Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | Gajar ka Halwa in Pressure Cooker without grating

Instant Pot Gajar Halwa in a pressure cooker without grating the carrots in a fraction of the time. This easy, Indian dessert is made with carrots, milk, and sugar, and flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron.

Jump to:

• About Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | Gajar Halwa without grating
• Ingredients for Gajar Halwa in Instant Pot
• How to make Gajar Halwa in Pressure Cooker without grating?
• Tips for Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | No grate Carrot Halwa in Pressure Cooker
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Indian Desserts
• Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | Gajar ka Halwa in Pressure Cooker without grating

About Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | Gajar Halwa without grating

Gajar Halwa [Carrot Halwa], is a classic Indian dessert made by simmering grated carrots, milk, sugar, and flavored with some aromatic cardamom. Finally, ghee is added to add richness to this halwa. Made with basic ingredients, this simple dessert is so rich, flavorful, and delicious!

Typically, Gajar Ka Halwa is made during the winters, when carrots are available in abundance, tender and juicy. I have fond memories of this carrot halwa. I remember growing up in India, my Papa (my dad) used to get these red delicious carrots in abundance during the winters.

This was like a whole day event, my mom used to hand grate these carrots, which used to take her quite some time. Then in a big pot, she used to add milk, carrots, and sugar, bring it to a boil, and slow cook, until the milk was almost evaporated and the carrots were cooked through. Finally, she added ghee to give it a nice aroma.

With our busy schedule, we miss many such classic desserts as these require some prep work. Well, not anymore. Try this no peel, no grate, easy dump-and-go recipe to make halwa with the same authentic flavors and taste.

This easy, no grate recipe has now become our new family favorite. It takes hardly any time to make this delicacy without all the laborious work. Now, I can make carrot halwa without standing in the kitchen for hours.

Hope you will give this recipe a try, if you do please leave a comment and review the recipe. We would love to hear your little creations in your very own kitchen. Happy cooking!!

Ingredients for Gajar Halwa in Instant Pot

• baby carrots; I used baby carrots, you can use normal ones and peel them if desired.
• evaporated milk
• sweeten condensed milk
• saffron strands, optional
• whole green cardamom
• ghee
• almond flour
• For garnish, (almonds, pistachios), sliced

How to make Gajar Halwa in Pressure Cooker without grating?

One of the most loved and super easy, dump-and-go recipes to make this classic Indian dessert. This carrot halwa is hands down one of the best recipes, super quick, requires zero prep, and the best tastes amazing!!

I love to make this easy carrot halwa using my Instant Pot. You can make this halwa in a stovetop pressure cooker as well. The recipe includes instructions for Instant Pot as well as a Pressure cooker. 

Gajar Halwa in Instant Pot

Grease the bottom of the inner pot with 2 tablespoons of ghee.

Add carrots, and evaporated milk to the pot. Close the lid, vent sealed.

Turn ON MANUAL / PRESSURE COOK (high) for 5 minutes. Let pressure release naturally, around 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, slowly release the remaining pressure. Open the lid.

 

Using a potato masher, mash the carrots to the desired consistency.

Turn ON SAUTE (less). Add saffron, ground cardamom, and condensed milk to taste. Mix well. Simmer the halwa for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid any burnt bottom.

Note: I used about ¾ cans of condensed milk.

Add 2 tablespoons of ghee (optional), and almond flour, and mix well. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Turn OFF SAUTE.

Garnish with some sliced almonds, and pistachios. Serve warm.

Pic Shown: Instant Pot Carrot Halwa 

Gajar Halwa in Pressure Cooker without grating

Here's a quick recipe for making Gajar Halwa in a pressure cooker using baby carrots:

Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a pressure cooker.

Add carrots, and evaporated milk to the pot.

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium-high heat for 2 whistles.

Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and check if the carrots are soft and cooked.

Using a potato masher, mash the carrots to the desired consistency.

Turn on heat to medium. Add saffron, ground cardamom, and condensed milk to taste. Mix well. Simmer the halwa for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid any burnt bottom.

Note: I used about ¾ cans of condensed milk.

Add 2 tablespoons of ghee (optional), and almond flour, and mix well. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Turn OFF the heat.

Garnish with some sliced almonds and pistachios. Serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Gajar Halwa made without grating carrots!

Pic Shown: Gajar Halwa in pressure cooker without grating

Tips for Instant Pot Gajar Halwa | No grate Carrot Halwa in Pressure Cooker

Use fresh baby carrots. I prefer organic baby carrots, they are quite sweet and taste amazing.

I prefer evaporated milk over regular milk, I think it adds a nice nutty flavor to the halwa. However, you can use the milk of your choice.

Condensed milk adds a ton of flavor, and makes halwa quite rich. Add the condensed milk after pressure cooking the carrots, adding it while pressure cooking can cause burnt bottom.

Once you add condensed milk, make sure to stir it frequently, as it tends to stick to the bottom of the pot.

The addition of ghee a second time is optional. However, it adds a ton of flavor and richness to the halwa.

Saffron and green cardamom adds a nice aromatic flavor to the carrot halwa. These two flavorings are quite used in Indian desserts.

Almond meal or flour adds a rich and decadent flavor to halwa and also gives it a nice creamy consistency without adding any cream.  You may add some cream instead of almond flour.

Nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, and raisins may be added to the halwa for extra flavor, and richness. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular carrots?

Yes, you can use regular carrots instead of baby carrots. If using organic carrots, wash the carrots well. Trim the ends, chop the carrots roughly, about 2 inches in pieces, and use them as suggested in the recipe.

For non-organic carrots, I prefer to peel the carrots first, before using them in the recipe. 

Can I use regular milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular, full fat, or reduced milk, instead of evaporated milk. 

Can I use sugar?

Yes, you can substitute sugar instead of condensed milk. However, the addition of condensed milk gives halwa a nice rich taste. You can add around ½ cup of grated khoya or dry milk powder. It will help enhance the flavor of the halwa.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

Feel free to use your preferred sweetener. Condensed milk gives halwa a nice rich flavor. Add around ½ cup of grated khoya or dry milk powder to enhance the flavor.

Can I skip nuts?

Yes, you can skip the nuts entirely or add as much or as little as you prefer. 

How to store carrot halwa?

Carrot halwa stays fresh for 4-5 days in the refrigerator or freeze it for up to a month.

Store halwa in a freezer-safe container, defrost in the refrigerator, reheat and enjoy.

How to serve carrot halwa?

Carrot halwa is best served warm. Some like to serve halwa with a dollop of ice cream. 

Pic Shown: Instant Pot Gajar Halwa 

More Indian Desserts