Gajar Halwa (Indian Carrot pudding)

Fresh grated carrots cooked by simmering slowly in full fat milk.Garnished with dry fruits of choice. Easy to prepare although little time consuming. Fresh carrot Pudding Popular in Mostly Northern India and also Maharashtra in India . Can be served with Roti or even had as it is . Can be consumed HOT or Cold as per individual taste. Tastes equally great both ways. 

INGREDIENTS :

Carrots 1 Kg

Ghee 2 Tbs

Sugar 2 to 3 Bowls 

Full fat milk        300 ml

Cashew nuts     100 gms

Raisins              100 gms 

Sliced almonds  50 gms 

Cardamom powder 1 tsp

Saffron few strands 

METHOD :

1. Clean , wash the carrots and remove its skin with a peeler (This ensures the carrot halwa gets nice and bright colour)

2. In a thick bottomed kadhai or vessel, heat the ghee and add the grated carrots.

3. Stir on a very low flame (To avoid burning) for sometime till the carrots turn translucent.

4. Now add the milk (Full fat with cream) till it just about covers the carrots, Stir well.

5. Keep cooking(uncovered) on a very low flame. Keep stirring in between to avoid cooking or the milk spilling over.

6. Cook till the mixture turns almost dry ... Now add the sugar.

7. The sugar will leave its water and the mixture might turn liquidy again . Cook some more till water evaporates and the 'Halwa' gets its dry pudding like consistency.

8. Add chopped cashew nuts, raisins, almonds (Or any other dry fruits of your choice) .

9. Add cardamom powder, saffron strands and mix well .

10 Turn off flame. Your 'Gajar Halwa' is ready.

11. Serve HOT or Fridge cold as you like it.