Doodhi Halwa

A rich and traditional Indian dessert, Doodhi Halwa (Bottle Gourd Halwa) is made by slow-cooking grated doodhi with milk, sugar, ghee, and flavored with cardamom and saffron.

Ingredients

• 1 kg doodhi (bottle gourd)
• 1½ litres milk
• 400–500 g sugar
• 1 tbsp ghee
• ½ tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
• A few strands of saffron

Method

1. Peel and grate the doodhi.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine the grated doodhi and milk. Boil until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
3. Once it begins to thicken, stir continuously to avoid sticking.
4. Add sugar and continue cooking until the mixture thickens further.
5. Stir in ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron. Cook on low heat until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan and ghee begins to separate.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped almonds or pistachios.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm as a festive sweet or serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.