Carrot Pudding – Gajar Ka Halwa

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Gajar halwa is essentially a winter dessert in North India since carrots are in season. Also known as gajar pak / gajrela , this winter favorite is made by cooking raw carrots along with milk and ghee. Traditionally grated carrots are used and slowly cooked with milk but this recipe will show you how to make scrumptious Gajar halwa in an instant pot. The beauty of this recipe is that even a novice can cook this delicious dessert, as good as your grand mom would make it . 

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Gajar Ka Halwa – Carrot Pudding

Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time15 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: carrot pudding, gajar halwa, healthy desserts, indian desserts, instant pot gajar halwa, instant pot recipes
Yield: 8 servings

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Potato Masher

Materials

  • 2 lbs carrots, rinsed thoroughly , peeled and roughly cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups whole milk any nut milk for vegan version
  • 3 Tbsp ghee/ unsalted butter coconut oil for vegan
  • 1 tsp 1  tsp green cardamom powder
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds/ pistachios to garnish optional
  • 2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut optional

Instructions

  • Rinse the carrots in cold water. Peel and slice them into 1 inch pieces.
  • Pressure cook the diced carrots along with 1.5 cups milk for 3 minutes on high. Let the pressure release naturally ( NPR ).
  • After the steam has been fully released, mash the boiled carrots with  potato masher. Make sure there are no chunks.
  • Add ghee/oil/ butter and cardamom powder and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat.
  • Add sugar. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes on medium heat – medium saute mode on instapot.
  • Garnish with nuts and shredded coconut if you like and serve hot.

Notes

 
Use tender, young and fresh carrots. Carrots that are old have more fiber and also have a different flavor which doesn’t go well with rest of the ingredients. Tender carrots are sweeter and good for this recipe.
Use whole milk for this recipe. You can use any nut milk for a vegan version.