Bottle gourd is known as lauki or ghiya in hindi and lau in Assamese. So, this Indian dessert is known by the name lauki halwa or dudhi halwa. You can make this lauki halwa during religious fasting days also like Navratri fast or Ekadashi. This is a traditional Indian dessert that is almost all the North Indian households during special occasions. Using bottle gourd / lauki , this delicious halwa will surely satisfy your taste buds.
We Indian tend to make different varieties of Halwa , be it a festival, a special occasion, or a wedding , a halwa will always be on the menu. And why not as they are so delicious and rich, and very easy to prepare with minimal ingredients. This is the reason I love making a halwa. And, I'm pretty sure that you will fall in love with my version of creamy lauki halwa.
Ingredients:
2 cups grated lauki (bottle gourd)
1/2 tin condensed milk
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
5-6 almonds, chopped
5-6 cashews
5-6 raisins
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
Green food color (optional)
Method:
Add grated lauki with milk in pressure cooker and cook till 2-3 whistles.
Let it cool down, now add in a blender and blend it till you get creamy texture.
Now heat a pan over medium heat , add ghee and pour this lauki mixture, stir it continuously. Simmer the flame and fry on low heat, add milk maid and all dry fruits, cardamom powder. Cook till you get the thick consistency.
Once it is done , garnish it with chopped nuts and silver leaf to give a rich look.