
Lauki Ki Kheer (Bottle Gourd Kheer) is a traditional Indian dessert made with grated bottle gourd (lauki), milk, and a blend of aromatic flavors. It’s a nutritious treat that can be enjoyed after a meal, or even as a light dessert during special occasions like festivals and family gatherings. The best part? It’s both delicious and healthy, as it incorporates the goodness of bottle gourd while maintaining a rich and creamy texture.
In this blog, we’ll guide you step by step on how to make Lauki Ki Kheer at home. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Ingredients for Lauki Ki Kheer:
- Lauki (Bottle Gourd) – 1/2 KG
- Ghee – 2 tbsp
- Milk – 1 liter
- Sabudana (Sago) – 1/3 cup (soaked)
- Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener (or any sweetener of your choice) – to taste
- Dry fruits (e.g., cashews, almonds, and raisins) – for frying
- Green food color (optional) – a pinch (for an attractive green tint)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Bottle Gourd (Lauki):
- Peel the bottle gourd (lauki) carefully, removing the outer skin.
- Cut the bottle gourd into small pieces.
- Rinse it thoroughly and then grate it using a grater to get fine, long strands of bottle gourd.
- Cooking the Lauki (Bottle Gourd):
- Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium flame.
- Add the grated bottle gourd to the pan and sauté it for a minute or two, allowing the ghee to coat the gourd.
- Adding Milk to the Mixture:
- Slowly add 1 liter of milk to the pan with the grated bottle gourd.
- Stir the mixture occasionally, allowing the milk to blend with the gourd. Keep the flame on medium and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Incorporating Sabudana (Sago):
- While the milk is boiling, soak 1/3 cup of sabudana (sago) in water for about 15-20 minutes. After soaking, drain the excess water.
- Add the soaked and drained sabudana to the pan and continue to stir. The sago will start to thicken the kheer as it cooks.
- Sweetening the Kheer:
- Once the milk reduces to a slightly thicker consistency, add the sweetener of your choice. Here, we’re using Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener for a sugar-free alternative that will still provide the desired sweetness without any guilt.
- Stir the kheer well to make sure the sweetener is completely mixed.
- Frying Dry Fruits:
- In a separate small pan, fry some dry fruits such as cashews, almonds, and raisins in a little ghee until golden and aromatic.
- Once fried, add these dry fruits to the kheer, giving it an added texture and flavor.
- Adding Green Food Color (Optional):
- If you want to add a vibrant touch to your Lauki Ki Kheer, you can add a pinch of green food color. This step is purely optional, but it makes the dish more visually appealing.
- Final Touches:
- Give everything a final mix, turn off the flame, and let the kheer rest for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Lauki Ki Kheer is Ready to Serve!
Serve this delicious bottle gourd kheer warm or chilled, based on your preference. Garnish with additional fried dry fruits or a sprinkle of cardamom powder for extra fragrance and flavor.
Why You Should Try Lauki Ki Kheer:
- Health Benefits: Lauki (bottle gourd) is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps in digestion, hydration, and is good for the heart.
- Low-Glycemic: By using a natural sweetener like Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, this dessert becomes low in calories and ideal for people looking to reduce their sugar intake.
- Rich & Creamy Texture: The milk and ghee provide a rich, creamy texture that is just perfect for a comforting dessert.
Lauki Ki Kheer is not only a flavorful dessert but also an incredibly healthy one, making it a great option for those seeking to enjoy a traditional sweet without compromising their health goals. The use of natural sweeteners and nutritious ingredients ensures that this dessert remains light while still being indulgent. So, give this recipe a try, and enjoy a guilt-free, tasty treat after your next meal.
Happy cooking!
Love this healthy dessert!
This Lauki Ki Kheer recipe looks delicious and healthy! Love how it incorporates bottle gourd for a nutritious twist on a traditional dessert.
[…] Also Read | Lauki Ki Kheer: A Deliciously Healthy Indian Dessert […]