Lauki Ka Halwa is a well-known halwa cooked with a vegetable, specifically Bottle Gourd, also known as Lauki or Ghiya in Hindi and Dudhi in Marathi. This sweet is called as 'lauki ka halwa' or 'dudhi halwa'. This halwa version can be simply prepared as a sweet dish on any day, including Hindu fasting days such as Navratri and Ekadashi.

This lauki halwa recipe does not require the use of khoya or mawa. When you cook lauki with milk, the milk begins to evaporate and decrease, thus no mawa or khoya is required.

Ingredients Required:
1. bottle gourd
2. Sugar
3. Ghee
4. Dry Fruits
5. Cardamom

Method to prepare: 

Step 1: First, rinse, peel, and grate 500 g lauki. Before grating, taste the lauki. If it tastes sour or bitter, discard it without cooking. You'll need 2 cups of neatly packed grated lauki.

Step 2: Heat 5 tablespoons ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-low to medium heat. When making halwa, use a large kadai to prevent milk from spilling outside. Then, add the grated lauki.

Step 3: Use a spoon or spatula to thoroughly combine the grated lauki and ghee. Sauté the lauki over a low to medium-low temperature. Sautéing lauki requires frequent stirring.

Step 4: Fry the lauki until the moisture evaporates, then add 2 cups full-fat or whole milk.  Mix well.

Step 5: Continue to cook on a moderate to medium-low heat until the milk begins to boil. In between, stir occasionally. The milk will begin boiling. At this point, maintain swirling to prevent the milk from spilling out of the pan. Control the heat as needed.

Step 6: Cooking continues with frequent stirring. Cook until 3/4 or 75% of the milk is reduced and absorbed. Add 7 to 8 tablespoons sugar, or to taste, and stir thoroughly.

Step 7: Add Chopped dry fruits and cardamom powder

Step 8: Cook the halwa mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to come together and thicken. The dudhi halwa will gradually thicken, and some ghee will be discharged from the sides. The halwa should not contain any liquid.

Step 9: Garnish with chopped nuts before serving lauki ka halwa hot or warm. Refrigerate the remaining halwa in a closed container.