Gajar ka halwa is a stovetop carrot pudding- a special occasion food. Is it your birthday? Did you do well on your exams? Is someone getting married? Is it Diwali? It is a beloved celebration food. The traditional route involves using khoya (milk solids) and boiling milk down and takes a while. This is my easier cheat using condensed milk.

Peel and grate carrots (medium grate)- I used around 650 g of grated carrots (if you have more carrots- add some sugar, if you have less carrots- your halwa may be a little sweeter). Add to large pot with 1 stick of butter. Cook for 10-15 minutes on medium till bubbling merrily. Add one 14 oz can of condensed milk, a handful of cashews, a handful of raisins, 1/2 tsp of cadamom powder and a pinch of crushed saffron. Cook on low for 20-30 minutes or so and you are done.

Eat it hot, eat it cold – delicious every which way. The flavor deepens over a day or two- if it lasts that long.