Lauki (bottle gourd) halwa

Servings:
Preparation time: 8-10 minutes.
Cooking time: 22-25 minutes.
Total time: 35 minutes.

“Bottle Gourd Halwa”, popularly known as “Lauki ka Halwa” in Hindi, is a rich and traditional Indian dessert that celebrates the humble bottle gourd (lauki or doodhi) in a sweet, creamy, luscious dessert infused with cardamom and garnished with nuts. In this version, I added khoa lends a luxurious texture and enhances the richness of the halwa, making it even more indulgent.

Traditionally made during festive occasions, fasts (vrat), or family gatherings, this halwa showcases how a simple vegetable, often overlooked in sweet dishes, can be turned into a delectable treat with the right technique and ingredients. Its soft texture, flavor, and light green color make it both visually appealing and pleasing to the palate.

Bottle Gourd Halwa is not only delicious but also offers some health benefits due to the high water content and cooling properties of the vegetable, making it a perfect dessert for both summer and winter indulgence.

Relish the real taste of bottle gourd; Yummy –yummy, tasty- tasty Lauki (bottle gourd) halwa…

Ingredients:

Lauki (bottle gourd): 400 gm
Milk: 400 gm.
Khoa/ condense milk: 200 gm
Sugar: 100 gm
Ghee: 20 gm.
Green cardamom: 5-6 no.
Apple green colour: optional
Dry fruits: as per your taste

Preparation:

Peel off and grate the lauki with the help of grater/food processor, keep aside.
Crush green cardamom, and keep aside.

Method:

Heat half quantity of ghee in a pan; Put crushed cardamom in the ghee, add grated lauki stir fry for couple of minutes on high flame, add milk and cook for 10-12 minutes or until lauki is done, that is milk is evaporated.
Add sugar; cook about 5-7 minutes, add Khoa stir fry for couple of minutes and add leftover ghee.
Fry till halwa consistency reached; add colour, put off the flame, garnish with cardamom powder and dry fruits.
‘Delicious Lauki (bottle gourd) halwa’ is ready to serve.