DOODHI HALWA (TRADITIONAL BOTTLE GOURD SWEET)

Doodhi Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert. Doodhi (Bottlegourd / Lauki) is cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar to make this absolutely delicious halwa. In India many types of halwa are made, like gajar halwa, sooji halwa, badam halwa, etc.

This is a famous dish from Maharashtra, just like the other sweet dishes such as Doohi vadyaa, Gajar halwa, Sheera, Modak, Saanjori, Puranpoli, etc. Doodhi itself does not have any specific taste as such and hence can be easily used to cook sweet as well as savoury dishes!

Many a times for doodhi halwa, mawa or khoya is used in the preparation process. Instead, I have cooked the halwa in lots of milk and added a little of fresh cream (malai), which too gives the halwa a delicious taste and lovely texture.

For some more delicious desserts, do take a look at the following recipes too….

1. Doodhi Sabudana Kheer
2. Date And Walnut Eggless Whole Wheat Brownie
3. Gaajar Halwa
4. Sheera (Sooji Ka Halwa)

Prep Time : 10 min

Cooking Time : 20 min

Serves : 4

INGREDIENTS :

• 2 1/4 cups Grated Bottle Gourd (250 gm ….. Lauki/Doodhi)
• 3/4 cups Milk
• 1 1/4 cups Sugar …. To be adjusted
• 1 pinch Saffron Strands (Kesar)
• 3/4 tsp Cardamom Powder
• 1 tbs Fresh Cream (Malai)
• Chopped Dry Fruits as desired
• 1 1/2 tbs Homemade Ghee

METHOD :

1. To make Doodhi Halwa, peel and grate the bottle gourd and immerse it in clean water.
2. Next, drain out all the water and squeeze out the grated bottle gourd and set aside.
3. Heat a pan and add 1 tbs homemade ghee to it.
4. When it heats up, add the grated bottle gourd and stir for 2-3 minutes.
5. Next, add the milk and mix well. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
6. Add the cardamom powder and cover and cook on medium flame for about 5 minutes.
7. Uncover and stir again. Add the sugar and saffron strands. Give it a good mix.
8. Increase the flame to high and cook stirring occasionally, till all the liquid evaporates.
9. When the mixture is almost dry, reduce the flame and check the consistency.
10. If it’s fairly thickened, add the chopped dry fruits and mix well.
11. Add in the remaining ghee and mix well.
12. Switch off the flame at this stage and let the halwa cool down.
13. Serve this delicious Doodhi Halwa either cold or hot, garnished with some more dry fruits, as a dessert during functions or just with a traditional meal during festivals!