Gajar ka Mitha {Carrot Halwa}

It is well known in our family that my mom makes some of the best Hyderabadi desserts.  Her Badaam ki Jaali and Puran Puri are two of the most loved desserts she makes.  The desserts are definitely labour intensive.  I remember growing up helping her peeling the almonds for desserts and always being asked to go give the mixture on the stove a stir.

Today I'm sharing her recipe for Gajar ka Mitha (also called Gajar ka Halwa).  My mom's recipe is my favourite!  This took me about 2 hours to make and it makes quite a bit.  The only change I've made from her recipe is to reduce the sugar.  She uses 3 cups for this recipe.  I've tried making it with half & half instead of the table cream, and you can definitely taste the difference.  It is a rich dessert and this version is quite thick.

Gajar ka Mitha {Carrot Halwa}


Ingredients:
2 lbs carrot, peeled and shredded
4 cups milk (I used 2%)
pinch of salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter
1 cup whole almonds, skins removed and ground
1 cup table cream
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup powdered milk
1/2 tsp saffron

In a large pan, add shredded carrots and milk. Boil carrots in milk until the milk has dried up, stir occasionally.

Add butter and a pinch of salt. Cook until butter has separated while stirring occasionally.  You want to take your time at this stage and make sure it has cooked well.

Add ground almonds, table cream and sugar. Mix well and cook until mixture is dry. Make sure to mix often.

Gradually add powdered milk and mix well. Add saffron. Mix very often to make sure mixture doesn't stick.

Cook until thick. It will thicken more as it cools.

Garnish with slivered or sliced almonds. Can serve warm or at room temperature.