No Grate Gajar Ka Halwa

Enjoy this moist, delectable Gajar Ka Halwa [Carrot Halwa] made in a pressure cooker in a fraction of time. This easy, no peel, no grate halwa is the simplest recipe you may have tried. Devour this amazingly quick, gajar ka halwa that tastes heavenly.

NO GRATE GAJAR KA HALWA [CARROT HALWA]

Gajar Ka 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 gajar ka 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 NO GRATE GAJAR KA HALWA [CARROT HALWA]

2 lbs baby carrots

1 [12 oz] can evaporated milk

1 [14 oz] can sweeten condensed milk

15-20 saffron strands

3-4 whole green cardamom (about 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom)

4 tablespoon ghee, divided

1/2 cup almond flour

FOR GARNISH

A handful of nuts (almonds, pistachios), sliced

Pic Shown: No Grate Gajar Ka Halwa 

HOW TO MAKE NO GRATE GAJAR KA HALWA [CARROT HALWA]

One of the most loved and super easy, dump-and-go recipe 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 on the stovetop as well. The recipe includes instructions for Instant Pot as well as a Stovetop. 

INSTANT POT NO GRATE GAJAR KA HALWA [CARROT HALWA]

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 3/4 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.

STOVETOP NO GRATE GAJAR KA HALWA [CARROT HALWA]

In a pot, bring carrots and milk to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the carrots are soft. The rest of the recipe is the same as Instant Pot.

Pic Shown: No Grate Gajar Ka Halwa

TIPS FOR NO GRATE GAJAR KA HALWA [CARROT HALWA]

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. 

Pic Shown: No Grate Gajar Ka Halwa 

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 1/2 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 1/2 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: No Grate Gajar Ka Halwa 

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