Lauki Burfi with Paneer Recipe – Bottle Gourd Fudge with Cottage Cheese
A delightful and nutritious Indian dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, this Lauki Burfi with Paneer combines the wholesome flavors of bottle gourd (lauki) and homemade cottage cheese (chenna). Lightly sweetened and enriched with the aroma of cardamom, this dessert is a perfect way to indulge after a meal or pack for a quick snack.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bottle Gourd (Lauki) | 1 kg |
| Ghee (for cooking) | 1 tablespoon |
| Ghee or Butter (for greasing) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | ¾ cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Slivered Almonds (Badam) | ½ tablespoon |
| Chenna (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 250 grams |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 20g |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 50 minutes | 10 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan:
Place a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee to the pan and allow it to warm up slightly. -
-
Cook the Lauki:
Once the ghee is warm, add the grated bottle gourd (lauki) to the pan. Sauté the lauki for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and releases water. -
Add Sugar:
Once the lauki softens, add the sugar. Mix well, and continue sautéing the lauki and sugar mixture over medium heat until most of the water from the lauki and sugar evaporates. -
Incorporate Paneer:
After the water has mostly evaporated, add the chenna (homemade paneer) to the mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so that the lauki and paneer are well combined. -
Sauté Together:
Sauté the lauki-paneer mixture over low heat for an additional 3-4 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to come together nicely. -
Add Cardamom:
Sprinkle in the cardamom powder and mix well to infuse the fudge with a lovely aromatic touch. -
Prepare the Tray:
Remove the pan from heat and set it aside. While the mixture cools slightly, grease a tray with a teaspoon of ghee or butter. -
Set the Burfi:
Transfer the lauki-paneer mixture to the greased tray. Spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. Garnish with slivered almonds to add a nice crunch. -
Cool and Slice:
Allow the mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or desired shapes. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this wholesome and nutritious Lauki Burfi with Paneer as a delightful dessert after meals. It’s also perfect for packing in your kids’ snack boxes for a healthy treat!
Tips & Variations:
- Toasting Almonds: Toast the slivered almonds lightly before adding them as a garnish to give an extra crunchy texture.
- Flavor Variation: Add a few saffron strands soaked in warm milk for a richer flavor and vibrant color.
- Vegan Alternative: For a vegan version, substitute ghee with coconut oil and use dairy-free paneer or tofu.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
Lauki Burfi with Paneer is not only a delectable dessert but also packed with nutrition. Bottle gourd is rich in water content, making it light on the stomach while being incredibly hydrating. The addition of chenna (paneer) gives it a creamy texture while adding protein, making this dessert a guilt-free indulgence. The subtle sweetness, aromatic cardamom, and the crunch from almonds make it a complete treat for any occasion.
Enjoy the flavors of this classic Indian dessert, combining the best of health and indulgence with every bite!
