Halwa or pudding is that one dish which is loved all over. The easy-to-make dish comes in varieties. A few of the most popular and loved ones are Sooji Halwa, Moong Dal Halwa, Besan Halwa and the winter special Gajar (Carrot) Halwa. Here, introducing everyone with a new variety adding up in the list is Lauki Halwa or Bottle Gourd Pudding. This is the healthier version of all the varieties available. This one just melts in the mouth and people who do not like bottle gourd in the curry form would definitely fall for this recipe.
The word Halwa is derived from the Arabic word ‘Hulw’ which means sweet. Halwa is believed to have originated in the lands of Arabia and was introduced to India via Persia. This Middle Eastern dessert was originally prepared from date paste and milk. Even though this recipe comes from the roots of Arabia but the way Indians accepted and cherished this dish, it feels no less than Indian. It left such an influence on Indians that even the sweet confectioners in this country are known as ‘Halwai’. This dish came to India and connected everyone together. Even brides choose this magical dish for their first rasoi to impress their in-laws and connect everyone in the family with sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 Bottle Gourd
- 4 Tbsp Ghee
- 1/2 Litre Full Fat Milk
- 3/4th Cup Sugar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 200 gm Khoya
- A pinch of Green Food Colour
- 2 Tbsp Raisin
- 2 Tbsp Cashew Nuts
- 2 Tbsp Almonds
- 2 Tbsp Chiraunji
Method of Preparation:
- Wash and peel a bottle gourd and remove the seeds. After removing the seeds, cut it into big pieces and grate it
- Transfer the grated gourd into a vessel and water so that it does not turn black
- Now put a pressure cooker on the stove top and heat ghee
- Once the ghee gets heated, add the gourd removing all the water and stir it until it changes its colour and then add one-fourth teaspoon salt to balance the sugar. Stir it for further 5 minutes
- Add milk to it and mix well
- Pressure cook the gourd and milk together on low flame till 3 whistles
- Release the pressure and open the cooker and cook it open till the complete moisture gets dried
- Once the moisture gets dried, add sugar and cook until the sugar dissolves. Now add a pinch of green food colour and mix it well
- Add grated khoya and mix till it gets dissolved
- Now heat 2 Tbsp ghee in a pan and add all the chopped dry fruits to the pan and roast it
- Garnish the halwa with roasted dry fruits and enjoy
This sweet, healthy and tasty delicacy holds all the goodness and richness to be served in a bowl. This easy and full-of-benefits recipe is a must-try at home.
