Lauki ka Halwa (Bottle Gourd Halwa) is a delicious and nutritious Indian dessert made with grated bottle gourd, milk, sugar, and ghee. It’s a perfect sweet dish for festivals, special occasions, or when you crave something warm and comforting.
Ingredients
• 2 cups lauki (bottle gourd), grated
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 cups full-fat milk
• ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 8-10 cashews, chopped
• 8-10 almonds, sliced
• 8-10 raisins
• 1 tablespoon grated khoya (optional, for richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lauki
1. Peel and grate the bottle gourd. Squeeze out excess water using your hands or a muslin cloth.
Step 2: Cook the Lauki
1. Heat ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add the grated lauki and sauté for 5–7 minutes until it softens and the raw smell disappears.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cook
1. Pour in the milk and cook on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Let it simmer until the milk reduces and thickens (about 15–20 minutes).
Step 4: Sweeten the Halwa
1. Add sugar and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the halwa thickens.
2. Stir in cardamom powder, cashews, almonds, and raisins. Mix well.
3. (Optional) Add grated khoya for extra richness and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 5: Serve
1. Garnish with more chopped nuts and serve warm.
2. Enjoy lauki ka halwa as a dessert after meals or as a festive treat!
Tips for the Best Lauki Halwa
• Always squeeze out excess water from lauki before cooking to prevent a watery halwa.
• Use full-fat milk or khoya for a richer taste.
• You can replace sugar with jaggery for a healthier version.
Enjoy this traditional, aromatic, and creamy Lauki ka Halwa with your loved ones!