Gajar (carrot) murabba is a sweet and spiced carrot preserve that is popular in Indian cuisine. It’s not only a delightful dessert but also a unique way to enjoy the goodness of carrots. Here’s a detailed recipe for making Gajar Murabba:
Gajar Murabba Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams carrots, peeled and grated
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black salt (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Carrots:
- Peel and grate the carrots. You can also use a food processor for a finer grate.
- Cook Carrots:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the grated carrots and water.
- Cook the carrots on medium heat until they are soft and the water has evaporated. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, combine sugar and water. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Lower the heat and simmer until you achieve a slightly sticky consistency.
- Add Carrots to Sugar Syrup:
- Add the cooked carrots to the sugar syrup. Stir well to coat the carrots evenly.
- Spice it Up:
- Add cardamom powder, ginger powder, black salt (if using), and black pepper powder. Mix the spices thoroughly with the carrots and sugar syrup.
- Cook Until Murabba Consistency:
- Cook the mixture on low heat until the carrots absorb the sugar syrup and the murabba reaches a jam-like consistency. This may take about 15-20 minutes.
- Add Lemon Juice:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the murabba and mix well. Lemon juice not only adds a tangy flavor but also helps in preserving the murabba.
- Garnish (Optional):
- If desired, garnish the Gajar Murabba with chopped nuts like almonds or cashews for added texture.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the murabba to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to a clean, dry, and airtight glass jar for storage.
- Serve:
- Gajar Murabba is ready to be enjoyed. It can be served as a dessert or used as a spread for bread or paranthas.
Store the Gajar Murabba in a cool, dark place. It can be stored for several weeks and makes for a delightful addition to your festive celebrations or daily snacks.
