Instant Pot Fig Halwa Recipe – Walnuts, Pistachios & Ghee

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Fig Halwa Recipe – Walnuts, Pistachios & Ghee

Okay, let’s be real. Halwa is comfort food defined, right? It’s warm, sweet, and just feels like a hug in a bowl. I remember my dadi (grandmother) making halwa during festivals, and the aroma would fill the entire house. This Instant Pot Fig Halwa is my slightly quicker, but equally comforting, take on that classic. It’s packed with the goodness of figs, crunchy nuts, and that beautiful, rich flavor from ghee. And honestly, the Instant Pot makes it surprisingly easy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average halwa recipe. Using an Instant Pot cuts down on the stirring time significantly. Plus, figs bring a unique sweetness and texture that’s a little different from the usual carrot or semolina halwa. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family with a slightly unusual, yet incredibly delicious, Indian dessert!

Ingredients

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

• 1 pound (450g) dried figs
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (120g) walnuts, roughly chopped
• ½ cup (60g) shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
• ½ cup (113g) ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Using good quality ingredients really makes a difference here.

• Dried Figs: These are the star! They provide a natural sweetness and a lovely chewy texture. Make sure they’re plump and not too hard. If they are, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes before starting.
• Ghee: Oh, ghee. It’s liquid gold in Indian cooking! It adds a richness and flavor that butter just can’t match. It’s also considered very auspicious and healthy in Ayurveda.
• Cardamom: This spice is essential in Indian desserts. It adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the figs and nuts beautifully. Don’t skimp on it! A little goes a long way.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, combine the dried figs and water in your Instant Pot.
2. Secure the lid, making sure the Pressure Release is set to Sealing. Then, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid.
4. Now, mash the figs with a potato masher or an immersion blender. You can leave a little texture if you like – I do!
5. Add the walnuts, pistachios, ghee, and cardamom to the Instant Pot. Mix everything really well.
6. Switch the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function (low setting). Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-10 minutes, until the halwa thickens up. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to pull away from the sides of the pot.
7. Turn off the Instant Pot and serve the halwa warm. It’s amazing on its own, but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served in crispy phyllo cups!

Expert Tips

• Don’t walk away! Halwa can stick and burn easily, so keep stirring, especially during the sautéing stage.
• Adjust sweetness: If your figs aren’t very sweet, you can add a tablespoon or two of sugar or jaggery.
• Nut chopping: I like to roughly chop the nuts for a bit of texture, but you can also pulse them in a food processor for a finer grind.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the ghee for a good quality plant-based ghee. There are some really good ones available now!
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
• Spice Level: If you really love cardamom, feel free to add a little more – up to 1 ½ teaspoons. Or, add a pinch of nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
• Festival Adaptations: This halwa is perfect for Diwali, Holi, or any special occasion. My family loves it during Diwali – it feels so festive!

Serving Suggestions

This halwa is delicious served warm. Here are a few ideas:

• With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cardamom ice cream is a classic pairing.
• In Phyllo Cups: For a fancy presentation, spoon the halwa into crispy phyllo cups.
• Garnish: Sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios or a drizzle of honey.

Storage Instructions

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

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Can I use fresh figs instead of dried figs? You can, but you’ll need to use a lot more! Fresh figs have a higher water content, so you’ll need to cook the halwa for much longer to get the right consistency. I recommend sticking with dried figs for this recipe.
• What is ghee and can I substitute it? Ghee is clarified butter – it has a rich, nutty flavor and a high smoke point. You can substitute it with butter, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Coconut oil is another option, but it will impart a coconut flavor.
• How do I know when the halwa is the right consistency? The halwa should be thick enough to hold its shape, but still soft and creamy. It will also start to pull away from the sides of the Instant Pot.
• Can this halwa be made ahead of time? Yes, you can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
• What are the health benefits of figs and nuts in this halwa? Figs are a good source of fiber and minerals, while nuts provide healthy fats and protein. It’s a treat you can feel good about enjoying!