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    Home » Recipes » Delicious Indian Desserts

    Instant Pot Badam Halwa (with almond meal)

    Published: Feb 2, 2022 · Modified: Sep 6, 2023 by Shilpa Kerur · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    5 from 38 votes

    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).

    instant pot badam halwa
    Jump to:
    • About this recipe
    • What is halwa
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Useful tips
    • FAQs
    • Bonus
    • Recipe card
    • Comments

    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.

    instant pot badam halwa

    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

    ingredients to make instant pot badam halwa

    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

    IP in saute made and add ghee.
    add almond meal.

    1. Set the Instant Pot to saute mode (low) and add two tablespoons of ghee.

    saute 2 minutes.
    saute 2 minutes.

    2. Once the ghee melts, add the almond meal. Saute for 2 minutes.

    add milk, saffron milk, and water.
    mix well.

    3. Add saffron milk, ¾ cup milk, and 1½ cup water. Mix well making sure there are no lumps.

    pressure cook 3 minutes.
    quick release the pressure.

    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.

    add sugar.
    add ghee.
    mix well.
    keep stirring.

    6. Turn the Instant Pot on saute mode (normal). Add sugar and ¼ cup ghee. Mix well and keep stirring.

    continue mixing.
    continue stirring.

    8. Continue stirring until the halwa thickens and the ghee releases from the sides. This will take approximately 9-10 minutes.

    halwqa thickens.
    instant pot badam halwa.

    9. Add cardamom powder and mix well.

    halwa done.
    instant pot badam halwa.

    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.

    instant pot badam halwa

    FAQs

    Is almond meal the same as almond flour?

    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.

    How to serve this almond halwa?

    Always serve it warm or at room temperature. Do not sever it cold as ghee sets and thickens the halwa.

    How to store badam 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.

    How to make this halwa suitable for the keto diet?

    Skip the milk and replace it with almond milk. Replace the sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners, like monk fruit sweeteners.

    Is this almond halwa vegan?

    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

    instant pot badam halwa

    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

    Top view of almond halwa.

    Instant Pot Badam Halwa (with almond meal)

    Badam halwa or almond halwa is a rich and decadent dessert made with almonds, milk, 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).
    5 from 38 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Author: Shilpa Kerur
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 6
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Video

    Notes

    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.
    Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Share it Today!Mention @easyindiancookbook or tag #easyindiancookbook!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jean says

      February 05, 2022 at 7:22 am

      5 stars
      Interesting Indian dessert, its looks easy and delicious. Excited to try this.

    2. Jennifer says

      February 05, 2022 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      Cannot wait to give this a try. I love finding desserts that sound amazing but I have never had the chance to try them.

    3. Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says

      February 05, 2022 at 10:53 am

      5 stars
      Desserts from other cultures are always so interesting. This badam halwa sounds like a simple and delicious dessert to make!

    4. Emily Flint says

      February 05, 2022 at 12:18 pm

      5 stars
      Almond is one of my favorite flavors and this dessert sounds delicious. I love all of your Instant Pot recipes!!

    5. Kalin Williams says

      February 05, 2022 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds incredible! I've never had this dessert before but I definitely want to give it a shot

    6. nancy says

      February 06, 2022 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      interesting indian dessert that's super tasty! pinned for later

    7. Kayla DiMaggio says

      February 07, 2022 at 10:09 am

      5 stars
      This badam halwa was so delicious and easy to make! Full of bold flavors!

    8. Natalie says

      February 07, 2022 at 11:03 am

      5 stars
      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.

    9. Katie says

      February 07, 2022 at 4:10 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely adore this recipe!! I seriously could eat it everyday!

    10. Joshua says

      February 08, 2022 at 5:14 am

      5 stars
      This almond halwa was so tasty! It didn't take much for me to make at all. Everything was simple and straightforward.

    11. nancy says

      February 08, 2022 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      dessert with almonds, milk, sugar ? count me in!

    12. Anaiah says

      February 08, 2022 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      This badam halwa was an incredibly easy dessert to make. It was delicious! Definitely going to make again soon.

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