Aloe Vera Kuvar Pak: Gujarati Sweet Dessert Recipe

Description:
Kuvar Pak is a unique and delicious Gujarati dessert from Manavadar, Gujarat, made with Aloe Vera, known for its many health benefits. This sweet treat uses aloe vera extract (also known as aloe vera milk) as its key ingredient, combined with milk, cream, and sugar. The mild sweetness of this dish, paired with the subtle flavor of aloe vera, makes it perfect as a festive sweet or a dessert to complement a traditional Gujarati meal.

Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients:

• 500 ml Full-fat milk
• 1/2 cup Aloe vera extract (white jelly from aloe vera leaves)
• 1/2 cup Fresh cream
• 1 tablespoon Ghee
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Pistachios, blanched and sliced

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes

Instructions:

1. Heat the Milk: In a thick-bottomed pan, pour 500 ml of full-fat milk and heat it on low to medium flame. Allow the milk to froth and form a layer of cream (malai) on top.

2. Add Aloe Vera Extract: Once the milk begins to froth, add the aloe vera extract and stir well with a spatula. Continue to simmer the milk, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to 1/3rd or 1/4th of its original quantity, resulting in a thick white cream-like consistency.

3. Prepare Sugar Syrup: While the milk is reducing, dissolve 2 tablespoons of sugar in a little water and heat it in a saucepan. Bring it to a one-string consistency to make a sugar syrup.

4. Grease the Plate: Grease a plate with ghee or butter, and set it aside to pour the aloe vera mixture once ready.

5. Add Fresh Cream: Once the milk has reduced, add the fresh cream and continue stirring. As the mixture thickens, it will gradually turn brownish, signaling that it is time to add the sugar syrup.

6. Combine and Finish: Stir in the sugar syrup and mix well. Turn off the flame, and pour the thickened aloe vera mixture onto the prepared, greased plate. Smooth it evenly.

7. Add Ghee: While the mixture is still hot, drizzle 1 tablespoon of melted ghee on top, creating a rich top layer.

8. Cool and Set: Let the mixture cool down for about five minutes. Then, refrigerate the plate for an hour to allow the ghee or butter to solidify and set.

9. Slice and Serve: After an hour, run a knife around the edges of the set sweet and cut into desired shapes. Garnish with sliced pistachios and serve after a meal or as a special dessert during festive occasions.

Enjoy this flavorful, health-boosting sweet, perfect for any celebration or as a refreshing end to a traditional Gujarati lunch!