However nutritious bottle gourd or Lauki may be, it has never been successful in appealing us. With summer slowly seeping in, bottle gourd has already become readily available in the vegetable markets.
Irrespective of our likeness towards this veggie, we can’t deny the fact that it is packed with nutrients and water. Perhaps this is what makes the vegetable taste bland. But, let’s appreciate the fact that this blandness of bottle gourd allows us to use it to create a variety of recipes such as smoothies, soups and dessert.
One such nutritious dessert is Lauki ka halwa. The best part is that if you replace the use of sugar with artificial sweeteners like stevia, then this sweet dish can be served to people with diabetes as well.
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Here is what you need to do to prepare this beautiful yet nutritious delicacy.
What you need:
-2 cups of finely greated bottle gourd (Lauki)
-1 tbsp ghee
-1½ cup low-fat milk
-½ tsp cardamom powder
-½ tsp stevia powder. You can add sugar too. Just make sure the amount is healthy
-2 walnuts
-2 almonds
-1 tbsp grated coconut (optional)
How to prepare:
-Heat the ghee in a pan and mix well with grated Lauki.
-Cover with lid and cook on a medium flame for 6-8 minutes while stirring occasionally.
-Add milk and stir well. Cook on a medium flame for 15-18 minutes while stirring occasionally.
-Add the sugar substitute and stir it well.
-Garnish with grated walnuts, almonds and coconut shavings, and your Lauki halwa is ready to be savored.
Nutrition Facts
1 teacup of Lauki halwa contains:
-45 calories (+10 cals if sugar is used),
-2 gm fats,
-5.3 gm carbs (+2.5 gm carbs if sugar is used),
-2.7 gm protein
Consult with our nutritionists and dietician for customised diet plans, weight loss and more.
Some Healthy Hacks
-Replacing sugar with stevia can help enhance the nutritional reserve of the dessert.
-Using freshly grated bottle gourd will not only improve the taste but also be healthier. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator before preparing the recipe.
Bottle gourd has had its share of hate. This summer, prepare Lauki halwa, the warm yet soothing dessert and fall in love with Lauki aka bottle gourd.
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
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