Vegan gajar halwa is a rich, creamy Indian dessert made with grated carrots, almond milk, and coconut milk. The carrots are cooked with vegan butter and coconut sugar until they are soft and tender, then simmered in a mixture of almond milk and coconut milk to create a luscious, pudding-like texture. This dessert is traditionally garnished with chopped nuts and dried fruit and served warm.

Vegan Gajar Halwa (Carrot Halw)

Course: Vegan dessertsCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

240

kcal

Ingredients

4 cups grated carrots
1 cup almond milk
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup vegan butter
Chopped nuts and dried fruit for garnish

Directions

In a large non-stick pan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the grated carrots and stir to coat them evenly with the butter.
Cook the carrots for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and lightly caramelized.
Add the coconut sugar to the pan and stir until it dissolves. Continue to cook the carrots for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has melted and the mixture is glossy.
Pour in the almond milk and coconut milk and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
Cook the halwa for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has been absorbed and the mixture is thick and creamy. If the halwa looks too dry, you can add more almond milk or coconut milk, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste the halwa and adjust the sweetness, if needed, by adding more coconut sugar.
Serve the halwa warm, garnished with chopped nuts and dried fruit.

Notes

Use fresh, sweet carrots for the best flavor and texture.
Grate the carrots on the smallest holes of your grater for a smooth and even texture.
If the halwa looks too dry during cooking, add more almond milk or coconut milk as needed to keep it moist and creamy.
Garnish the halwa with chopped nuts and dried fruit for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Alterations and Modifications

Variations

Vegan Gajar Halwa with Cashews: Add chopped cashews to the halwa for a crunchy and nutty texture.
Vegan Gajar Halwa with Saffron: Infuse the almond milk and coconut milk with saffron for a fragrant and luxurious flavor.
Vegan Gajar Halwa with Cardamom: Add ground cardamom to the halwa for a warm and aromatic spice.

Oil Substitutions

Substitute the vegan butter with coconut oil or ghee for a traditional flavor.
Substitute the vegan butter with a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, for a lighter texture and flavor.

Sugar Substitutions

Substitute the coconut sugar with another vegan sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave nectar.

Complete Nutrition Information for Vegan Gajar Halwa

Nutrition Facts

6 servings per container

Amount Per ServingCalories240
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 22%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 10%
- Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
- Sugars 0g
Protein 3g 6%

* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular dairy milk instead of almond milk and coconut milk?

Yes, you can use regular milk if you’re not vegan. However, using almond milk and coconut milk will give the halwa a richer and creamier texture.

Can I use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar as a substitute for coconut sugar. However, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and a slightly caramelized flavor that complements the carrots well.

Can I make this halwa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the halwa ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Store the halwa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of almond milk or coconut milk to loosen the mixture and restore its creamy texture.

Can I freeze this halwa?

Yes, you can freeze the halwa for up to 2 months. Let the halwa cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze. When ready to serve, thaw the halwa in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I add other spices to this halwa?

Yes, you can customize the flavor of the halwa by adding other spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate flavor of the carrots.

Can I use canned or frozen carrots instead of fresh grated carrots?

We recommend using fresh grated carrots for the best texture and flavor. Canned or frozen carrots may be too soft or mushy, and they may contain added salt or preservatives.

Vegan Gajar Halwa (Carrot Halwa)