Lauki (bottle gourd) ki kheer

Servings: 4-6
Preparation time: 15 minutes.
Frying time: 15-20 minutes.
Cooking time: 15 minutes.
Total time: 50 minutes.

Simple yet divine; “Lauki (bottle gourd) ki kheer” is one of those desserts that surprises you with its elegance.

I still remember that this kheer cooked by my aunt, first time I had many decades in my childhood. No words can tell how much tasty it was!

Tender strands of bottle gourd cooked in creamy milk, flavoured with cardamom, and finished with nuts that add the perfect crunch. What makes her version so awesome is the balance; light, healthy, and soulful, yet indulgent enough to feel festive. Whether served warm or chilled, her Lauki Kheer is a bowl of comfort and celebration in every bite.

“Lauki (bottle gourd) ki kheer” is very healthy and one of the popular dishes of Indian cuisine. This is suitable for all age group; the chilled kheer is ideal food for summer.

Lauki (bottle gourd) has wonderful cooling properties, keep body well hydrated. It has anti ageing and slimming properties. We get quick dose of calcium and protein.

Ingredients:

Lauki (Bottle gourd): 500 gm
Milk: 1 liter
Ghee (Clarified butter): 2 tablespoon
Condensed milk/Khoa: 200 gm
Pistachio: 10 no.
Almond: 10 no.
Fresh coconut: ¼ no.
Saffron: 1 pinch
Green cardamom: 4 nos.

Preparation:

Peel out the lauki (bottle gourd). Grate with the help of grater /food processor; cook this grated lauki till 80% done.
Allow it to cool then squeeze gently and take out extra juice to reduce the wetness. Keep aside.
Slice Pistachio, almond. Keep aside.
Make powder of green cardamom. Keep aside.
Scrap coconut, keep aside.

Method:

Take a fry pan and heat it. Put ghee in it, when ghee is heated, add crushed cardamom. Wait for few second and add boiled and squeezed lauki (bottle gourd).
Fry for 15-20 minutes on medium/ low flame till it become light golden. Keep aside.
Boil the milk for 10-15 minutes, so that it reduces half and pour this milk into fried lauki (bottle gourd), further boil it for 4-5 minutes till you get the consistency of your choice.
Add Khoa, stir it continuously till it starts boiling, add sugar and let it boil for couple of minutes ,add half of dry fruits and saffron, let it boil for couple of minutes. Put off the flame.
Transfer into serving bowl and decorate with leftover dry fruits on it.
Now Lauki (bottle gourd) ki kheer is ready to serve.