Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized Lauki (bottle gourd)
• 2 cups full-fat Milk
• 1/2 cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios, or your choice)
• A pinch of Saffron strands (optional)
• 1 tbsp Raisins (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lauki:
   • Peel the lauki (bottle gourd) and remove the seeds if they are hard.
   • Grate the lauki using a fine grater.
2. Cook the Lauki:
   • In a pan or kadhai, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee on medium heat.
   • Add the grated lauki to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it softens and releases some water.
3. Add Milk:
   • Once the lauki has softened, add the milk to the pan.
   • Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the milk reduces by half and thickens. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
4. Add Sugar:
   • Once the milk has reduced, add sugar to the mixture and stir well.
   • Continue cooking on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the ghee starts to separate from the sides.
5. Flavor the Halwa:
   • Add cardamom powder for fragrance and flavor. You can also add saffron strands soaked in a little warm milk for extra color and richness.
   • Stir the mixture well.
6. Final Touch:
   • In a separate small pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee and fry the chopped nuts and raisins until golden brown.
   • Add the fried nuts and raisins to the halwa, reserving a few for garnish.
7. Serve:
   • Once the halwa is thick and the ghee starts to separate, remove from heat.
   • Garnish with the remaining fried nuts and raisins.

Serve warm as a delicious dessert or snack. Enjoy your Lauki ka Halwa!

Lauki ka Halwa

Rating: 4/5

Preparation Time: 15 m
Cooking Time: 20 m
Total Time: 35 m