Guilt-free Gajar ka Halwa with Monq

Ingredients:

• 4 cups grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup monq (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped cashews
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated khoya (optional, for richness)
• 1 tablespoon rose water (optional, for aroma)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the carrots

• Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor.

Step 2: Cook the carrots

• In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee on medium heat.
• Add grated carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and tender.

Step 3: Add milk

• Pour in the 2 cups of milk and bring to a boil.
• Lower heat to simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until milk is mostly evaporated.

Step 4: Add ghee and khoya

• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee and stir well.
• If using khoya, add it now and mix to combine.

Step 5: Sweeten with monq

• When the halwa has thickened, add monq and mix well.

Step 6: Flavoring

• Add cardamom powder and saffron if using. Cook for 5 more minutes.

Step 7: Add nuts and raisins

• Mix in the cashews, almonds, and raisins. Cook for another 5 minutes to desired consistency.

Step 8: Finish with rose water (optional)

• Stir in 1 tablespoon rose water for a fragrant touch.

Step 9: Serve

• Serve warm, garnished with extra nuts or saffron for a festive finish.

Tips:

• Creamier texture: Add khoya for richness, or skip for a lighter version.
• Vegan option: Use coconut or almond milk and replace ghee with coconut oil.
• Adjust sweetness: Monq is sweeter than sugar — start small and increase as needed.

Nutritional estimate (per serving, approx. 8 servings):

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Fat: ~12g
• Protein: ~3g