Bottle Gourd Ice Cream Recipe (Lauki Ice Cream)
Description:
This Bottle Gourd Ice Cream, or Lauki Ice Cream, is a unique and delicious dessert that combines the natural goodness of bottle gourd (lauki) with the creamy richness of milk and fresh cream. Not only does this ice cream offer a refreshing treat, but it also sneaks in a healthy vegetable that your kids will love. If you’re looking to add a twist to your typical dessert repertoire while boosting nutritional value, this recipe is perfect! The subtle flavor of the bottle gourd pairs perfectly with aromatic cardamom and the crunch of almonds. Serve this creamy dessert as a delightful way to finish a meal or enjoy it as an after-school snack.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle Gourd (Lauki) | 1 medium-sized (about 500 grams) |
| 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 (save some for garnish) |
Preparation Time:
- 600 minutes (10 minutes of cook time, 4-5 hours of freezing time, and additional time for beating and freezing)
Cook Time:
- 10 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bottle Gourd:
Start by thoroughly washing the bottle gourd (lauki). Peel the skin off and grate it into fine shreds. Set the grated bottle gourd aside. -
Cook the Bottle Gourd:
Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a shallow frying pan over medium heat. Add the shredded bottle gourd to the pan and stir-fry it for 3-4 minutes, allowing most of its moisture to evaporate. The bottle gourd will start to become slightly lumpy as the moisture reduces. -
Add Milk and Cook the Mixture:
Pour 500 ml of milk into the pan with the sautéed bottle gourd. Stir the mixture continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Bring the milk to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and add sugar (optional, not listed here), cooking the mixture until the milk reduces by half. This should take approximately 20-30 minutes. Stir often to ensure the milk doesn’t scorch or stick. -
Cool the Mixture:
Once the milk has reduced, turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature. This is important to prevent curdling when blending. -
Blend the Mixture:
After the mixture cools, transfer it to a blender and blend for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. This step helps in integrating the bottle gourd into the milk mixture, resulting in a creamy texture for the ice cream. -
Prepare for Freezing:
Pour the blended mixture into an airtight container, smoothing the surface. Add 2 tablespoons of malai or fresh cream on top for extra creaminess. Wrap the container with cling wrap to ensure it freezes properly without any ice crystals forming on top. -
Freeze the Mixture:
Place the container in the freezer for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the ice cream to set. After 3-4 hours, remove the container from the freezer and transfer the contents into a deep mixing bowl. -
Beat the Ice Cream:
Using a handheld mixer, beat the ice cream for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, making it lighter and fluffier. -
Add Almonds and Cardamom:
Add slivered almonds and cardamom powder to the ice cream. Save a few almonds for garnishing later. Mix everything well for about 30 seconds to evenly distribute the almonds and cardamom. -
Refreeze the Ice Cream:
Pour the ice cream mixture back into the airtight container and return it to the freezer. Freeze for another 6 hours or, preferably, overnight. This allows the ice cream to set completely and achieve the right texture. -
Serve:
After the ice cream has fully set, scoop it out and serve as a delightful summer dessert. Garnish with a few slivers of almonds on top for added crunch. This Bottle Gourd Ice Cream makes for a unique treat that’s sure to surprise and delight your family, especially kids. Pair it with some healthy sides, like Avocado Egg Sandwiches or Healthy Vegetable Fries, for a wholesome evening snack.
Additional Tips:
- Sweetness: If you’d like to make the ice cream sweeter, you can add sugar during the cooking stage along with the milk.
- Creamy Texture: To ensure the ice cream is extra creamy, you can add a little more fresh cream or malai when blending the mixture.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding different nuts, like pistachios, or use a flavored cream for an interesting twist.
Enjoy your nutritious and creamy Bottle Gourd Ice Cream as a fun way to include vegetables in your child’s diet without them even noticing!
