Meena's Taste Mantra

Lauki Halwa | Bottlegourd Fudge

This dates back to even before I existed in this mortal form. Amma Appa had helped Appa's colleague in getting married to his soul mate and after their marriage they were at our home for few days. When Uncle got settled in his home, Aunty had invited Amma Appa for lunch. Aunty had prepared garma garam Pooris | Puris along with Lauki Halwa. This was a first for both Amma and Appa and they loved it.

Since then, this dish has also got its due place in Amma's long list of Sweets! Sometimes Amma also makes Lauki Burfi. This is usually when we make this for family and friends who take them along while on travel.

It has been nearly a year since Amma made this delicious dessert. Since I had got 2 lovely tender Laukis yesterday, she decided to make little bit of this yummy Halwa for today's Friday Naivedhyam!

INGREDIENTS

2 cups Lauki | Doodhi | Bottlegourd, peeled and grated

1/2 cup Milk

3/4 cup Sugar

10 Black Raisins

10 Almond, finely sliced

10 Pistachios, finely sliced
10 Cashewnuts, finely chopped and fired in ghee

1/2 tsp Elaichi | Cardamom Powder

2 tsp Homemade Ghee | Clarified Butter

METHOD

In a thick bottomed kadhai or non-stick pan, add the grated Lauki and milk. Mix well.
Cook on medium flame till the lauki is cooked.
Add sugar and continuously mix the Lauki Halwa till the sugar mixes with the Lauki and the halwa becomes semi dry, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
Add Homemade Ghee | Clarified Butter and mix well. Saute till a nice aroma wafts across.
Add raisins and nuts and mix well. Keep aside few raisins and nuts for garnish.
Spread the Lauki Halwa along the surface of the pan so that any remaining water content also gets evaporated.
Turn off the gas after 1 minute.
Add elaichi powder and mix well. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Garnish with remaining raisins and nuts.
Serve hot!

A great way to ensure all relish this wonderful veggie! This is easy to make and can be made when you have guests visiting you out of the blue! This can also be made as a Diwali Special Item. You can shape the Lauki Halwa into individual serving size portions and place them within attractive muffin liners! Hope you relish this with your loved ones!

Note:

You can adjust sugar as per your preference, just ensure that after incorporating sugar, the water is fully evaporated to get the right texture of Lauki Halwa!

About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.