Vegan Carrot Halwa (Gajar Halwa)
Prep
15m
Cook
45m
Total
60m
Serves
6
Cal
280
“Indulge in the rich, sweet, and comforting flavors of this classic Indian dessert, made entirely plant-based and just as irresistible!”
Indulge in the rich, sweet, and comforting flavors of this classic Indian dessert, made entirely plant-based and just as irresistible! Inspired by Indian flavors, this worth-the-wait vegan carrot halwa (gajar halwa) comes together with just a handful of ingredients and yields a crowd-pleasing 6 servings. At 280 calories per serving, it's a satisfying choice that doesn't compromise on nutrition. Ready in 60 minutes (15 min prep, 45 min cook), it's proof that plant-based comfort food can be both simple and extraordinary.
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Instructions
- 1
Wash, peel, and finely grate the carrots. Set aside.
- 2
Heat the vegan ghee or coconut oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- 3
Add the grated carrots to the pan and sauté for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell of carrots disappears and they soften slightly.
- 4
Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and plant-based milk. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are very tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5
Add the granulated sugar, cardamom powder, cashews, raisins, and saffron (if using). Mix everything thoroughly.
- 6
Continue to cook on low to medium heat, stirring frequently, for another 10-15 minutes. The halwa will thicken and pull away from the sides of the pan. You'll notice the fat starting to separate slightly.
- 7
Once the halwa reaches a thick, fudge-like consistency, remove it from the heat.
- 8
Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra chopped nuts if desired. Enjoy the sweet, comforting taste of homemade vegan gajar halwa!
Pro Tips
If you have a wok, use it. The high heat and shape create better texture and flavor development than a regular pan.
This makes a big batch. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and most components freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Taste as you go and adjust seasoning before serving. Plant-based dishes often benefit from a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt at the end.
Serving Suggestions
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