Indian Carrot Bars (Gajjar Ka Halwa)

May 26, 2023May 26, 20230 3
Delicious Indian Carrot Bars (Gajjar Ka Halwa) recipe for dessert lovers
in Dessert

Prep

45 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

1 hr 20 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

4 lbs carrots , peeled
5 1/3 cups skim milk
1 2/3 cups half-and-half
6 green cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks , 3-inch each
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 cup sliced almonds or 1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 1/4 cups canola oil or 1 1/4 cups ghee
6 -8 tablespoons granulated sugar

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
540
Sugar
40g
Fat
37g
Indian cuisine is well-known for its use of bold and aromatic spices in their recipes, and this Indian Carrot Bars recipe is no exception. Gajjar Ka Halwa, or Indian Carrot Bars, is a popular dessert in North India that is made by cooking shredded carrots with milk, sugar, and spices. The sweet and nutty taste, combined with the texture of the shredded carrots and crunchy almonds, makes this dessert a must-try for those looking for a healthier dessert option. This dessert is also commonly enjoyed during the winter months as it provides energy and warmth to the body. The recipe can be made ahead of time and kept for a few days, making it a great option for those who want to prepare a dessert in advance.

Instructions

1.Rinse and peel 4 lbs of carrots. Shred the carrots using a food processor or grater.
2.In a large pot, add the shredded carrots, 5 1/3 cups of skim milk, and 1 2/3 cups of half-and-half. Simmer on low heat until the milk is almost fully absorbed, stirring occasionally.
3.While the carrots are cooking, use a mortar and pestle to grind 6 green cardamom pods and 2 cinnamon sticks into a fine powder.
4.In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-low heat. Add 1/2 cup of sliced or slivered almonds and sauté until golden brown. Set aside.
5.Once the milk is almost fully absorbed, add 1 1/4 cups of canola oil or ghee (clarified butter) to the carrot mixture. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the oil is fully absorbed.
6.Add 6-8 tablespoons of granulated sugar, or to taste, and stir until fully combined.
7.Add the cardamom and cinnamon powder to the mixture and stir well.
8.Cook for another 5-10 minutes until the carrot mixture is a dark orange color and slightly sticky.
9.Add the sautéed almonds on top and serve warm or chilled.

PROS

This Indian Carrot Bars recipe is a delicious dessert that provides a good source of vitamin A and other essential nutrients found in carrots.
It is also a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional desserts.

CONS

This recipe contains a large amount of oil or ghee, which can make it high in fat and calories.
Additionally, the added sugar can contribute to high blood sugar levels if consumed in excess.

Furthermore, the preparation time can take up to an hour, which can be time-consuming.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Carrots are a great source of Vitamin A and other nutrients like fiber, potassium, and Vitamin K. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, immune health and skin health. The fiber contained in carrots helps to regulate digestion and reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels in the body. The nuts in this recipe also provide essential minerals and antioxidants to support optimal health.

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