Badam halwa, or almond halwa, is a rich and decadent dessert made with almonds, milk, and sugar. Traditionally, it is made by soaking, peeling, and grinding the almonds, which are then slow-cooked for at least an hour. In this recipe, I am sharing an easy, fuss-free method of making this indulgent halwa using a shortcut method (Instant Pot) and a shortcut ingredient (almond meal).
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About this recipe
Badam halwa, or almond halwa, is a rich and decadent dessert made with almonds, milk, sugar, and ghee. Traditionally, it is made by soaking, peeling, and grinding the almonds, which are then slow-cooked for at least an hour. In this recipe, I am sharing an easy, fuss-free method of making this indulgent halwa using a shortcut method (Instant Pot) and a shortcut ingredient (almond meal).
This Instant Pot almond halwa is ready in 15 minutes and is suitable for beginners. It is perfect for gatherings and also festivals and celebrations. This delectable halwa is easy to make using an IP and is suitable for beginners. I am making this using almond meal (not almond flour), which gives it the perfect texture. The result is a delicious dessert with minimal effort. The taste and texture are like what you achieve after hours of labor.
Read on for ingredients, useful tips, and step-by-step instructions to make this shortcut badam halwa in an Instant Pot. Click here for my collection of Instant Pot Indian desserts.
What is halwa
Halwa is a dense, sweet confection that is popular across India. They are prepared both at festivals and for day-to-day dessert cravings. It originates from the Middle East and is derived from the Arabic word 'Hulw', which means sweetmeat. Despite its origin, it is loved by Indians immensely.
Halwa is usually made by simmering something in milk - a grain, fruit, or vegetable (like pumpkin halwa or kashi halwa). An all-time favorite for Indians is gajar ka halva (made with grated carrots). You will mostly find halwa garnished with nuts and raisins that are fried in ghee.
Ingredients
Almond meal: This is the main ingredient to make the halwa.
Ghee: Use store-bought or homemade ghee.
Milk: I use whole milk; however, low-fat milk can also be used.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step instructions
1. Set the Instant Pot to saute mode (low) and add two tablespoons of ghee.
2. Once the ghee melts, add the almond meal. Saute for 2 minutes.
3. Add saffron milk, ¾ cup milk, and 1½ cup water. Mix well making sure there are no lumps.
4. Secure the lid of the IP and set it to pressure cook mode (low) for 3 minutes. Do a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
6. Turn the Instant Pot on saute mode (normal). Add sugar and ¼ cup ghee. Mix well and keep stirring.
8. Continue stirring until the halwa thickens and the ghee releases from the sides. This will take approximately 9-10 minutes.
9. Add cardamom powder and mix well.
10. To check if it is done, cool a small portion of halwa and roll it using your fingers. It should come together like a soft ball.
Useful tips
I am using almond meal, which gives a grainy texture. You may use almond flour for smooth halwa, although almond meal works better and gives the same result as the traditional method.
I am making this halwa in an 8-quart Instant Pot. If you use a smaller IP, reduce the amount of water by ¼ cup.
This dessert is very rich and has a smaller serving size. The measurements I am using here can give you up to 6 servings; however, you can adjust them as per your preference.
Ensure the Instant Pot's lid and sealing ring is cleaned thoroughly. I set aside a spare sealing ring that I use to make sweets.
Do not cut back on ghee, as this may change the taste and texture of the halwa.
After adding sugar and ghee, it is important to keep stirring until the halwa thickens. The halwa is done once the ghee begins to release from the sides and the halwa comes together.
Cool a small portion of halwa and roll it using your fingers to check if it is done. It should come together like a soft ball (see step-by-step image below).
The amount of sugar I add gives me a mildly sweet halwa. You can increase the sugar to ¾ cup for a sweeter version.
Once the halwa is done, remove the inner pot immediately and transfer it to a bowl. If we leave the halwa in the IP pot, it may overcook in the residual heat and burn.
Check out this recipe to make healthy and delicious badam doodh.
FAQs
No. Almond meal has a slightly coarser texture when compared to almond flour. It also has a darker color when compared to almond flour. Almond meal uses unpeeled almonds, whereas almond flour is made using blanched and peeled almonds.
Always serve it warm or at room temperature. Do not sever it cold as ghee sets and thickens the halwa.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days. This halwa also freezes well too. Portion it and freeze for up to three months. Reheat the halwa in a saucepan on low heat.
Skip the milk and replace it with almond milk. Replace the sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners, like monk fruit sweeteners.
No. This recipe calls for ghee and milk. If you want to make it vegan, use vegan butter instead of ghee and nut-based milk, although I have not tried making the vegan version.
Bonus
This Instant Pot badam halwa is:
- rich, decadent, and delicious
- easy to make
- perfect for festivals and celebrations
If you tried this Badam Halwa Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Recipe card
Instant Pot Badam Halwa (with almond meal)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup almond meal (125 grams)
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons ghee
- ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
- 1½ cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon saffron
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon milk until it is warm and add saffron. Mix well and set it aside
- Set the Instant Pot to saute mode (low) and add 2 tablespoons of ghee
- Once the ghee melts, add the almond meal. Saute for 2 minutes
- Add saffron milk, ¾ cup milk, and 1½ cup water. Mix well making sure there are no lumps
- Secure the lid of the IP and set it to pressure cook mode (low) for 2 minutes
- Do a natural release of pressure for 5 minutes, then do a quick release
- Turn the Instant Pot on saute mode (normal)
- Add sugar and ¼ cup ghee. Mix well and keep stirring
- Continue stirring until the halwa thickens and the ghee begins to release from the sides. This will take approximately 9-10 minutes (see step-by-step images)
- Add cardamom powder and mix well
- Serve halwa warm
Jean says
Interesting Indian dessert, its looks easy and delicious. Excited to try this.
Jennifer says
Cannot wait to give this a try. I love finding desserts that sound amazing but I have never had the chance to try them.
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
Desserts from other cultures are always so interesting. This badam halwa sounds like a simple and delicious dessert to make!
Emily Flint says
Almond is one of my favorite flavors and this dessert sounds delicious. I love all of your Instant Pot recipes!!
Kalin Williams says
This sounds incredible! I've never had this dessert before but I definitely want to give it a shot
nancy says
interesting indian dessert that's super tasty! pinned for later
Kayla DiMaggio says
This badam halwa was so delicious and easy to make! Full of bold flavors!
Natalie says
Wow, this sounds so delicious. Saffron and added cardamon... yum, it's such a nice dessert. I never tried anything like this but now I definitely want to try this halwa. I will just swap sugar for a low-carb one. Making this for sure.
Katie says
I absolutely adore this recipe!! I seriously could eat it everyday!
Joshua says
This almond halwa was so tasty! It didn't take much for me to make at all. Everything was simple and straightforward.
nancy says
dessert with almonds, milk, sugar ? count me in!
Anaiah says
This badam halwa was an incredibly easy dessert to make. It was delicious! Definitely going to make again soon.