Instant Pot Carrot Halwa Recipe
User Reviews
4.7
Instant Pot Carrot Halwa Recipe
Description
The Instant Pot Carrot Halwa uses grated carrots cooked with almond milk and ghee or plant-based fat, producing a tender, moist base for this traditional Indian sweet. The addition of almond meal provides a rich, slightly nutty consistency, while cardamom and saffron add warm and floral notes. Raisins bring bursts of sweetness and contrast in texture. Cooking under pressure shortens the time needed to soften the carrots thoroughly without overcooking.
After pressure cooking, the halwa is sautéed to reduce excess moisture and concentrate flavor without sticking, creating a creamy yet slightly thickened pudding. The finishing touch of sliced almonds or pistachios adds a mild crunch and visual appeal. This dessert can be enjoyed warm or chilled, offering a versatile option depending on preference and season.
Substitutions include using regular milk for almond milk and replacing almond meal with khoya, non-fat milk powder, or ricotta cheese for different textures. Adjust sugar if using sweetened condensed milk instead of almond meal, as noted in recipe tips.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil or vegan butter
- 10 carrot peeled and grated (About 6 cups packed
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup almond meal
- 2 teaspoons cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- ½ teaspoon saffron
- 2 tablespoons almonds for garnish, sliced, or pistachios
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté(Hi) mode. Add ghee (or vegan butter) and grated carrots. Cook for 2-3 minutes with the glass lid on.
- Add almond milk and close the lid with the pressure value set to sealing. Set Instant Pot to Pressure Cook/Manual(Hi) for 5 minutes. Quick-release.
- Add sugar, almond meal, cardamom powder, raisins, and saffron. Mix well.
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté(Hi) and cook for 5-7 mins until most of the liquids are evaporated. Stir frequently, making sure that the halwa does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Note: The halwa will continue to thicken as it cools down.
- Garnish with sliced almonds or pistachios. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
- To make this halwa dairy-free, replace ghee with neutral oil, coconut oil, or vegan butter.
- Regular milk can be used instead of almond milk as an alternative.
- Almond meal can be substituted with khoya (mawa), non-fat dairy milk powder, or ricotta cheese.
- If using sweetened condensed milk in place of almond meal, reduce the sugar amount accordingly to avoid excess sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 329 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 329kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 43g | 14% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 126mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 397mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 16985IU | 340% |
| Vitamin C | 6.4mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 134mg | 13% |
| Iron | 1.4mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.