Mumbai: Lauki Halwa, also known as Dudhi Halwa, is a delectable and rich dessert that beautifully balances flavours, texture, and nutrition. Made with grated lauki (bottle gourd), full-cream milk, khoya, and nuts, this sweet dish is a traditional favourite, often prepared during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions.
While lauki is commonly used in savoury dishes, its mild flavour makes it a perfect ingredient for desserts like halwa and burfi.
This easy-to-make yet flavoursome halwa is cooked slowly in desi ghee, allowing the ingredients to meld together to create a creamy, aromatic, and indulgent dessert. The addition of cardamom, sugar, and nuts enhances its taste, making it a perfectly comforting sweet treat for all age groups.
Lauki Halwa Recipe
Serves 4
Cooking time: 40 mins
(Recipe by Chef Kunal Kapur)
Ingredients
- Bottle gourd (Lauki) – 1 medium-sized
- Desi ghee – 2 tablespoons
- Full cream milk – 1 litre
- Cardamom powder – ½ teaspoon
- Sugar – 4 tablespoons (adjust as per taste)
- Khoya (Grated) – ½ cup
- Chopped nuts (Almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins) – A handful
Method
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Step 1: Preparing the lauki
Begin by peeling the bottle gourd and cutting it into large chunks. Remove the soft, seedy core from the center and discard it, as it may alter the texture of the halwa. Using a thick grater, grate the lauki and keep it aside. It is essential to grate it quickly to prevent discolouration and retain freshness.
Step 2: Cooking the lauki
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai on medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of desi ghee. Once the ghee melts, immediately add the grated lauki and start sautéing it on a low flame. Cooking it slowly in ghee helps to remove excess moisture and enhances its aroma and flavour. Stir continuously and cook for 5 minutes until it softens slightly.
Step 3: Adding milk and cardamom
Pour in 1 litre of full-cream milk and add ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The lauki will absorb the milk, giving the halwa a rich and creamy consistency.
Step 4: Sweetening the halwa
Add 4 tablespoons of sugar and mix well. Continue cooking on a low flame, stirring at intervals, until the milk reduces significantly and thickens. This step allows the halwa to develop a naturally sweet and luscious texture. You can adjust the quantity of sugar depending on your preference.
Step 5: Adding khoya for a creamy texture
Once the mixture has thickened, add ½ cup of grated khoya. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes. The khoya enhances the richness and depth of flavour in the halwa, giving it a luxurious, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Step 6: Garnishing with nuts and serving
Finally, add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins for extra crunch and a nutty flavour. Mix everything well and cook for an additional minute.
Remove the Lauki Halwa from the heat and serve it hot or warm.
Tips for making perfect Lauki Halwa:
- Choose fresh lauki – Select a firm, tender, and light green bottle gourd without too many seeds, as overripe lauki can taste bitter.
- Use full-cream milk – This ensures a rich and creamy consistency for the halwa.
- Cook on low heat – Slow cooking enhances the flavours and prevents burning.
Lauki Halwa is not just a delicious dessert but also nutritious. Bottle gourd is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making this halwa a healthy indulgence. The addition of milk, nuts, and khoya further enhances its nutritional value, making it an excellent option for festive treats, celebrations, or simply when you crave something sweet yet wholesome.
So, next time you have bottle gourd at home, don’t just make a curry—try this delightful Lauki Halwa and surprise your family with a unique and traditional Indian dessert! Lauki Halwa is a classic Indian dessert made with grated bottle gourd, milk, ghee, and khoya, creating a rich, flavourful, and nutritious treat. Perfect for festivals, celebrations, or a comforting homemade sweet, its melt-in-the-mouth texture and divine taste make it truly irresistible. Try this easy recipe and enjoy the wholesome goodness of this beloved dessert! Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
