Pakistan – Tradition of Winters “Gajjar Ka Halwa” (Carrot Dessert)

By Dahiza Umar

TRADITIONAL FOOD IN WINTERS

Pakistan is a country of all four seasons. We can enjoy cold drinks and dessert in summer when temperature rise to 45 Celsius and the cozy warm desserts in winters.

Winter are special here because of its traditional desserts like halwa.

Halwa are of many varieties like suji ka halwa (semolina halwa), Gajjar ka halwa (carrot halwa), Badam ka halwa (almond halwa), Ganny ka halwa (sugarcane halwa) and many many more.

GAJJAR ka halwa in PAKISTAN

The top of the list of halwa is GAJJAR KA HALWA. It is famous enough that can suits any occasion in winters like weddings, get together, eid, shabraat (islamic occasion), not only winters but also traditionally eaten in many festivals. It is actually serve warm that can take heart in winters.

Recipe is easy enough, grated carrots with milk, sugar put on slow flames and than serve with nuts.

INGREDIENTS

• Carrots 1 kg
• Sugar 1/2 kg
• Milk 2 cups
• Desi ghee 4 tablespoon
• Green Cardamom 4 to 6
• Almonds 2 tablespoon
• Pistachio 2 tablespoon
• Walnuts 2 tablespoon
• Kishmish (dried grapes) 2 tablespoon
• Grated coconut 2 tablespoon
• Dried milk 4 tablespoon
• Khoa (similar to ricotta) half cup
• Silver paper for garnish

METHOD

• Peel and grate carrots than dry completely.
• Put carrots, milk and sugar on a pot and leave it on slow flame for half hour. Stir regularly it may burnt easily.
• When milk is dried and sugar is dissolved, add desi ghee and fry it until fragrance starts appearing , for around 5 to 10 minutes.
• Now add dried milk, khoa and half of nuts into the halwa.
• Cover the lid for further 20 minutes on low flames. Don’t forget to stir.
• Serve the halwa with garnish on the top like nuts and sliver paper.
• Enjoy the winter with cozy yum halwa.