As the vibrant festival of Navratri approaches in 2024, devotees prepare to honor Maa Durga with devotion, fasting, and, of course, delicious food. One delightful dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of this celebration is Lauki Ki Kheer (Bottle Gourd Pudding). This sweet treat not only satisfies your cravings but also offers a nutritious twist to traditional desserts.
Lauki Ki Kheer is a creamy, indulgent dessert made from grated bottle gourd, milk, sugar, and flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom. This dish is not only delicious but also light, making it suitable for the fasting period during Navratri.
Ingredients of Lauki Ki Kheer 1 medium-sized lauki (bottle gourd)
1 liter of full-fat milk
3/4 cup of sugar (adjust to taste)
4-5 green cardamom pods (crushed)
A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds) for garnishing
2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
Saffron strands (optional)
How to Make Lauki Ki KheerTo start, peel and grate the lauki using a grater. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the ghee and add the grated bottle gourd, sautéing it for a few minutes until it softens. Next, pour in the full-fat milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the milk to thicken and the flavors to meld.
After the milk thickens, add the sugar and crushed cardamom, stirring well to combine. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes until the kheer reaches your desired consistency. If you like, you can add a few strands of saffron for an added touch of luxury.
Once done, remove the kheer from the heat and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm or chilled, according to your preference.