Doodhi(Bottleguard) Halwa
Doodhi Halwa, also known as Lauki Halwa or Bottle Gourd Halwa, is a popular Indian dessert made from grated bottle gourd, sugar, and ghee (clarified butter). It's flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios.
FESTIVAL SPECIAL
By Kirti Guruji
9/4/20232 min read
Here's a step-by-step recipe to make Doodhi Halwa:
Ingredients:
2 cups grated bottle gourd (doodhi or lauki)
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
2-3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup milk powder
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
A pinch of saffron strands (optional, for garnish)
A few raisins (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Bottle Gourd:
1.Peel and grate the bottle gourd. Squeeze out any excess water from the grated bottle gourd using a clean kitchen cloth or your hands. This step is crucial to prevent the halwa from becoming watery.
Cook the Bottle Gourd:
2.Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai.
3.Add the grated bottle gourd to the pan and sauté it on medium heat until it turns translucent and soft. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
4.Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5.Once the bottle gourd is cooked and has reduced in volume, add sugar to it.
6.Continue to cook on medium heat and stir well. The sugar will melt and release moisture.
7.When the sugar has completely melted, add cardamom powder for flavour.
Cook and Stir:
8.Keep stirring the mixture continuously until it thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan. This can take around 15-20 minutes.Add Milk Powder,mix it then add milk .Pour in the milk and stir well. The halwa will become a bit more liquidy.
Cook Until Thickened:
10.Continue to cook and stir until the halwa thickens again. It should reach a consistency where it can be easily shaped and doesn't stick to the pan.
Garnish:
Add the chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews) and mix them into the halwa.
You can also add a few saffron strands for color and flavor and some raisins if you like.
Serve:
Remove the Doodhi Halwa from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Serve warm, garnished with more chopped nuts and saffron strands if desired.
Doodhi Halwa can be enjoyed as it is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.