Best Carrot Halwa Blondie Bars Recipes

GAJAR KA HALWA

Steps:

• Bring the milk to boil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, stirring often to keep the milk from burning. Reduce the heat enough to keep the milk in a low boil, and cook, stirring frequently, until the milk is reduced to about 1 1/2 to 2 cups, about 20 minutes.
• Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the nuts and cook, stirring, until golden and crunchy, about 2 minutes; remove to a paper towel and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the carrots and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the carrots soften and dry up a little, about 15 minutes. If the carrots start sticking, add 1 tablespoon ghee.
• Add the reduced milk and cardamom if using and increase the heat to medium-high. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat a touch to maintain a heavy simmer, stirring regularly, until the milk is completely absorbed by the carrots, about 30 minutes.
• Add the sugar and cook, stirring regularly, until thickened, 10 to 12 minutes. Taste and add more sugar if needed. Remove and discard the cardamom seeds if desired.
• If serving right away, add 3 tablespoons of ghee and cook, stirring, until the halwa starts pulling away from the side of the pan and is a little caramelized, about 10 minutes. Garnish with nuts before serving.
• Ideally, you should make the halwa earlier in the day or the day before. Just before serving, heat some ghee in a wok or large skillet (in India they would do it in a kadhai), add some of the halwa (just as much as you want to eat) and cook, stirring, until somewhat caramelized and a little crunchy. Garnish with the nuts and serve.

CARROT HALWA

Steps:

• Grate the carrots with the fine blade of your food processor or with a box grater.
• Melt the ghee in a stovetop pressure cooker over medium heat. Meanwhile, crush the cardamom pods in a mortar and pestle or with a heavy saucepan. Discard the papery pods and crush the seeds to a semi-fine powder. Add to the ghee and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Tumble the grated carrots into the scented ghee. Cook, stirring every now and then, until slightly deepened in color, about 3 minutes.
• Pour in the milk, sugar and a good pinch of salt. Stir and bring to a boil. Twist the lid in place and ensure it is sealed (refer to the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid). Pressure cook on high for 3 minutes. Follow the guide again for quick-release of pressure, then carefully open and stand back!
• Place over high heat again. Stir in the powdered milk and currants and cook, stirring often, until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. The halwa should have a puddinglike consistency. Sprinkle with the pistachios and serve either warm or cold.