Introduction

Today, carrot halwa is a very popular dessert in India, and people especially enjoy it during the winter months. This dish is made with several ingredients such as milk, carrots, sugar, and ghee, which evoke nostalgic memories. Traditionally, it’s cooked slowly in a heavy pan, requiring a considerable amount of time. However, not everyone has that much time to spare.

This is where the pressure cooker method comes in handy. It not only makes carrot halwa quickly but is also perfect for beginners. And you can make it just the way you like it, or just like the kind you find in restaurants. You can make it for festivals or simply for your family, and the pressure cooker method makes it much faster.

In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to make carrot halwa using a pressure cooker, along with instructions on how to store it. This article explains everything in detail ,how to make gajar ka halwa in cooker

Why Make Gajar Ka Halwa in a Cooker?

There are several advantages to making carrot halwa in a pressure cooker:

This method allows for faster cooking and saves time.

The carrots cook evenly and soften quickly.

Less stirring is required.

If you’re a busy person but still want to make carrot halwa, using a pressure cooker is a great option.

If you want to enjoy traditional flavors with modern convenience, the pressure cooker method is ideal.

Ingredients Required

Below are the ingredients needed to make gajar ka halwa for 3 to 4 servings:

1 kg fresh carrots (red or desi carrots preferred)

1 liter full-cream milk

¾ cup sugar (adjust as per taste)

3 tablespoons ghee

½ teaspoon cardamom powder

10–12 cashews (chopped)

10–12 almonds (sliced)

1 tablespoon raisins

Optional: ½ cup crumbled khoya or 3 tablespoons condensed milk

Kitchen Tools Needed

Pressure cooker

Grater

Spatula or spoon

Measuring cups

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Gajar Ka Halwa in Cooker

Step 1: Preparing the Carrots

First, take the carrots and wash them thoroughly to remove all the dirt.

Then peel the carrots and grate them using a fine grater. If you can find fresh carrots, use those, as they contain more juice, which gives the carrot halwa a better flavor.

Step 2: Cooking Carrots and Milk in Cooker

Next, take a good pressure cooker and add the milk to the grated carrots. Mix well so the milk is evenly distributed, then close the lid of the pressure cooker.

Cook on low heat until two whistles are heard. Then turn off the heat and remove the cooker from the stove. Let the pressure release naturally; do not open it immediately.

When you open it, you will see that the carrots have softened and the milk has reduced slightly.

Step 3: Sautéing the Mixture

Then, place the pressure cooker back on the heat without the lid. Stir the carrots and milk mixture continuously, as this allows the excess moisture to evaporate. This step enhances the flavor and thickens the halwa, which is essential.

If it starts sticking to the bottom, keep stirring to prevent it from burning.

Step 4: Adding Sugar

Now, add the sugar to the mixture and mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Don’t worry if the mixture becomes thinner after adding the sugar.

Then, cook the halwa until it thickens again. Keep stirring throughout this process, which should take about 5 to 8 minutes.

Step 5: Adding Ghee and Flavoring

Then add the ghee to the mixture and mix well again. Cook it for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the halwa starts to leave the sides of the pressure cooker.

If you want to add fragrance, add cardamom and mix well again.

Step 6: Roasting Dry Fruits

Now, if you want to add dry fruits, take a pan, add a tablespoon of ghee (or as much as needed), and heat it. Then lightly roast the cashews, almonds, and raisins until they turn golden brown. Add them to the halwa and mix well so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Optional Rich Touch

If you want a rich and delicious taste, you can use either crumbled khoya (reduced milk solids) or condensed milk at this stage. Then stir continuously and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

And that’s it! Your carrot halwa is ready, and it tastes just like the one from a restaurant.

Cooking Time & Serving Size

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes

Total Time: Around 45 minutes

Servings: 3–4 people

Tips for Perfect Gajar Ka Halwa

Always use good quality carrots if you want to make delicious carrot halwa.

And never add sugar before pressure cooking, because if you do, the carrots won’t soften properly.

If the halwa starts to burn, open the pressure cooker and stir it before continuing to cook.

You can add ghee according to your preference.

And using full-cream milk will give it a much better texture. how to make gajar ka halwa in cooker, you can make gajar ka halwa only in 7 steps.

Variations You Can Try

1. Gajar Ka Halwa Without Milk

Cook carrots with water instead of milk and add khoya later for richness.

2. Sugar-Free Gajar Ka Halwa

If you want to make it even better, you can use jaggery instead of sugar.

3. Vegan Gajar Ka Halwa

If you prefer, you can use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk, and also use plant-based ghee.

4. Restaurant-Style Gajar Ka Halwa

For enhanced flavor, extra ghee and khoya are added, and you can add them too. how to make gajar ka halwa in cooker, you can make gajar ka halwa only in 7 steps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding the sugar too early

Overcooking after adding the sugar

Not stirring after pressure cooking

Using old or dry carrots

Cooking on very high heat

Tip: If you make any of these mistakes, the carrot halwa will not turn out correctly. how to make gajar ka halwa in cooker, you can make very easily.If you like, you can also try the gulab jamun recipe, which is also a sweet dish.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Always store carrot halwa in an airtight container. Otherwise, the taste will spoil.

You can store it in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days if you wish.

Then, when you’re ready to serve it, add some milk and heat it in a pan or microwave.

Always stir while reheating to ensure even heating. how to make gajar ka halwa in cooker, you can make very easily.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Calories: 280–320 kcal

Carbohydrates: 35–40 g

Fat: 12–15 g

Protein: 6–8 g

Gajar ka halwa is rich in vitamin A, calcium, and antioxidants when eaten in moderation.