Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | Carrot Halwa Recipe (2024)

Carrots are known as Gajar in Hindi and Halwa is generally referred to as Indian pudding made with milk, sugar, and ghee so Gajar halwa is an Indian carrot pudding.

It is made using fresh grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and flavored with cardamom powder (sometimes saffron) and garnished with nuts.

Carrot halwa is also known as Gajrela or gajar ka halwa in North India and mainly made during winters when the red carrots are easily available.

Traditionally gajar ka halwa is made by simmering shredded red carrots with milk and slow cooking for hours until the carrots are cooked and milk is reduced and then sweetened with sugar.

This slow cooking process no doubt gives amazing results but requires lots of time and patience which now days most of struggle to find.

With all the gadgets andshortcuts available now, there are quicker ways to make this halwa without compromising the taste. For instance, like the one, I’m sharing using the Instant Pot.

With the Instant pot method, the cooking time is reduced significantly since we are pressure cooking the carrots instead of slow cooking.

How to make Instant Pot Gajar Halwa

To make an Instant pot, start by sautéing the carrots in ghee, this step adds a lot of flavor. Then pressure cook it with milk.

The amount of milk required with the Instant pot method is very less compared to the stovetop since we will be using milk powder in the end to get that khoya (mawa) taste and texture.

Once the carrots are cooked, add the sugar, milk powder, nuts and cardamom powder.

Saute again till the liquid has almost dried out and Voila, delicious Gajar halwa is ready!! Isn't that easy!!

Make sure to read all the tips shared below and the video to make the best carrot halwa.

Carrot Halwa Ingredients

Carrots - Use tender and fresh red or orange carrots. In Delhi, red carrots are available during winters which are used to make gajar halwa. I haven't been able to find them in Arizona, USA so I use the regular orange ones.

Ghee - also known as Indian clarified butter. I'm using homemade ghee. We will use ghee to roast the carrots initially and at the end as a finishing touch. Adds lots of flavor so don't skimp on it.

Milk - I prefer using whole milk to cook my carrots. You can also use evaporated milk.

Milk powder - I use this as my khoya substitute and for that grainy texture. You can also use Khoya (mawa) or almond meal as a vegan alternative and for added nutrition.

Sugar - This is my sweetener of choice. You can also use condensed milk (milkmaid) instead.

Dry fruits and nuts - I love lots of nuts with my halwa. They add so much texture to the soft melt in mouth halwa. I've used chopped cashews, golden raisins, sliced almonds, and some chopped pistachios for garnishing.

Cardamom - Like most Indian desserts, this carrot halwa is also flavored with green cardamom. I prefer using a combination of Cardamom powder and freshly coarsely crushed green cardamom seeds for the best flavor.

Salt - A little goes a long way and helps bring out the flavors and sweetness.

Saffron - optional, personally love it in Indian desserts but can be skipped.

Serving suggestions

Gajar halwa is best served hot or warm garnished with more nuts!!

In fact my preferred way is piping hot gajar halwa with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream!! Try it, it's a super delicious combination !!

This halwa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer use.

Just warm it in microwave for 30-60 seconds until its heated through and serve!

Recipe Tips

Carrots - Use fresh tender red or orange carrots and grate them thick using the coarse side of the grater. A food processor with a grating option can also be used. Do not grate it fine as it will result in mushy halwa. Grating thick really adds to the texture making this extra effort totally worth it.

Roasting - the shredded carrots in ghee before pressure cooking helps bring out the flavors. Don't skip it. You can roast the cashews and raisins in ghee too if needed. I usually skip it and directly add them.

Don't skimp on Ghee - It adds a lot of flavors, keep halwa moist and brings this dish together.

Sugar - Adding sugar will stop the cooking process for carrots so add it only after carrots are cooked. You can replace sugar with milkmaid or condensed milk. Or for best results use a combination of sugar and condensed milk.

Use milk powder - for that rich grainy texture usually seen in the traditional method. Substitutions like almond meal, khoya, or ricotta cheese can be used in place of milk powder. Don't skip it!!

Finishing touches - These little additions of freshly coarsely crushed cardamom seeds and a tablespoon of ghee at the end make a tremendous difference and will remind you of the Delhi wala gajar halwa taste.

How to make Instant Pot carrot halwa with milkmaid (condensed milk)?

To make instant pot carrot halwa with condensed milk, skip sugar and milk powder and instead use ½ cup of condensed milk. Rest of the process remains same.

How many days does Carrot Halwa last?

Carrot halwa can be easily stored covered airtight for up to 2 weeks (14-15 days) in the refrigerator and for up to a month in the freezer (it freezes well). Just warm in the microwave before serving!!

How to make vegan Carrot halwa?

To make vegan carrot halwa use almond milk instead of whole milk, vegan butter or coconut oil instead of ghee, and almond meal instead of milk powder. Rest of the process remains the same.

More Indian dessert recipes

• Rasmalai
• Pumpkin Halwa
• Sooji Halwa
• Sabudana Kheer
• Masala Milk

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Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | Carrot Halwa Recipe

Shweta Arora

Gajar halwa or carrot halwa recipe is a delicious traditional Indian dessert made from carrots, ghee, milk, sugar, nuts and flavored with cardamom and saffron. It is also known as Gajar ka halwa or Gajrela and is a winter special recipe that is part of most celebrations in India be it weddings, parties, or festivals. Here is how to make it using the Instant Pot pressure cooker