LAUKI HALWA ( BOTTLE GOURD HALWA)

Serves 4

Time: 45-60 minutes

2-3 bottle gourd grated ( 1 1/2 cups ) squeezed 

2 tbs butter

1 tsp crushed cardamom

A pinch of saffron

1 1/2 to 2 cups milk

2 tbs flaked almonds

1/4 cup caster sugar

A pinch of green colour ( optional)

Method 

First, peel the gourds and cut off the seeds part. Grate it well and squeeze the moisture as much as you can.

  

                                                         

Heat a heavy bottom based pan. Add the butter and cook the grated gourd in it on medium heat till it's dry and most of the moisture is evaporated. This process can take about 15 minutes, so be patient.

Now add the milk, saffron and the green colour and cook further for 10 minutes. ( again be patient) 

After 10 minutes of cooking add in the sugar and crushed cardamom and mix. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Add in half of the flake almonds and give it a last stir.

Serve it warm or cold with other half flaked almonds and a bit of saffron if you want, garnished on top. I like it cold.