Bottle Gourd Ice Cream Recipe – Lauki Ice Cream
In the realm of desserts, the Bottle Gourd Ice Cream, commonly known as Lauki Ice Cream, offers a unique and refreshing twist to traditional ice creams, inviting you to explore the delectable combination of flavors and textures that this delightful treat presents. Perfect for summer days, this creamy concoction not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings the nutritional benefits of lauki, a vegetable often overlooked in sweet recipes. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary adventure that transforms a humble gourd into a rich, creamy dessert that will delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle Gourd (Lauki) | 1 Medium-sized |
| Full Cream Milk | 500 ml |
| Fresh Cream | 3 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Slivered Almonds (Badam) or Chopped Almonds | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
Preparation Time
| Time Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 600 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 610 minutes |
Servings
| Number of Servings |
|---|
| 3 |
Instructions
To begin crafting your Bottle Gourd Ice Cream, follow these meticulously crafted steps that ensure a smooth and delightful process, revealing the delightful nuances of flavor and texture that this ice cream brings:
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Preparation of Bottle Gourd: Start by washing the bottle gourd thoroughly under running water. Once cleaned, proceed to peel the lauki. Grate or shred the bottle gourd finely and set it aside in a bowl. This preparation will help the gourd release its moisture more effectively during cooking.
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Cooking the Lauki: In a shallow frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee has melted and is sizzling slightly, add the shredded lauki to the pan. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously. Your goal here is to evaporate most of the moisture from the lauki, allowing it to become slightly lumpy and tender while preserving its natural sweetness.
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Combining Ingredients: With the lauki sautéed, it’s time to add 500 ml of full cream milk to the pan. Continue to stir the mixture, allowing it to come to a gentle boil. The fusion of lauki and milk will create a fragrant and rich base for your ice cream.
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Cooking Down the Mixture: Once the milk begins to boil, add in your desired sweetness by incorporating sugar (adjust according to your taste) into the mix. Maintain a medium flame and stir continuously, allowing the milk to reduce by half. This process should take about 20-30 minutes, resulting in a thick and creamy consistency.
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Cooling the Mixture: After achieving the desired consistency, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down to room temperature. This is an essential step to ensure that the subsequent blending process achieves the right texture without cooking the cream.
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Blending the Mixture: Once the mixture has cooled, transfer it to a blender and blend on medium speed for about 2 minutes. This will help break down any remaining lumps and create a smooth texture that will translate beautifully into your ice cream.
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Setting Up for Freezing: Take an airtight container and pour the blended mixture into it. For an added layer of creaminess, dollop 2 tablespoons of fresh cream (malai) on top. Seal the container with cling wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.
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Initial Freezing: Place the container in the freezer and let the Bottle Gourd Ice Cream set for 4 to 5 hours. This initial freezing will help solidify the mixture.
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Whipping the Ice Cream: After 3-4 hours of freezing, remove the container from the freezer. In a deep mixing bowl, transfer all the contents and beat the mixture using a handheld mixer for about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, resulting in a light and creamy texture.
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Adding Flavor and Texture: Now, add in 1 tablespoon of slivered or chopped almonds along with 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder. Save a few chopped almonds for garnishing later. Beat the ice cream mixture again for about 30 seconds to evenly distribute the almonds and cardamom throughout.
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Final Freezing: Pour the mixture back into the airtight container and return it to the freezer. Allow the ice cream to freeze for an additional 6 hours or overnight, ensuring it is perfectly set before serving.
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Serving Suggestions: When you’re ready to serve, scoop out the refreshing Bottle Gourd Ice Cream and present it in chilled bowls. For a delightful summer treat, consider pairing it with an Avocado Egg Sandwich and Healthy Vegetable Fries (oven-roasted potatoes, zucchini, and carrot fries) for a balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Conclusion
Indulging in Bottle Gourd Ice Cream (Lauki Ice Cream) not only delights the senses but also provides a unique way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of bottle gourd. Its creamy texture, coupled with the aromatic cardamom and the crunch of almonds, makes it an exceptional dessert that can brighten any summer evening. So, unleash your inner chef and savor the joy of this innovative and nutritious ice cream recipe, celebrating the versatility of ingredients and the love that goes into making each dish. Enjoy!
