Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe
Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe: Growing up in an Indian household, the aroma of Gajar Halwa would waft through the house during special occasions and festivals, instantly making me feel the warmth of love and celebration. This vibrant, traditional Indian dessert brings a certain sense of nostalgia – the taste of my mother’s soft, velvety halwa melting in my mouth, leaving behind the subtle flavor of cardamom, followed by the delightful crunch of roasted nuts. As a housewife, food critic, and cooking enthusiast, I’ve found that the Instant Pot Gajar Halwa maintains that rich, delicious taste while cutting down on preparation time, allowing me to share the warmth and flavor of my childhood with my own family.
What is Instant Pot Gajar Halwa
Gajar Halwa, or carrot halwa, is a delicious Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, ghee, and various aromatic spices. The Instant Pot version retains the authentic taste and texture while reducing the cooking time.
The Instant Pot Gajar Halwa is a true celebration of flavor, aroma, and texture. It allows you to recreate the warmth and memories of your childhood while catering to modern-day conveniences. By experimenting with variations, you can customize this dessert to suit your personal preferences or dietary requirements.
Bring a touch of tradition to your dinner table with this mouth-watering dessert, and share the magic of Instant Pot Gajar Halwa with your loved ones. And while you’re at it, explore other Indian Instant Pot recipes to create a delicious feast for any occasion. Happy cooking!
Variations of Gajar Halwa
Gajar Halwa can be customized to your taste by adding different ingredients or modifying the cooking method. Here are a few popular variations:
Vegan Gajar Halwa: For a vegan-friendly version, substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk and replace ghee with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. Top with a sprinkle of coconut flakes for an extra layer of flavor.
Gajar Halwa with Khoya: To make your halwa richer and creamier, add 1 cup of khoya (milk solids) along with the sugar in step 4. This will add a luxurious texture and elevate the dessert’s taste.
Gajar Halwa with Condensed Milk: For a quicker, sweeter version, replace regular milk with an equal amount of sweetened condensed milk. This reduces the cooking time, as there’s no need to wait for the milk to evaporate, and provides a decadent sweetness.
Sugar-Free Gajar Halwa: If you’re watching your sugar intake, substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference and enjoy a guilt-free Gajar Halwa without compromising on flavor.
Gajar Halwa with a Twist: Add a modern touch to this traditional dessert by incorporating unique flavors. You can experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even add orange zest for a refreshing citrus hint.
Nutrition
Gajar Halwa is not just a delectable treat; it also offers some nutritional benefits. Carrots are rich in vitamins A and C, which support healthy skin, eyes, and immune function. The nuts in the recipe provide healthy fats, protein, and various essential minerals.
However, keep in mind that Gajar Halwa is a dessert, and its sugar and fat content should be taken into consideration. It’s essential to enjoy this delicious treat in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Step by Step Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe
Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams Carrot
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
- 5-6 raisins
- 4-5 cashew
- 3-4 almond / badam
- 2 tbsp Milk Powder optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Assemble all ingredients together to avoid last minute rush.
- Grate the carrots with the help of a Grater or for easier option, chop in an Electric Chopper. You can use any method as per your convenience. I recommend to grate the carrots than chopping because I have made both ways and Halwa tastes way better with grated carrots. Set them aside.
- Roughly chop your favorite nuts for the recipe.
Cooking
- Press the sauté button on Instant Pot and add 1 tbsp clarified butter or ghee into it.
- Then, add chopped nuts/dry fruits to the pot and fry for a minute until they turn light golden brown in color. Raisins would plump up. Remove them from the pot.
- Now, add the grated carrots and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Then, add full fat milk (use full fat milk for richness and creaminess), stir well and close the pot with its lid.
- Press the pressure cook/manual button and keep the pressure valve in the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes and then do a quick manual pressure release by moving the pressure valve from the sealing to venting position.
- Open the pot and give a quick stir to the halwa. And, press the sauté button and add in the sugar. You can also use brown sugar or sugar free as per your choice, keep in mind taste would slightly differ.
- Keep stirring, after 4-5 minutes, sugar will dissolve completely. Then, add the milk powder or mawa or khoya, if using.
- Then, add the remaining 1 tbsp ghee to the halwa and mix.
- Continue to roast the carrots on sauté mode with the ghee for approx 10 minutes more. You will notice the color of the halwa would change to dark side of red. This step is tedious but roasting is important for the color and flavor.
- After that, at the end add cardamom powder and roasted nuts. Mix with the halwa.
- Unplug your Instant Pot and garnish Gajar Halwa with some more nuts.
- Serve & enjoy!
Equipment Used for This Recipe
- Peeler
Notes & Tips
- You can add mawa or khoya or milk powder to the recipe for more flavor and richness. Depending on my mood, sometimes I add or sometimes not!
- The quantity of sugar is perfect for mild sweetness but if you like very sweet halwa, then adjust as per your taste.
- Roasting the carrots is bit time consuming here, but trust me it’s worth at the end😊
- Do not reduce the quantity of ghee here as flavor and color would only enhance with the ghee in the halwa.
- Use your favorite dry fruits/ nuts here. I have used cashews, almonds and raisins.
- Gajar Halwa is best served warm.
- Refrigerate leftover Gajar Halwa in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Simply, reheat before serve.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe
Can I use pre-shredded carrots for the Instant Pot Gajar Halwa Recipe?
Of course! Using pre-shredded carrots can save you some prep time, though the texture might be slightly different from freshly grated carrots. Ensure the carrot shreds are neither too thick nor too thin to achieve that perfect, tender Gajar Halwa texture.
What kind of milk is best for Gajar Halwa in the Instant Pot?
I prefer using whole milk for a rich, creamy taste. However, you can also use low-fat or fat-free milk if you’re watching your calorie intake. For a vegan version, almond or coconut milk are great alternatives, imparting a subtle nutty or tropical flavor to the dessert.
How can I store leftover Instant Pot Gajar Halwa?
Once the Gajar Halwa has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will last for up to 4-5 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Gajar Halwa made in the Instant Pot?
Yes, Gajar Halwa can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, defrost the halwa in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How can I make the Instant Pot Gajar Halwa creamier?
Adding khoya (milk solids) or using sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk can make your Gajar Halwa creamier. Both options give the halwa a luxurious, velvety texture, enhancing its overall taste and richness.
Can I cook Gajar Halwa in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cooking Gajar Halwa in a slow cooker is another way to achieve a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combine all the ingredients except the nuts and raisins in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once done, stir in the nuts and raisins, and serve.
What are some unique toppings or garnishes I can use for Instant Pot Gajar Halwa?
To add an extra touch of elegance to your Gajar Halwa, consider garnishing it with saffron strands, edible silver leaves, or rose petals. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Can I make Instant Pot Gajar Halwa without sugar?
Yes, you can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol to create a sugar-free Gajar Halwa. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference and enjoy this guilt-free version of the dessert without compromising on flavor.
Also See:
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