Dudhi halwa also known as lauki ka halwa is a delicious Indian sweet made with bottle gourd, milk, sugar and ghee. Delicately flavored with cardamoms, this is great to enjoy as an after meal dessert. For best results follow the step-by-step photos above the recipe card Pour milk to a wide heavy bottom pan or kadai.
‘Lauki’ is the Hindi name for the vegetable ‘opo squash’ also known as ‘calabash squash’ or ‘bottle gourd’. Also known as ghiya or dudhi in India, it is one of those veggies that’s used often in Indian homes to make curry, sabji, stew, paratha & even halwa. Making lauki halwa takes some time as it is a vegetable with high moisture.
Set the Instant Pot to saute (normal) mode and heat ghee. Add grated dudhi and sauté for a minute. Add 1/2 cup of low fat milk. Close Instant Pot with Pressure valve to sealing. Cook on Manual (Hi) for 2 mins followed by Quick Release (Natural Pressure Release works too). Set the Instant Pot to Saute (normal) mode.
Use ricotta cheese or khoya instead of dry milk powder. This will make the halwa more creamy. Stir in 1-2 drops of plant-based green food color along with the vanilla for a pretty green halwa. For a nut-free dudhi halwa, simply skip the garnish of nuts and the halwa will still be as delicious.