Gajar ka Halwa

Ingredients:

1 kg Carrots
1 litre Milk or Khoya (if you need more richer halwa)

1 cup Condensed milk (to reduce chewy texture of carrots)
1 teaspoon Cardamom seeds
3/4 cup Water
3 tablespoons Ghee
2 tablespoons Raisins
2 tablespoons Almonds
2 tablespoons Pistachios
400 grams Sugar

Silver foil for decoration (if desired)

Preparation  :

• Wash and grate the carrots. Soak the raisins in water for 30 minutes. Blanch and shred the nuts.
• Put the water to boil, when it starts boiling add the grated carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Add the milk. Cook on a low flame for 1 hour stirring occasionally. Add sugar, mix well and cook till the sugar has dissolved and all the milk has been absorbed.
• Add ghee and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the slightly crushed cardamoms and the raisins. Mix well.
• Remove the gajar ka halwa from heat and arrange in a serving dish. Garnish with almonds and pistachios. Serve cold, hot or at room temperature.
• Coat with Silver foil or Chandi ka Vark, for a richer appeal, if desired.