Easy Moong Dal Halwa Recipe – Instant Pot Indian Dessert

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Moong Dal Halwa Recipe – Instant Pot Indian Dessert

Okay, let’s be real. Halwa is comfort food defined, right? And this Moong Dal Halwa? It’s extra comforting. I remember the first time I tried making halwa – it felt a little intimidating, honestly! But trust me, with the Instant Pot, it’s surprisingly easy. This recipe delivers that classic, rich, and sweet halwa flavor without hours of stirring. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Moong Dal Halwa is a game-changer. It’s quicker than the traditional method, requires less attention (hello, hands-free cooking!), and consistently turns out perfectly. Plus, the Instant Pot keeps things from sticking and burning, which is a huge win. It’s perfect for festivals, special occasions, or just when you need a little sweet treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious halwa:

• 1 cup moong dal (approximately 175g)
• 2 cups water (480ml)
• ½ – ¾ cup ghee (approximately 115g – 170g) – yes, it’s a lot, but that’s halwa!
• 1 cup sugar (approximately 200g)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Crushed nuts (pistachios, almonds, or cashews) for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few things can really make or break this recipe:

Moong Dal Varieties

You can use either yellow moong dal (split yellow lentils) or green moong dal (split green lentils). Yellow moong dal is more commonly used and gives a slightly richer flavor, but green moong dal works beautifully too! Just make sure it’s split – whole moong dal won’t work for this recipe.

Ghee: The Importance of Quality

Ghee is key to a good halwa. It adds that incredible richness and flavor. Don’t skimp here! If you can, use a good quality, homemade ghee. Store-bought is fine too, just choose one with a good aroma.

Cardamom: Freshly Ground vs. Store-Bought

Freshly ground cardamom is always best! It has a much more vibrant aroma. If you don’t have whole cardamom pods, store-bought ground cardamom is okay, but try to use it within a few months for the best flavor.

Sugar: Adjusting Sweetness Levels

I like my halwa on the sweeter side, but you can definitely adjust the sugar to your liking. Start with ¾ cup and taste as you go. Remember, the halwa will taste less sweet once it cools down a bit.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some halwa!

1. Press the ‘Sauté’ mode on your Instant Pot. Add the moong dal and roast it for 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly. You want it to turn golden brown and give off a lovely nutty aroma. This step is crucial for developing the flavor.
2. Add the water, secure the lid, and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
3. Once the pressure is released, open the lid. The dal will have absorbed most of the water and will be soft and mushy. Now, this is where the magic happens! Add the ghee, sugar, and cardamom. Stir everything together really well.
4. Press ‘Sauté’ again and stir continuously for about 10 minutes. This is where you’ll need some patience! Keep stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. The halwa will start to thicken and come together.
5. Remove the Instant Pot liner and transfer the halwa to a serving bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes so the excess ghee can separate slightly.
6. Garnish generously with crushed nuts – pistachios, almonds, and cashews are all fantastic choices. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little things that can take your halwa to the next level:

Roasting the Moong Dal for Optimal Flavor

Don’t rush the roasting step! It’s what gives the halwa its depth of flavor. Keep stirring to prevent burning, and aim for a nice, even golden brown color.

Achieving the Right Halwa Consistency

The halwa should be thick and creamy, but not dry. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of warm milk. If it’s too runny, continue to sauté for a few more minutes.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Moong Dal Halwa: Substitute the ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter. It won’t have quite the same flavor, but it’s a delicious alternative! My friend, Priya, swears by using coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your cardamom is pure and doesn’t contain any gluten-based additives.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to add a pinch of saffron for a more luxurious flavor, or a tiny bit of nutmeg for warmth.
• Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi): During Diwali, I love adding a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a festive touch. For Holi, a few strands of saffron make it extra special.

Serving Suggestions

Moong Dal Halwa is best served warm. It’s delicious on its own, or you can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream. It’s also lovely with a cup of masala chai.

Storage Instructions

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

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the best type of moong dal to use for halwa?

Yellow moong dal is most traditional, but green moong dal works well too!

Can I make this halwa without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! You’ll need to cook the moong dal in a pot on the stovetop until it’s very soft and mushy. Then, follow the remaining steps as described above, cooking the halwa in a heavy-bottomed pan. It will take longer and require more stirring.

How do I prevent the halwa from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot?

Stir, stir, stir! Especially during the sautéing stage. Scraping the bottom of the pot regularly is key.

Can I add other dry fruits to this halwa?

Absolutely! Raisins, chopped dates, and figs are all delicious additions. Add them along with the sugar and cardamom.

How long does moong dal halwa stay fresh?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.