
I love your website... Am a not- so-good cook and very recently started cooking by myself... (was spoilt by my mom and did not have to step into the kitchen). I always thought cooking was a very tedious and difficult task but you make it look so simple and the dishes you have are really good... You are now my reference guide away from home.. And I made the gajar halwa and it has come out really good..
I think depending on how much each person enjoys, you will need anywhere between 10-14 pounds of carrots. I hope this helps. I havent really cooked for so many ppl yet hence cant be perfectly sure --DK
By priya on Nov 8, 2011