Craving a sweet treat that’s both traditional and incredibly easy to make? Say hello to Microwave Gajar Ka Halwa! This vibrant carrot pudding brings all the rich flavors of the classic dessert to your table in a fraction of the time. Just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes are all you need to make this delectable Microwave Gajar Ka Halwa! Enjoy a rich and creamy carrot pudding with minimal effort. Perfect for a quick dessert fix and special occasions.
You may also like, Vegan Carrot Halwa, Lauki Gud ka Halwa, Gajar Ka Halwa with Khoya, Carrot Delight, Carrot Pola, Beetroot Carrot Halwa Burfi
About This Recipe
In Gajar Ka Halwa, the word “Gajar” means “carrot” in Hindi. So, the name “Gajar Ka Halwa” directly translates to “Carrot Halwa”. Halwa (also spelled “halwa” or “haluwa”) refers to a type of sweet, pudding-like dessert.
Gajar ka Halwa, also known as “Gajrela,” is a traditional Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, and sugar, often enriched with nuts and aromatic spices. It’s a favorite during festivals and special occasions. However, making it on the stovetop can be time-consuming. Thankfully, you can prepare a delicious version of this sweet treat in a fraction of the time using a microwave.
Gajar Ka Halwa has its roots in North Indian cuisine and is a quintessential part of Indian culinary tradition. It’s especially popular during the winter months when fresh, juicy carrots are in season.
This dessert is often associated with celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and other festive occasions. It’s also enjoyed as a comforting treat during cold weather, as the warming spices and rich flavors make it a cozy indulgence.
Main Ingredients
- Carrots (Gajar): Fresh, juicy carrots are the star of this dish. They are grated to enhance their sweetness and texture, allowing them to cook quickly and evenly.
- Milk: Whole milk is typically used to create a creamy, rich base. It’s slowly reduced and thickened to infuse the dessert with a deep, velvety flavor. You can use low-fat or skimmed milk too.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dish. Adjust the quantity based on your taste and the sweetness of the carrots.
- Ghee: Clarified butter, or ghee, adds a distinct, nutty flavor and enhances the overall richness of the halwa.
- Spices and Nuts: Cardamom powder adds aromatic warmth, while chopped nuts and raisins provide a delightful crunch and additional sweetness.
Microwave Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar ka halwa, also known as Gajar ka Halwa or Gajrela, is a known for its rich, aromatic flavors and comforting texture. Its origins trace back to the Indian subcontinent, where it has become a staple during festive occasions, family gatherings, and special celebrations.
At its core, gajar ka halwa is a warm pudding made from grated carrots that are slowly simmered with milk, sugar, and ghee. The process transforms the humble carrot into a luscious, sweet treat. The carrots are first cooked down with ghee, giving the dish a rich, buttery flavor. As the milk reduces, it absorbs the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a creamy consistency.
The addition of cardamom powder imparts a fragrant, aromatic quality, while the optional saffron adds a luxurious golden hue and delicate flavor. Chopped nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios, and raisins add texture and a delightful crunch, balancing the dish’s sweetness with a hint of savory nuttiness.
Gajar ka halwa is traditionally served warm, making it a perfect dessert for cool evenings or festive winter celebrations. Its vibrant orange color and sweet, creamy taste have earned it a special place in Indian cuisine. Cherished both for its nostalgic value and its ability to bring people together over a shared, delicious experience.
Preparation Methods:
- Traditional Stovetop Method: The classic preparation involves simmering grated carrots in milk and ghee over low heat for 30-40 minutes till the mixture thickens and caramelizes. This method allows the flavors to develop deeply but can be time-consuming.
- Quick Microwave Method: For a faster version, you can use the microwave to significantly reduce cooking time. This method involves cooking the carrot and milk mixture in short intervals, stirring regularly until the desired consistency is achieved.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm or Cold: Gajar Ka Halwa can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s often garnished with extra nuts and a sprinkle of cardamom powder before serving.
- Accompaniments: It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream. It can also be served as a standalone dessert.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of sweet carrots, creamy milk, and aromatic spices creates a dessert that’s deeply satisfying and flavorful.
- Versatile: Gajar Ka Halwa is versatile enough to be adapted to various preferences, including adding fruits or adjusting the sweetness.
- Nutritional Benefits: Carrots are a good source of vitamins and minerals, making this dessert a slightly healthier indulgence compared to many other sweets.
Gajar Ka Halwa | Carrot Halwa Tastes Best,
- when served with warm gulab jamuns.
- You can serve with vanilla ice cream too.
- For creative touch, grease a baking tray with ghee and add in gajar ka halwa. Spread it evenly and leave it in fridge to chill. When it turns cool, cut into pieces or roll into balls and garnish with pistachio or almonds or cashews. Serve as fudge or truffle.
- You can even serve warm gajar ka halwa with piping hot rotis & phulkas or tossed bread.
Linking this gajar ka halwa to Priya’s Valentine’s Day Recipe Contest at her blog Priya’s Versatile Recipes, Pari’s Cooking For My Valentine @ her blog Foodelicious and to ‘I Must Make That’ event by Manasai’s @ A Cook @ Heart.
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Microwave Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe
Imagine tender grated carrots simmered in milk, sweetened to perfection, and enriched with aromatic spices and crunchy nuts—all made effortlessly in the microwave. This microwave gajar ka halwa is total game-changer for busy days or when you need a delightful dessert in a hurry!
Ingredients
- 3 long pinkish winter Carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1½ cups low-fat Milk
- ½ tbsp. Cardamom powder
- 3 tbsp. Ghee
- 2-3 tbsp. silvered Almonds
- Silver foil (Chandi Ka Varq)
Instructions
How To Make Gajar Ka Halwa In Microwave
1. Prepare the Carrots:
- Start by peeling and grating the carrots. You can use a box grater or a food processor for faster results. The finer the grating, the quicker it will cook.
2. Combine Ingredients:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the grated carrots and milk. Stir to mix them well.
3. Microwave Cooking:
- Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the bowl and stir the mixture. This helps in even cooking and prevents any milk from overflowing.
- Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for an additional 10 minutes. The carrots should be tender, and the milk should be mostly absorbed. If the mixture looks too liquidy, microwave in additional 2-minute intervals until it thickens to your liking.
4. Add Sweetener and Flavorings:
- Once the carrots are cooked and the milk is absorbed, stir in the sugar. Mix well and microwave for another 5 minutes.
- Add the cardamom powder, stir to combine all the flavors. Microwave for 1 minute.
5. Add Ghee and Nuts:
- Remove the carrot halwa in bowl and in the same bowl, add ghee and to this add chopped almonds.
- Microwave for a minute until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Keep stirring every 30 seconds.
- Pour the ghee and nut mixture into the cooked carrot mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the nuts and ghee.
6. Final Cooking:
- Microwave the halwa for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step ensures that all the flavors meld together and the halwa reaches the desired consistency.
7. Serve:
- Let the Gajar ka Halwa sit for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Garnish with extra nuts if desired.
- Decorate with silver foil, if using. Serve hot or chilled.
- Add love to make this microwave gajar ka halwa taste 'YUMMY'.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Consistency: The consistency of Gajar ka Halwa can be adjusted based on personal preference. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit more milk and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your taste. You can also use jaggery or brown sugar instead of white sugar.
- Flavor: For a richer flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of khoya (milk solids) if available.
- Nuts and Dry Fruits: Feel free to customize the nuts and dry fruits based on what you have on hand.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 400Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 112mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 2gSugar: 56gProtein: 6g
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Vijayalakshmi Dharmaraj says
i guessed something with choco strawberry combo……..
Vijayalakshmi Dharmaraj says
Followed your thru FB, TWITTER, G+ N RSS…
Shruti Dhingra Wahi says
Looks yummy !!!
ShrutiRasoi
Today's Recipe
Corn and Cucumber Salad
kitchen queen says
hmmmmmmmmm yummy lip smacking carrot halwa.
sowmya(creative saga) says
Lovely pics…so tempting..
Helen Prabha says
Wow….halwa looks so delicious…. Pictures are wonderful…. 🙂
Kaveri Venkatesh says
Beautiful pics Lubna..and delicious halwa
Vimitha Anand says
Awesome clicks and a yummy dessert
Rafeeda A. Raheem says
lovely halwa… really yum… i just bought this book through flipkart last month, and i'm really looking forward to trying some recipe from it… 🙂
Veena Theagarajan says
My fav dessert and I cannot take eyes off the clicks so nice
Sharmi says
your favourite must be a Hyderabadi Special probably Hyderabadi Biryani!!
(Fingers Crossed)
radha says
Lovely pictures. Since you have already posted a meat, a dessert recipe I should think the next one would be a biryani.
Prathima Rao says
Simply stunning & delicious!!
Prathima Rao
Prats Corner
Chitra says
halwa looks great..Ur next recipe must b chicken biryani 😉
divya says
Gosh, looks so tempting..
Achu says
Amazing and so tempting carrot halwa!!! 🙂 Followed as per rules such as Google plus,FB,RSS and Twitter.
@tangymindsachu on twitter.
Starters – Lamb Soup Dessert Carrot Halwa.So I am guessing the main dish will be Chicken Dum Dum Biryani with Kebab.
Suja Manoj says
Tempting carrot halwa,lovely clicks..
Valarmathi Sanjeev says
I love this carrot halwa…whenever i make this i remember u bcos u taught me this. I think your third most favorite recipe is Hyderabadi Dum Chicken Biriyani.
SANBLOG says
Here Kabab
Hamaree Rasoi says
Lovely looking gajar ka halwa. Pics are awesome.Even I prepared it a couple of weeks back. My guess is that your next post would be cupcakes with butter cream icings. Let us all wait and see.
Deepa
Home Cooked Oriya Food says
biryani probably….
love the carrot halwa!
lubna says
Yummm looking gajar ka halwa dear…
i guess its home made chocolates or cake pops coming up next!!
ykristen says
Love carrot halwa, my guess is chicken briyani
Sayantani says
what beautiful clicks Lubna. love the carrot click the most. beautiful light and gorgeous colour.
Love gajar halwa and should make it once this season.
between I guess you are going to make some cupcakes in your next post. pretty, colourful for our darling lil M.
Aps prabhu says
i will pick those bowls now!!
and ur fav recipe may be hyderabadi biryani!
dont know if it wud be the third 😉
kausers kitchen says
My fav halwa, looks tempting…luvly clicks dear.
cumincoriandercardamom.com says
Love the photo of carrots hanging in air!
Lubna Karim says
I really wonder where did you find carrots hanging in my post… cumincoriandercardamom.com
Vrinda says
Thats one easy method,will giv a try..lovely pics
Kitchen Queen says
cooking next is something with rice or say biryani. miss indian carrots for this halwa. nice clicks and dish too.
♥LOVE2COOK MALAYSIA♥ says
What a gorgeous carrot halwa you"ve got there! I never had it before in my whole life. Should try some day.
Hurmmm..I'm very bad in guessing.
Rajani says
Hot Gajar halwa paired with super cold ice cream is a fav combo at our home. I do dtand stirring for a long time, so I'd love to try this microwave version..
Loved your pics, as always.
Lail Hossain says
I use microwave only to reheat food but your microwave halwa looks lovely and yummy. Awesome photos.
Lail Hossain says
I use microwave only to reheat food but yours look delicious. Lovely photos.
shwetha shenoy says
I think your third favourite recipe is either chocolate love ( cake ) or Hydrabadi Dum Chicken Biryani. I want to win the book as prize as I am big fan of Sanjeev Kapoor sir. I am a handicap. As I cannot cook by myself , I like to read recipe books as I have interest in cooking.
prathibha Garre says
Pics look very nice Lubna…I wish you could share a small bowl of halwa wid me..eagerly waiting 2 see ur next post what it would be..my guess would be some main course-Dum biriyani(veg or non veg)
Priti S says
yum …love this anyday…nice pics and love the new header…very cool
Priti S says
next dum briyani? cupcake …?
Divya Pramil says
Loved the first click awesome and every click is so unique in its own way 🙂 Hmm I guess it must be a chocolate based dessert?
Ummu Azi says
delicious halwa and lovely clicks..
Azee says
I think the next dish would be some chicken dish may be grilled/tandoori chicken…
Sunshine And Smile says
One of those sweets that I can never get enough of 🙂
Chaitra Dev says
Koftho ka curry, Gajjar ka halwa i mean carrot halwa and raw mango pulihora are your favorites
Tisa Jacob says
Love this space of yours. Your pictures are gorgeous and has turned me into a carrot halwa believer:))
Shylaja Praveen says
Halwa looks gorgeous.Lovely pictures
Pari Vasisht says
Dear Lubna,
Thanks for linking it to my event. As a part of the rules you had to mention Foodelicious and Cuponation before the recipe. Pls do that and let me know as I'm in the process of moderating links and rounding up the event. SPECIAL FEBRUARY EVENT, COOKING FOR MY VALENTINE + e VOUCHER GIVEAWAY
FEBRUARY EVENT, ‘ONLY’ VEGAN COOKING+ COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY
Rosa's Yummy Yums says
A wonderful halwa!
Cheers,
Rosa
Rita Bose says
Lovely gajar ka halwa! Wonderful snaps! I am your new follower. Do visit/follow my blog at- http://www.rita-bose-cooking.com/.
Raksha says
This halwa is my favorite.
I think U will make strawberry muffins as ur next recipe 🙂
Meenal Ramanathan says
i guess it might be a cake or biryani
Meenal Ramanathan says
i think it must be a cake or biryani
Rashida Shaikh says
They looks yummy and pictures are as good as always…:)
Dershana says
lovely clicks, as usual. i love carrot halwa too. skipping the competition just dropped in to say hi 🙂
Sailaja says
Love the way you capture any recipe. Might be biryani (chicken or mutton) .
Shama Nagarajan says
May be a soup / biriyani..inviting halwa
Pinky says
Lovely clicks Lubna…It has to be savoury…mostly a Biryani….Lets see. 🙂
Priya says
Thanks for sending this beautiful halwa Lubna to my event, actually i love the fact that microwave cooking always retains the colour of the veggies or fruits our dishes goes for, such a beautiful carrot halw, i dont bother to have a ramekin rite now.I guess your next post is going to be something meaty.
Maayeka says
Your clicks are awesome !!!!loved your version of carrot halwa.next post may be a daal or spicy curry:)
Amina says
carrot halwa looks delicious… mouth watering….
Spice Foodie says
I haven't made halwa but have been wanting too. You make is look so easy and good. Thanks for being a part of the YBR.
MonuTeena RecipesPassion says
this made me drooling 😛 wonderful presentation… u r a real food blooggeeerrr/// lovely
Rishiraj Tripathi says
Wonderful site. Lots of useful info here. I¡¦m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks to your sweat