Gajar ka Halwa / Carrot Halwa

Ingredients (Serves 3)

Carrot – 3 large, grated(Makes about 2 cups)

Ghee – 2 tbsp

Whole milk – 1.5 cup

Sugar – 1/2 cup or to taste

Cardamom powder – 1/8 tsp

Mawa/khoya , grated – 1/4 cup (optional, added for extra richness and taste)

Cashew, pista, raisins etc – 1 – 2 tbsp, to garnish

Method

Heat ghee in a wide non-stick pan at medium heat. Fry cashews and raisins. Drain on to a paper towel. Add grated carrots and saute for about 8 – 10 minutes until they lose their raw smell and gets soft. Add milk. Mix well and cook. When it reaches a thick consistency, add sugar. Mix well and stir continuously until the halwa starts leaving the sides of the pan. Add grated mawa and cook for a few minutes. Finally add cardamom powder, a pinch of salt (optional) and mix well. Garnish with fried cashews and raisins or roughly chopped almonds, pistachios etc. Serve warm as is or with vanilla ice cream.