Carrot pudding


Traditional Indian dessert "Gajar ka Halwa" is an all time favourite for MOST indians I know. I hear my friends talk about it and I get the uncontrollable urge to have some, or vice versa. The taste is just mmmmmmm….

Halwa (or halva) is basically any dense sweet or dessert from the Asian and jewish countries, ranging all the way till North Africa. The ingredients include anything from flour (mostly made from semolina) to nuts and seeds like grams, and vegetables such as gourds and carrots. But, since I'm in the mood for celebration, I made the carrot one especially for Easter, for my easter bunnies.

Now, the recipe is incredibly simple with only 4-5 ingredients, but cooking it is no child's work. It takes about 1 hour to cook (depending on the amount of course). But it is rather straight forward.


Ingredients:



1. 4 medium carrots
2. 5 tablespoon sugar
3. 2 cup whole milk
4. 2 tablespoon ghee (for best results)
5. 1/2 cup mixed nuts (optional)


Procedures:


1. First of all grate the carrots in a food processor or using a grater.



If using processor, don't mince it too fine.



2. Transfer the carrots into a pot and add the milk.


3. Now the tedious part, the milk has to first boil, then keep simmering in low flame. Cook in low to medium flame for almost 45 minutes, making sure the milk evaporates slowly while cooking the carrots. Keep stirring frequently, make sure not to get them burnt at the bottom.

4. Once the milk is almost 75-80% evaporates, add the ghee and sugar and cook for 10 more minutes. You could also add cardamom or cinnamon powder.


5. Next add the nuts and cook till the milk has completely evaporated. Takes about 15-20 more minutes. 


Finally, all done!



Now tuck in!

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