Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe – Easy Carrot Pudding with Ghee & Cardamom

Last Updated on 3 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe – Easy Carrot Pudding with Ghee & Cardamom

Okay, let’s be real. Gajar Halwa is comfort in a bowl. It’s the kind of dessert my Dadi (grandmother) used to make, filling the house with the warm, sweet scent of cardamom and ghee. And honestly, making it used to feel like a whole day affair! But this Instant Pot version? It’s a game changer. You get all that traditional flavour, but in a fraction of the time. Trust me, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Gajar Halwa is seriously the best of both worlds. It’s unbelievably easy, especially if you’re short on time. The Instant Pot does all the hard work of slow-cooking the carrots, leaving you with a beautifully soft and flavourful base for your halwa. Plus, it’s rich, decadent, and perfect for celebrations… or just a cozy night in!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 1 pound (about 450g) carrots, grated
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) water
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference!)
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) ghee (clarified butter)
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) ground cardamom

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because quality really matters here!

• Carrots: Fresh carrots are key. They have the best flavour and texture. I prefer using Indian carrots if I can find them, as they’re naturally sweeter, but any sweet variety will work beautifully.
• Ghee: Don’t skimp on the ghee! It adds such a lovely richness and aroma. Homemade is amazing if you have the time, but a good quality store-bought ghee works perfectly too.
• Cardamom: This spice is the heart and soul of Gajar Halwa. Use freshly ground cardamom whenever possible – the flavour is so much more vibrant. A little goes a long way, so start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your liking.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, add the grated carrots, milk, and water to your Instant Pot. Give it a quick stir to combine.
2. Now, secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for just 1 minute. Yep, just one minute!
3. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the remaining pressure. Be careful of the steam!
4. Select the sauté mode on your Instant Pot. Add the sugar and stir everything together. Cook for about 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid has reduced and the mixture starts to thicken.
5. Add the ghee and continue to stir-fry the carrot mixture for another 6-7 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The carrots will darken to a beautiful rich orange-red hue, and the ghee will start to separate from the mixture.
6. Finally, stir in the ground cardamom. Give it a good mix, then garnish with chopped pistachios or your favourite nuts before serving.

Expert Tips

• Grate it Right: For the best texture, grate the carrots finely. A food processor makes this super quick, but a box grater works just fine too.
• Don’t Rush the Ghee: The final sautéing step with the ghee is crucial. It’s what gives the halwa its signature flavour and texture. Be patient and let it cook until the ghee separates.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Start with ¾ cup and add more if you prefer a sweeter halwa.

Variations

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

• Vegan Adaptation: Easily make this vegan by using plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) and a vegan ghee alternative.
• Spice Level: If you really love cardamom, feel free to add a little more – up to ¾ teaspoon. But be careful, it can be overpowering!
• Festival Adaptations: This is a classic dessert for Diwali and Holi. For Diwali, you can add a touch of saffron for extra richness. For Holi, a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) looks stunning.
• Gluten-Free: Good news! Gajar Halwa is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it.

Serving Suggestions

Gajar Halwa is delicious served warm or at room temperature. A dollop of fresh cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. It’s also lovely with a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios.

Storage Instructions

Leftover Gajar 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 before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I make Gajar Halwa without an Instant Pot? Absolutely! You can make it on the stovetop, but it will take longer – about 45-60 minutes of simmering.
• What type of carrots are best for Gajar Halwa? Indian carrots are ideal, but any sweet variety will work well. Avoid using very pale carrots, as they don’t have as much flavour.
• How do I know when the Gajar Halwa is cooked properly? The mixture should be thick and the ghee should be separating from the carrots. The carrots will also turn a rich orange-red colour.
• Can I add other nuts or dried fruits to this recipe? Definitely! Cashews, almonds, raisins, and dates are all delicious additions.
• How can I adjust the sweetness level of the Gajar Halwa? Start with ¾ cup of sugar and add more to taste. You can also use a sugar substitute if you prefer.

Enjoy! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of Indian sunshine into your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!