GAJRUN JO SEERO / GAJAR KA HALWA

Gajar ka Halwa, also known as Gajrela is a traditional Indian dessert made from carrots. It is one of the most preferred Indian dessert. This sweet is mostly made during winters when the red, juicy and tender carrots are available. Though we have many recipes using the short cut method and adding consensed milk I prefer to make it the traditional way by simmering it and stirring from time to time though it is time consuming. Adding mawa / khoya is optional. Some prefer it plain.You can make it according to your personal preference.

Ingredients:
Carrots ....... 1/2 Kg
Milk ............. 2 cups
Sugar ........... 1cup
Ghee ............2 tbsp.
Cardamom Powder ... 1/2 tsp.
Almonds & Pistachios (for garnishing)

For Mawa:
Milk powder - 3 cups
Sugar - 1 cup
Ghee - 1 tbsp
Cardamom Powder - 1/4 th tsp
Lime Juice or Vinegar

Method: (to make mawa)
1. Mix 2 cups milk powder with 1 and 1/2 cups water and make paneer (cottage cheese) using vinegar or lime juice.
2. Drain and allow it to cool.
3. In a bowl, mix lightly :
1 cup milk powder, the prepared paneer, 1 cup sugar, ghee and cardamom powder.
4. Spread it in a flat dish and microwave it for 3-4 minutes.
(Mawa is ready)

Proceed to make the halwa:
5. Now take a thick bottommed vessel and put the milk and grated carrots.
 6. Cook until the milk is dry, stirring occasionally.
7. Add sugar, ghee and cardamom powder and stir it until the liquid is evaporated and the halwa starts leaving sides.
8. Now add the prepared mawa and mix well.
9.Garnish it with chopped almonds and pistacho nuts.

You may also use silver warq to garnish.