Bottle Gourd Pudding

By: Admin Date: 19-May 2021 Reading Time: 3 Mins

Bottle Gourd Pudding is a unique and nutritious dessert that showcases the versatility of bottle gourd (lauki). This creamy pudding combines the natural sweetness of jaggery with the subtle flavor of cardamom, making it a delightful treat. Perfect as a light dessert, it is an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your diet while satisfying your sweet cravings.

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

200 grams peeled and grated bottle gourd (lauki)
250 ml milk
20 grams jaggery
10 grams rice flour
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
1 teaspoon ghee
A pinch of salt
10 grams chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pistachios) for garnish

Procedure:

Peel and grate the bottle gourd. Squeeze out any excess water and set aside.
In a pan, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the grated bottle gourd and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it softens and the raw smell disappears.
In a separate bowl, mix the rice flour with a little cold milk to make a smooth paste. This will prevent lumps from forming when added to the hot mixture.
Pour the remaining milk into the pan with the sautéed bottle gourd and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the jaggery and stir until it dissolves completely. Then, gradually add the rice flour mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook the mixture on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Add cardamom powder and a pinch of salt, and mix well.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the pudding into serving bowls and garnish with chopped nuts before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled.

Nutritional Benefits:

Bottle gourd is low in calories and high in water content, making it an ideal ingredient for hydration and weight management. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
The addition of milk provides calcium and protein, essential for strong bones and muscle health.
This pudding is enriched with healthy fats from nuts, which contribute to heart health and provide a good source of energy. Overall, Bottle Gourd Pudding is a nourishing dessert option that combines taste and health benefits seamlessly.

Nutritional Information: