Make popular Indian dessert carrot halwa without milk or ghee in a pressure cooker. Instant Pot makes the process of making gajar ka halwa quick and easy. Gluten-free.
Wash, peel and grate carrots in a food processor or a grater.
Switch on the Instant Pot.
Add in oil.
Once warm add in carrots and sautee for a minute coating it with oil.
Now add in almond milk and stir well.
Secure the lid of the pot and turn the black knob to the SEALING position.
Press Manual High Pressure 7 minutes.
Once the Instant Pot beeps perform a QUICK release by turning the black knob to VENTING.
Once the silver pin drops carefully open the pot.
Stir in the almond flour, cardamom, saffron, and sugar.
Press saute mode and cook the halwa for 5-6 minutes until it thickens and most milk is evaporated.
Give it a taste check and add more sugar if needed.
Stir in a teaspoon of coconut oil for a lovely shine and rich taste.
Press cancel and remove the inner pot from the Instant Pot and place it on a potholder to cool.
Remember the carrot halwa thickens as it cools down.
Serve in bowls with lots of nuts on the top.
Notes
Important tips to make the best carrot halwa
For quick and efficient homemade carrot halwa I highly recommend using two kitchen gadgets -
A food processor
An Instant Pot (or stovetop Pressure cooker)
On your shredding disc use the side with big holes (not the fine one) to grate the carrots.Choice of carrots.Use thin juicy carrots that are sweet in taste to make the best tasting carrot halwa.Milk used matters.Use the combination of almond milk and almond meal or flour for rich taste.Do not skip the flavoring.Cardamom and saffron are needed for the authentic tasting halwa.Add some oil after cookingA touch of coconut oil towards the end gives a nice shine and intensifies the taste of carrot halwa.
Possible substitutes to make Vegan Carrot Halwa –
Swap Almond milk with cashew milk.If you have a nut allergy then use a combination of oat / soy milk and full fat coconut milk .Use 2 tablespoons ground sunflower seed meal instead of almond meal or cook the halwa for extra 3-4 minutes.Swap almond milk and almond meal completely by using ¾ cups vegan sweetened condensed milk.Substitute carrots for beets and make beetroot halwa.
How to store gajar halwa?
Carrot halwa stays well in the fridge for 4 days.You may freeze it in one time use freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
How to serve Carrot halwa?
Simply scoop it out in small bowls and garnish it with nuts and edible flower petals (optional).It tastes great hot or cold.If you want to serve it as I did then here is what you do.Grease a bowl lightly with coconut oil.Put a parchment round at the bottom of the bowl.Scoop in the halwa and let it cool in the fridge for a few hours.Run a knife around the inner edges of the bowl and turn the bowl upside down.Gently give a tap on the top and the halwa should come right off.You can even use dessert rings or mini cheesecake pan to set the halwa like so.