Fast Curries
Grated carrots get a makeover with the addition of ghee and sugar. So incredibly easy to prepare in the instant pot with a handful of simple ingredients. This Instant Pot Gajar Halwa – Indian Carrot Pudding will disappear in minutes. I bet this will be your new preferred dessert to prepare for any occasion!
What is Instant Pot Gajar Halwa – Indian Carrot Pudding?
Gajar Halwa also known as Gajar ka halwa or Gajrela in North India, is made with fresh grated carrots during celebrations, and festivals. It is traditionally made with carrots, ground cardamom, milk, sugar, ghee and nuts. I personally like adding Khoa or mawa. Khoa is a dairy product made of either dried whole milk or milk thickened by heating in an open iron pan. It is available in Indian grocery stores in refrigerators next to milk to paneer.
Do I use whole milk?
Absolutely. Whole milk has fat, which acts as a tenderizer and moisturizer.
What sort of carrots do I need?
Fresh, tender regular carrots.
How do I grate the carrots?
Either with a food processor or a hand held grater. You can use the coarse or the fine setting on the hand held grater. In order to grate the carrots, I have used the coarse/larger side of the grater.
How do I make Instant Pot Gajar Halwa – Indian Carrot Pudding?
Prep:
Firstly grate the carrots.
Secondly, grate the Khoa.
Cook:
When you are ready to cook, add in the grated carrots and milk in the inner pot. Stir well. Further, secure the lid on the pot and close the pressure-release valve. Furthermore, select manual and cook at high pressure for 3 minutes.
Once the cooking is complete, use natural pressure release to depressurize. Open the lid.
Select saute and adjust to normal. Next add Khoa, sugar, almonds, pistachios, ghee, and ground cardamom.
Stir well. Let it saute until the water liquid evaporates and it becomes completely dry. It should take about 5 minutes. Keep stirring in order to prevent the halwa from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Finally, transfer in a serving bowl and garnish with additional nuts if you like.
Tried this recipe yet? Give us a rating, comment below in the reply section and let us know what you think.
Try some of our other dessert recipes:
Instant Pot Indian Rice Pudding / Instant Pot Kheer
Phirni/ Firni -Instant Pot Indian Rice Pudding
Instant Pot Sooji Halwa – Semolina Sooji Rava Halwa
Instant Pot Gajar Halwa – Indian Carrot Pudding
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1.1 pounds carrots (9 medium sized) (3 cups grated)
- 1 cup milk {whole}
- 1/2 cup Khoa grated (stored bought)
- 1/3 cup sugar (white)
- 1 tbsp slivered almonds
- 1 tbsp pistachios chopped into thin slices (unsalted and un-shelled)
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
Prep
- Grate the carrots and Khoa/mawa.
- Chop the pistachios into thin slices.
Cook
- Add in the grated carrots and milk in the inner pot. Stir well. Secure the lid on the pot and close the pressure-release valve. Select manual and cook at high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Once the cooking is complete, use natural pressure release to depressurize. Open the lid.
- Select saute and adjust to normal. Next add Khoa, sugar, almonds, pistachios, ghee, and ground cardamom.
- Stir well. Let it saute until the water liquid evaporates and it becomes completely dry. It should take about 5 minutes. Keep stirring in order to prevent the halwa from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Finally, transfer the halwa in a serving bowl and garnish with additional nuts if you like. Serve hot or at room temperature, whatever you prefer.
