Where does Gajar ka halwa come from?

Gajar ka halwa — country of origin: India.

What is Gajar ka halwa made of?

Carrot, milk, sugar, ghee, cardamom, almond, pistachio, raisin.

Which allergens does Gajar ka halwa contain?

Contains milk and milk products (including lactose). Contains tree nuts and tree-nut products.

Gajar ka halwa

A North Indian dessert of grated carrots slowly cooked in milk and sugar, finished with ghee and nuts. Usually served warm or at room temperature.

Also known as: Gajrela · Carrot halwa · Carrot pudding India

Allergens & declarations

Contains

Milk (including Lactose)

Contains milk and milk products (including lactose)

Tree nuts

Almonds · Pistachios

Contains tree nuts and tree-nut products

This describes the classic recipe, so you know what to ask about. It is not a declaration for any particular kitchen — recipes and suppliers vary, and only the restaurant can tell you what is in the dish it serves.

In detail

Gajar ka halwa is a North Indian dessert made from grated carrots cooked slowly in milk, sugar and ghee until thick and dense. It is one of several dishes called halwa in the subcontinent, and this carrot version is the best known.

What it really is

The dish is built on grated carrot, which is cooked in whole milk until the milk reduces and the carrot softens and thickens. Sugar and ghee are added during the long cooking, and the mixture is finished with cardamom and a scatter of chopped almonds and pistachios, often with raisins. The stirring is continuous near the end, which is why the dish is traditionally made in large quantities on a heavy pan.

Gajar ka halwa is a milk-based pudding, not a Middle Eastern halva made from sesame paste, and it does not contain flour or semolina in the classic version. Its look-alikes are the other Indian halwas, such as sooji ka halwa, which is made from semolina, and moong dal halwa, which is made from split mung beans.

How it's served

Served warm or at room temperature as a dessert after a meal
Often offered at festivals, weddings and family celebrations
Commonly topped with extra nuts and sometimes a spoon of cream or ice cream
Eaten with a spoon from a bowl

Write as Gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa) and name the main ingredients: carrot, milk, sugar, ghee and cardamom
Flag almonds and pistachios as tree nuts, and milk for dairy
State if the halwa is served warm or chilled, and whether it contains added khoya or cream
Note that the dish is vegetarian; it is cooked in ghee and milk, so it is not vegan

Typical ingredients

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Frequently asked questions

What is Gajar ka halwa?: A North Indian dessert of grated carrots slowly cooked in milk and sugar, finished with ghee and nuts. Usually served warm or at room temperature.
Where does Gajar ka halwa come from?: Gajar ka halwa — country of origin: India.
What is Gajar ka halwa made of?: Carrot, milk, sugar, ghee, cardamom, almond, pistachio, raisin.
Which allergens does Gajar ka halwa contain?: Contains milk and milk products (including lactose). Contains tree nuts and tree-nut products.
What is Gajar ka halwa also known as?: Gajrela, Carrot halwa, Carrot pudding India.