Peel the bottle gourd and grate it finely. Ensure that you remove the soft core with seeds. Once grated, squeeze out extra water using your hands. This step is crucial, as it prevents the halwa from becoming too runny during cooking.
In a heavy-bottomed non-stick pan, pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle boil. Keep stirring occasionally so that the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom or form a layer on top. Allow it to simmer and reduce slightly.
Add the grated lauki to the boiling milk. Stir well and let it cook on medium heat. Keep stirring every few minutes so the mixture doesn’t stick. The lauki will soften, and the milk will slowly absorb its flavour while thickening.
Once the lauki is well-cooked and most of the milk has reduced, add sugar. Stir continuously as the sugar melts. The mixture will loosen up a little but will thicken again as it cooks. Keep scraping the sides of the pan and mixing in the solids for a creamy texture.
Add green cardamom powder and mix it evenly through the halwa. The cardamom will release a sweet aroma, balancing the richness of milk and sugar. Switch off the heat once the halwa thickens to your liking.
Transfer the halwa to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins. You can serve it hot for a comforting taste or chilled for a refreshing festive dessert.
Serve halwa in small dessert bowls topped with nuts for a festive touch.
Best enjoyed after a rich Indian thali or festive meal.
Use slivered almonds, cashews, and raisins for a nutty crunch
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