Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Carrot Halwa Recipe – Almonds & Saffron Delight

Introduction

Oh, halwa. Just the word conjures up warm, cozy feelings, doesn’t it? This Instant Pot Carrot Halwa is a little slice of heaven – rich, sweet, and unbelievably easy to make. I remember the first time I attempted halwa on the stovetop… it took hours! Now, with the Instant Pot, I can have this delightful dessert ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for festive occasions, a sweet treat after dinner, or honestly, just because you deserve something delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Carrot Halwa is a game-changer. It’s incredibly quick, requiring minimal stirring (a huge win!), and delivers that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave. The combination of sweet carrots, fragrant cardamom, and luxurious saffron is simply divine. Plus, the Instant Pot keeps your kitchen cool – no more sweating over a hot stove!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 10 carrots
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (240ml)
• ¾ cup sugar (150g)
• 1 cup almond meal (approx. 96g)
• 2 teaspoons cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• ½ teaspoon saffron
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds or pistachios, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Ghee: Types and Substitutions

Ghee is traditional, and it really adds a beautiful flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought. If you don’t have ghee, you can substitute with equal parts unsalted butter or coconut oil, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Carrots: Choosing the Best Variety

I prefer using Indian carrots for halwa – they’re sweeter and have a vibrant color. But regular orange carrots work perfectly well too! Just make sure they’re fresh and firm. About 500g of carrots is ideal.

Almond Milk: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Store-bought unsweetened almond milk is super convenient. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade almond milk is even better! Just be sure it’s unsweetened so you can control the sweetness of the halwa.

Almond Meal: Blanched vs. Unblanched

I usually use blanched almond meal for a smoother texture. Unblanched almond meal will give a slightly coarser texture and a more rustic flavor – both are delicious!

Cardamom: Fresh vs. Ground

Freshly ground cardamom is always best. If you have cardamom pods, crack them open and grind the seeds. But good quality ground cardamom works wonderfully too.

Saffron: Quality and Usage

Saffron is precious! A little goes a long way. Look for good quality saffron strands for the best color and flavor. Soaking the saffron in a tablespoon of warm milk for about 10 minutes before adding it to the halwa helps release its beautiful color.

Raisins: Varieties for Halwa

Golden raisins or regular dark raisins both work beautifully. I personally love golden raisins for their slightly milder sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some halwa!

1. First, turn your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function (on the ‘High’ setting). Add the ghee and let it melt.
2. Add the grated carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, with the glass lid on. This helps soften them slightly.
3. Pour in the almond milk, close the Instant Pot lid, and set it to ‘Pressure Cook’ on ‘High’ for 5 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick pressure release. Carefully open the lid.
5. Now for the good stuff! Add the sugar, almond meal, cardamom powder, raisins, and saffron (and the milk it was soaking in, if you soaked it). Give everything a good mix.
6. Switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode (High). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the liquids evaporate. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to pull away from the sides of the pot.
7. Finally, garnish with sliced almonds or pistachios. Serve warm or chilled – it’s delicious either way!

Expert Tips

• Grate your own carrots: Pre-grated carrots can sometimes be a bit dry. Freshly grated carrots give the best texture.
• Don’t skip the sautéing step: This helps develop the flavor of the carrots.
• Adjust the sugar: Taste as you go and adjust the sugar to your liking.
• Stir, stir, stir! Especially during the final sautéing stage, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Variations

Halwa is so versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Carrot Halwa: Substitute the ghee with coconut oil and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Carrot Halwa: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your almond meal is certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of ginger powder for a warmer spice profile. My friend, Priya, loves adding a hint of cinnamon!
• Festival Adaptations (Holi, Diwali): For Diwali, I like to add a few chopped cashews for extra richness. During Holi, a sprinkle of edible rose petals makes it extra festive.

Serving Suggestions

Halwa is wonderful on its own, but here are a few ideas:

• Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair it with a cup of masala chai for the ultimate comfort.
• Offer it as a sweet ending to a traditional Indian meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftover halwa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It might thicken up a bit when chilled, so you can add a splash of milk when reheating.

FAQs

What type of carrots work best for Instant Pot Halwa?

Indian carrots are ideal, but regular orange carrots work just fine! The key is to use fresh, firm carrots.

Can I make this halwa ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

How do I adjust the sweetness level?

Start with ¾ cup of sugar and taste as you go. Add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness.

What is the best way to store leftover halwa?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use a different nut meal instead of almond meal?

Absolutely! Cashew meal or walnut meal would also be delicious. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change.