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Recipe

Gajar Ka Halwa Recipe: Classic Ghee Carrot Halwa

By Ashutosh Nagare·Updated August 2026·6 min read

Gajar ka halwa is made by slow-cooking grated carrots in full-fat milk until dry, then roasting them in pure ghee with sugar, cardamom, khoya and nuts. Pure ghee gives the halwa its rich aroma and glossy finish. It takes about an hour and serves six.

A bowl of rich gajar ka halwa made with pure ghee
Why ghee matters: roasting the carrots in pure ghee after the milk dries is what gives gajar halwa its signature aroma and glossy richness.

At a glance

  • Prep 15 min · Cook 45 min · Serves 6.
  • Grated carrots slow-cooked in milk, then roasted in pure ghee with khoya and nuts.
  • A classic winter and festive Indian dessert.

Gajar ka halwa is the king of Indian winter desserts — and pure ghee is the soul of it. Here's the classic method.

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 1 kg red carrots, grated
  • 1 litre full-fat milk
  • 4 tbsp buffalo ghee
  • 3/4 cup sugar · 1/2 cup khoya (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom, mixed nuts & raisins

Method

  1. Simmer grated carrots in milk until the milk is almost absorbed (25–30 min).
  2. Add ghee; roast 8–10 min until glossy and aromatic.
  3. Add sugar; cook until it thickens again.
  4. Stir in khoya, cardamom and half the nuts/raisins; cook 5 min.
  5. Garnish and serve warm.

Tips

  • Red (Delhi) carrots give the best colour and sweetness in winter.
  • Don't rush the milk stage — it builds the flavour.
  • Use pure ghee for real aroma (see how to identify pure ghee).

Love ghee sweets? Try our sooji halwa, moong dal halwa and besan ladoo.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make gajar ka halwa with ghee?

Simmer grated carrots in full-fat milk until the milk is almost absorbed, then roast them in pure ghee until glossy. Add sugar and cook until thick, stir in khoya, cardamom and nuts, and serve warm.

Which ghee is best for gajar halwa?

A pure, aromatic ghee is best because roasting the carrots in ghee gives the halwa its signature flavour and glossy finish. Buffalo bilona ghee works beautifully; ensure it is genuinely pure.

Can I make gajar halwa without khoya?

Yes. Khoya adds richness but is optional. Slow-cooking the carrots in full-fat milk and roasting in ghee already gives a rich halwa; you can add a little more milk or ghee instead.

Halwa deserves real ghee

A2 Farmer Buffalo Bilona Ghee — pure and aromatic for perfect sweets.

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