When you crave something sweet and healthy, bottle gourd halwa is an excellent option. Children often refuse bottle gourd as a vegetable, but when presented as halwa, both adults and children relish it. Bottle gourd is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that help boost immunity.
If you haven't tried making bottle gourd halwa at home, you should definitely give it a try. This recipe is so simple that you can make it quickly and provide your family with a double dose of taste and health benefits.
Ingredients for Bottle Gourd Halwa
You don't need many ingredients to make bottle gourd halwa. You can make a healthy and tasty halwa using some basic household ingredients. The list below provides the name and quantity of each ingredient, making the recipe even easier to follow.
Ingredients
- Bottle Gourd – 1 medium-sized bottle gourd.
- Milk – 1 large cup (approximately 200-250 ml).
- Sugar – 1 cup or approximately 100 grams.
- Khoya (Mawa) – ½ cup or 50 grams.
- Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 2 tablespoons.
- Cardamom Powder – 1 teaspoon.
Method for Making Bottle Gourd Halwa
- Preparing the Bottle Gourd: Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the bottle gourd. Then, grate the bottle gourd. If the gourd is too watery, gently squeeze out excess water. This will ensure the halwa has the right consistency and prevents it from becoming too watery.
- Sautéing the Bottle Gourd in Ghee: In a deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the grated bottle gourd. Stir well and sauté for 5-7 minutes. When the bottle gourd starts to turn slightly golden, it indicates it's cooked and ready for the next step.
- Cooking with Milk: Now, add one cup of milk to the pan. Cook the milk over medium heat until it is completely absorbed. This enhances the taste and texture of the bottle gourd. After the milk dries, the bottle gourd will soften and take on the proper form for the halwa.
- Adding Khoya and Sugar: Once the milk has dried, add 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of khoya. Mix the sugar and khoya well. Continue stirring and cook for about 10 minutes, until the halwa starts to release ghee. This ensures the right texture and enhances the flavor.
- Adding Cardamom and Dry Fruits: Now, add cardamom powder and dry fruits like cashew nuts, almonds, and pistachios. Mix well and turn off the heat. The halwa is now ready.
Easy Tips to Make Bottle Gourd Halwa Even More Delicious
Here are some easy tips to make your bottle gourd halwa even more delicious. First, use the right amount of ghee, as it enhances the flavor. Sauté the bottle gourd well with 2 tablespoons of ghee. Adding khoya or mawa makes the halwa creamy and tastier. Cook the khoya well before adding it to the halwa. Dry fruits like cashew nuts, almonds, and pistachios can elevate the halwa's taste. Lightly roast them before adding for an enhanced flavor.
The right proportion of milk is crucial; too much milk can make the halwa thin, while too little can make it thick. Use one large cup of milk and cook it well. Cardamom powder adds a fragrant aroma, further enhancing the taste. Finally, add sugar gradually to ensure it dissolves properly and the halwa's taste remains balanced. By following these tips, you can make bottle gourd halwa that is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.
Bottle gourd halwa is a delicious and nutritious dessert enjoyed by people of all ages. Made with bottle gourd, milk, sugar, khoya, and ghee, this halwa is rich in vitamins and minerals, beneficial for health. Use these easy tips and add dry fruits and cardamom powder to enhance its taste.
