GAJAR ka HALWA : Microwave Cooking

GAJAR KA HALWA

During winters, this dessert disappears before you know it – yes, it's Gajar ka Halwa! A classic wintertime indulgence in most North Indian homes, this warm, rich sweet treat is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile.

Whether it's for a cozy family dinner or a grand festive gathering, Gajar ka Halwa is always welcome. Best part? It can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave when you're ready to serve – just 1-2 minutes, and it's ready to melt hearts all over again!

In this recipe, I’ve used the microwave as the cooking medium. Unlike the traditional stovetop version where you need to stir continuously, the microwave lets you relax while it does all the hard work. Here's how you can make this winter favorite quickly and effortlessly.

🥕 Gajar ka Halwa – Microwave Recipe

Winters feel incomplete without a bowl of piping hot Gajar ka Halwa.This microwave version keeps the tradition alive with ease and comfort. This microwave Gajar ka Halwa brings back the joy of homemade sweets—minus the stirring! Let your microwave do the magic while you sit back and savor the memories.

📋 Ingredients

• Carrots (grated) – 1 kg

• Full cream milk – 750 ml

• Sugar – 1 to 1.5 cups (adjust to taste)

• Finely chopped dry fruits – 2 tbsp

• Raisins – 20–25 (approx. 2 tbsp)

• Desiccated coconut powder – 2 tsp

• Green cardamom powder – ½ tsp

(Optional ingredients for richer taste)

• Khoya (mawa) – 100 g

• Ghee – 2 tbsp

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the Carrots
   Wash and grate the carrots. Take a large deep microwave-safe bowl (about 2-liter capacity) to prevent overflow during cooking.

2. Initial Cooking
   Combine the grated carrots and milk in the bowl. Microwave on high for 20–25 minutes.
   Stir once after the first 15 minutes.

3. Check Consistency
   If the halwa is nearly done and thickened, proceed. Otherwise, microwave for an additional 5–7 minutes.

4. Add Sugar (and optional khoya)
   Now add sugar. You may also add khoya/mawa at this stage if you like a richer halwa.
   Microwave for another 7 minutes.

5. Add Ghee (optional)
   If you want that luxurious finish, add 2 tbsp of ghee now and microwave for 5–7 more minutes.

6. Finish with Dry Fruits & Flavor
   Mix in the chopped dry fruits and raisins, then microwave for 2 minutes.
   Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix well.

Garnish & Serve
Garnish with desiccated coconut powder. Serve hot or store and reheat as needed.

📝 Recipe Notes for Gajar ka Halwa (Microwave Method)

1. Type of Carrots
   ➤ Use red carrots (desi gajar) for authentic flavor and color. These are sweeter, softer and ideal for halwa. Avoid the orange English carrots as they don’t yield the same taste or texture.

2. Grating Tips
   ➤ Use the medium-size side of a grater. Avoid grating too fine as it can make the halwa mushy. You can also use a food processor to speed up the process.

3. Microwave Bowl
   ➤ Always use a large, deep microwave-safe bowl to prevent overflowing during boiling. A 2-litre glass or ceramic bowl works well for 1 kg of grated carrots.

4. Milk Choice
   ➤ Full-cream milk gives the best texture and richness. Do not use toned or low-fat milk unless necessary — it might not provide the granular (danedaar) finish of traditional halwa.

5. Sugar Adjustment
   ➤ Start with 1 cup sugar and increase based on your taste and the sweetness of carrots. Red carrots usually need less sugar.

6. Optional Add-ins
   ➤ For extra richness, you may add 100g khoya (mawa) and/or 2 tbsp ghee along with sugar. This gives a festive touch but isn’t necessary. I usually don’t add khoya or ghee, as slow microwave cooking with milk gives it a natural, danedaar (granulated) texture – just like halwai-style halwa!

7. Flavor Boost
   ➤ Don’t skip cardamom powder — it brings in the traditional aroma. You can also add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk for a royal touch.

8. Dry Fruits
   ➤ Use chopped almonds, cashews, pistachios and raisins. Frying them lightly in ghee before adding (optional in microwave method) enhances the flavor further. You can skip or customize the dry fruits, raisins and desiccated coconut based on your preferences.

9. Desiccated Coconut
   ➤ A small amount sprinkled on top adds great texture and taste. You can also mix some in if you like coconut flavor in halwa.

10. Storage & Reheating
    ➤ Gajar ka Halwa stores well in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Just microwave for 1–2 minutes before serving to restore warmth and softness.

⏱️Timings

• Preparation time: 15–20 minutes

• Cooking time: ~35–40 minutes

• Serves: 12–14 people

💬 Let’s Connect!

I hope you try this quick and easy microwave version of Gajar ka Halwa and enjoy it with your family.
💛 Please like, comment, and share this recipe. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any twists you add to it.

📌 Don’t forget to follow Aroma from the Kitchen for more such soul-satisfying recipes.

🍬 You Might Also Love:

• Motichoor ke Laddoo Recipe

• Coconut Ladoo Recipe

• Jalebi Recipe

Happy Cooking!
Thanks for stopping by! 🌸