Wardah of ‘Best of Wardah‘….is best known for her creative talent of painting and decorating ‘Eggs‘. Last year she has wooed us by showing her ‘Apple Rose Pastry‘. This year though Wardah being busy with her family visiting her, she took time to send in this warm and comforting ‘Gajar ka Halwa’ ….which fits perfectly on any iftar table.
{Ramadan Special} – Gajar ka Halwa by Wardah of ‘Best of Wardah’
Assalamualaikum and Ramadan Kareem!
The blessed month of “joy from fasting and feasting” is upon us again and for the second year in a row, I am excited to take part in Lubna’s initiative of collecting Ramadan food traditions from all around the world. When I was deciding what to make for this special post, it came down to two of my must have recipes for Ramadan – stuffed puff pastry appetizers or Gajar ka halwa (sweet carrot pudding). Sheer khorma would have been a third option but it is a widely known item with many recipes to be found. Ever since I got married and moved more than half a country away from my mother, I haven’t cooked or even eaten gajar ka halwa. Some of my fondest memories of Ramadan with my family include munching on gajar ka halwa along with many other desserts and tasty snack during iftar parties. So I decided that it was about time to get my mother’s sweetened carrot pudding recipe in my own arsenal!
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How to make Carrot Pudding
Gajar ka halwa, or sweetened carrot pudding, is a dessert entirely made out of carrots! I know, who would’ve thought. In fact, many Indian/Pakistani sweets are made from unique ingredients such as beans or squash, but that is a conversation for a later post. You would be surprised to know that this is one of the sweetest and richest desserts out there and it tastes very little like the vegetable most kids hate to eat. The carrots are cooked down with milk, sugar, and butter till they are soft (but not mushy) and topped with nuts, khoya (milk solids), and silver leaf for an elegant touch. This recipe is so simple and with a little bit of elbow grease, you will have a fragrant, traditional dessert on your hands in no time. I hope you can give this recipe a try and enjoy!
Gajar Ka Halwa (Sweetened Carrot Pudding)
(makes 6-8 small portions)
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 cup half and half
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 stick butter
- around 2 cups of khoya (recipe bellow)
- almonds, pine nuts, and silver leaf for topping
How to make Gajar ka Halwa
PREPARATION:
- Bring a large pot of water (4 qts) to a rolling boil. Add in carrots and boil for 2 minutes. Transfer to a strainer and let the water drain out.
- Return the boiled, shredded carrot to the pot on high heat. Add in 1 cup of half and half and cook while constantly stirring for 10 minutes.
- Add sugar and cook while continuously stirring until any liquid has evaporated.
- Lastly, add in 1 (1/2 cup) stick of butter and continue to cook until the mixture is dry.
- Add in 1 cup of khoya, reserving 1 cup for garnish, and cook for an additional 1 or 2 minutes.
- Top with all the garnishes. Serve warm or cold and enjoy!
Homemade Khoya from Ricotta
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
How to make Khoya from Ricotta Cheese
PREPARATION:
- Preheat oven to 400ºF. Mix ricotta and sugar together until well combined.
- Spread in a baking dish and bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes or until cream colored milk solids form.
- Stir the mixture every 5-10 minutes to make sure there is no browning.
- Store any leftovers in the freezer.
Thank you Wardah for being part of the event and bringing in such a warm gajar ka halwa.
You can find Wardah @ Facebook
Back in,
2015 – Joy From Fasting To Feasting – VIII – Egg Potato Biryani by Aish
2014 – Joy From Fasting To Feasting – VII – Avocado Milkshake from Aish
2013 – Joy From Fasting To Feasting – VI – Koshary & Baklavas from Ola
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says
Totally my favorite, any time!