Easy Gajrela (Carrot Halwa) Recipe
Gajrela, also known as Gajar ka Halwa, is a rich and comforting South Asian dessert made from slow-cooked carrots, milk, butter (or ghee), and sugar. As the carrots cook, they soften and absorb the creamy sweetness, creating a thick, pudding-like dessert that is both fragrant and naturally sweet.
Traditionally enjoyed during colder months and festive occasions, gajrela is often topped with nuts and raisins for added texture. This simple version is quick to make and uses evaporated milk to give it that creamy flavour without hours of cooking. It’s the perfect warm dessert to serve after dinner or with a cup of tea.
Gajrela Recipe
Serves: 6
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1kg carrots, peeled and grated
- 100g unsalted butter
- ½ cup light brown soft sugar
- ¼ cup caster sugar
- 1 tin evaporated milk (410g)
- ½ cup water
- 50g raisins
- 40g cashews (or nuts of your choice)
- Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pan over low to medium heat.
- Add the grated carrots and stir well so they are coated in the butter. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Pour in the evaporated milk and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for around 20 minutes until the carrots soften.
- Remove the lid and stir in the brown sugar and caster sugar. If there is excess liquid, increase the heat to medium-high and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the cashews and raisins.
- Serve warm and sprinkle with a little ground cinnamon if desired.
Serving tip: Gajrela can be served warm or chilled. It also tastes delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoon of cream on top.
