Lauki Halwa, also known as Bottle Gourd Halwa or Doodhi Halwa, is a traditional Indian sweet that is rich, creamy, and delicious. Made with grated bottle gourd, milk, sugar, and ghee, this dessert is often flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts. It is a popular festive sweet, enjoyed especially during Diwali, Navratri, and other celebrations.
Why You’ll Love Lauki Halwa
-
A healthy twist to traditional halwa recipes.
-
Perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
-
Can be served warm or chilled.
-
Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
Key Ingredients
-
Lauki (Bottle Gourd) – Fresh, tender, and peeled.
-
Milk – Gives the halwa its creamy base.
-
Sugar – Adds the right amount of sweetness.
-
Ghee – Enhances flavor and richness.
-
Cardamom Powder – For aroma and taste.
-
Dry Fruits – Cashews, almonds, and raisins for garnish.
Health Benefits of Lauki Halwa
-
Lauki is low in calories and easy to digest.
-
Rich in fiber and vitamins.
-
A lighter option compared to other heavy Indian desserts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lauki Halwa as a warm dessert after meals or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat. It pairs beautifully with festive thalis and can also be offered as prasad.
Tips for Perfect Lauki Halwa
-
Choose a tender, fresh bottle gourd without too many seeds.
-
Always squeeze out excess water after grating lauki.
-
Slow-cook the halwa in milk for the best taste and texture.
-
Garnish with roasted nuts for added crunch.
Conclusion
Lauki Halwa is a delightful Indian sweet that combines tradition, taste, and health in every bite. Whether for festivals, family gatherings, or a simple sweet craving, this halwa never fails to impress. Try making it at home and enjoy the goodness of bottle gourd in a whole new way!
Lauki halwa
Equipment
- 1 Grater
- 1 Pan
Ingredients
- 1 medium Lauki / Bottle gourd
- 2 Cups Milk
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 2 tbsp Ghee
- 1 tsp Cardamom powder
For garnish
- 1 to 2 tbsp Ghee
- 1 tsp Chironji
- 1 tbsp Chopped Almonds
- 1 tbsp Chopped Cashews
- 1 tbsp Dried rose petals
Instructions
- Cut the lauki (bottle gourd) into half, peel the skin, and grate it.
- Remove and discard the central white portion with seeds.
- Heat ghee in a pan and add the grated lauki.
- Sauté until all the water or moisture evaporates.
- Add milk and cook the lauki until soft.
- Mix in cardamom powder for flavor.
- Continue cooking until the milk is fully absorbed.
- Add sugar; the mixture will release water but will thicken as it cooks.
- Chop almonds and cashews into small pieces.
- Heat ghee in a small pan, roast chironji, then add the chopped nuts.
- Roast on medium flame until golden.
- Garnish the lauki halwa with roasted nuts and chironji.
- Optionally, sprinkle dried rose petals for a festive touch.
INSTRUCTIONS
-
Cut the lauki (bottle gourd) into half, peel the skin, and grate it. Remove and discard the central white portion with seeds.
- Heat ghee in a pan and add the grated lauki.
- Sauté until all the water or moisture evaporates.
- Add milk and cook the lauki until soft.
- Mix in cardamom powder for flavour.
- Continue cooking until the milk is fully absorbed.
- Add sugar; the mixture will release water but will thicken as it cooks.
- Subsequently, the halwa will get cooked.
- The Lauki halwa is almost done.
- Chop almonds and cashews into small pieces.
- Heat ghee in a small pan, roast chironji.
- Add the chopped Almonds and Cashews, roast it in medium flame.
- Garnish the lauki halwa with roasted nuts and chironji.
- Optionally, sprinkle dried rose petals for a festive touch.
