It’s carrot season, and restaurants are getting innovative with this desi dessert favourite. Here’s our curated list of the best places to binge on gajar ka halwa with a twist
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Going Italian
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This eatery’s new Lohri menu includes gajar halwa with a creamy twist aided by the addition of mascarpone mava to a traditional halwa recipe.
Till February 12
At Farzi, Shop 2, third floor, Oberoi Mall, near Western Express Highway, Goregaon East.
Cost Rs 445
Frozen mithai
Fusion ice cream never misses the mark especially when it is built around Indian sweets. Natural’s gajar halwa ice cream, and Baskin Robbins’ carrot halwa sundae with vanilla, condensed cream and almond crunch are our flavours of the month.
At Natural’s and Baskin Robbins, multiple outlets.
Cost Rs 271/500 ml and Rs 220
Trio perfecto
The gajar halwa gulab jamun cheeni toast combines the crowd favourites with shahi tukda in a perfect dessert.
At Social, multiple outlets.
Cost Rs 210
Baklava goodness
Classic yet innovative, this halwa baklava comes packed with flavour, balanced sweetness and a hint of spices to elevate the dish.
At Bayleaf, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.
Cost Rs 315
Phyllo delight
Two goods make up one great, but that’s not the only reason this gajar halwa baklava gets our vote. The fusion of the crunchy outer pastry blends perfectly with the sweet carrot mixture within.
At The Allamanda Terrace, Hotel Marine Plaza, Marine Drive, Churchgate.
Cost Rs 500 (plus taxes)
Spiked halwa
The black carrot toffee pudding takes its lead from kaali gajar ka halwa, with a twist of creamy persimmon and whiskey ice cream topped with cardamom
custard sauce.
At The Bombay Canteen, SB Road, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel.
Cost Rs 560
Madhavi’s GH tea cake
Madhavi Modha, founder of Annapurna Bakery and Cookery Class in Ghatkopar, explains the difference between an ordinary carrot cake and her special gajar ka halwa tea cake, “In the former, you grate the carrot into the batter, but gajar halwa cake needs prepared halwa made with ghee, mava and milk. The taste is different.” While carrot cake offers hints of sweet carrots with a cinnamon kick, gajar ka halwa cake sings of Indian flavours we know and love.
Ingredients
. 140 gm maida
. 100 gm butter
. 200 gm Amul mithai mate
. 1/2 tsp elaichi powder
. 1 tsp baking powder
. 1/2 tsp baking soda
. 100 gm traditionally prepared gajar ka halwa
. 1/2 cup milk
Method
Mix the maida, baking powder and baking soda; set it aside. In a bowl, combine butter and Amul mithai mate. To this, add your prepared gajar ka halwa, mix well and gently. Cut and fold in the dry ingredients, elaichi and milk to form the batter. Pour into a greased and dusted cake tin. Bake at 160 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Once baked, cool, cut and serve as is or with ice cream.