Bottle Gourd Pudding

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:

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 32.3 g
• Fat: 5.8 g