Delicious Bottle Gourd Pudding Recipe – Easy and Effortless
Bottle Gourd Squash Pudding, also known as Doodhi Kheer or lauki ki kheer, is a delicately flavored and creamy pudding that has its roots in the Indian subcontinent. This dessert is particularly famous for its low-calorie nature and its delicious taste.
If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty dessert, then Bottle Gourd Squash Pudding is an excellent choice. Made from grated bottle gourd and 2% low-fat milk, this kheer recipe is not only low in calories but also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Traditionally, this sweet pudding is made by simmering grated bottle gourd in milk until it thickens into a creamy consistency. It is then flavored with green cardamom powder and sweetened with sugar or Splenda sugar substitute. The end result is a delicious dessert with a delicate aroma of cardamom and a light sweetness that melts in your mouth.
In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make this easy-to-prepare dish using an instant pot. We will also share some tips and variations to make this dish even more delectable. So let’s get started on our journey of making this tasty dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a low-calorie but tasty dessert? Then you have come to the right place because this recipe for Low-Cal Bottle Gourd Squash Pudding (Doodhi Kheer) is perfect for you! This pudding is rich in flavor and nutrition, and I am here to tell you all about why you will love it!
First and foremost, this Low-Cal Bottle Gourd Squash Pudding is incredibly healthy. It is made with 2% low-fat milk, ghee (clarified butter), and Splenda sugar substitute, significantly reducing the calorie content. Moreover, it incorporates bottle gourd, a vegetable that is high in fiber and essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and B6 to name a few. By choosing this lightened-up version of the traditional pudding recipe, you can indulge in something sweet without feeling guilty or compromising your health.
Not only is this pudding healthy, but it’s also incredibly delicious! The creamy texture of the grated bottle gourd cooked in milk gives it a velvety mouthfeel that pairs well with the fragrant green cardamom powder. It has an excellent balance of sweetness with sugar or Splenda sugar substitute used as per your preference. To add more crunch to this smooth dessert, use dry fruits such as almonds or cashews.
Another reason why you will love this recipe is its versatility! It’s perfect for any occasion – be it after dinner dessert or holiday parties. You can make it quickly using an Instant Pot or cook on the stovetop. By changing out some of the ingredients, it can be modified based on dietary requirements such as vegan by using almond milk rather than cow’s milk. You can serve this Low-Cal Bottle Gourd Squash Pudding plain or pair it with rice pudding (Chawal ki Kheer), carrot( gaajar halwa), or pumpkin(kaddu ki kheer) based on your personal preference.
In conclusion, this Low-Cal Bottle Gourd Squash Pudding is not only healthy but also flavorful and versatile. It’s perfect for any occasion and suits dietary preferences. So next time you’re looking for a tasty and healthy dessert recipe to impress your family, give this Doodhi Kheer a try!
Ingredient List
Here is what you will need for this low-cal bottle gourd squash pudding recipe:
- 1 liter or 4 cups of cow or full-fat milk
- ½ cup of sugar or Splenda sugar substitute
- 1 cup of grated bottle gourd (lauki)
- 1 tsp of green cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp of ghee or clarified butter (use low-fat margarine as a substitute)
- Optional – ¼ cup of dry fruits like raisins and almonds
These are the key ingredients for making this tasty dessert. You can find most of them readily available in your kitchen or at your local grocery store. To make sure you get the best results, use fresh and high-quality ingredients, such as freshly grated bottle gourd and cow milk. Let’s move on to see how we prepare the low-calorie, healthy, and delicious pudding.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparation is Key
Before we get started, make sure you have all the required ingredients available. You don’t want to run to the store halfway through the recipe! Peel and grate 1 cup of bottle gourd using a grater or food processor.
Step 2: Making the Pudding
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of ghee to it. Once melted, add the grated bottle gourd and sauté it for 3-4 minutes until it softens.
Add 2 cups of milk (use low-fat milk or 2% low-fat milk) and let it come to a boil while stirring continuously.
Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat and cook the mixture on low flame for around 30 minutes until it reduces in volume by half. Keep stirring intermittently so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Add ¼ cup of sugar or Splenda sugar substitute, 1 teaspoon of green cardamom powder, and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes until you achieve a pudding-like consistency.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Once your pudding is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool down for a few minutes. You can serve it warm or chilled as per your liking. It tastes amazing on its own, but you can also garnish with some dry fruits for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy this delicious low-calorie Doodhi Kheer as a tasty dessert after any meal!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix things up with your Bottle Gourd Squash Pudding recipe? There are many ways you can make this dessert unique and suit it to your personal tastes. Here are some possible substitutions and variations to consider:
– Sugar substitute: If you are looking to reduce calories further, you can replace the sugar in the recipe with Splenda or any other sugar substitute of your choice that is suitable for cooking and baking.
– Milk: The recipe calls for 2% low-fat milk, but you can easily use skim milk instead to make the pudding even lighter. If you are after a richer taste, use full-fat milk instead.
– Vegetables: You don’t have to limit yourself to just bottle gourd and zucchini. Try making the pudding with grated carrot or pumpkin (kaddu ki kheer), or even sweet potato for a unique twist.
– Spices: Cardamom powder adds an excellent flavour to this kheer, but feel free to play around with other spices like cinnamon, nutmeg or saffron to add an aromatic note.
– Nuts and Dry fruits: Want some added crunch in your pudding? Add a tablespoon of chopped almonds, pistachios or cashews. For variation in flavor try raisins, apricots or dates.
– Instant Pot: Prefer using Instant Pot for cooking? No problem! You could certainly make this in the Instant Pot too, just be sure to modify the cooking times and carefully follow Instant Pot instructions.
These are just a few examples of how you can make small changes for a personalized take on this delicious dessert. Get creative with different ingredients while keeping it low-cal for a healthy yet tasty dessert!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving your bottle gourd squash pudding, the possibilities are endless. This low-calorie dessert pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings, including chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.
For a simple yet tasty option, try serving the pudding with sliced mangoes or ripe bananas. The sweetness of the fruit complements the lightness of the pudding and creates a balanced flavor profile.
If you’re in the mood for something richer, consider pairing your bottle gourd squash pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold and creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly contrasts with the warm and smooth consistency of the pudding.
When it comes to beverages, a hot cup of chai tea or coffee is an excellent choice to balance the sweetness of the dessert. If you’re looking for something more refreshing, try serving it with a glass of chilled almond milk or coconut water.
Overall, this low-calorie dessert is versatile enough to be paired with just about anything, so feel free to experiment and find your own perfect pairing.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to making pudding, it is always a great idea to make it ahead of time. This low-cal bottle gourd squash pudding (doodhi kheer) recipe is perfect for making in advance to save you some time and stress.
To make this pudding ahead of time, simply follow the recipe steps as usual until the end. Once the pudding is done cooking, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can refrigerate this pudding for up to 3 days, making it a great dessert for when you have last-minute guests arriving.
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious bottle gourd pudding, take it out from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir. You can reheat the pudding in a microwave-safe bowl, or a saucepan on medium heat on the stovetop. If you find that the chilled dessert has become too thick, add a little bit of milk or water to thin it out.
Furthermore, if you’re interested in storing this yummy treat for later use, we suggest freezing it without adding any dry fruits. Once you’ve transferred the unused portion of the pudidng in an airtight container or sealable bag, pop it in the freezer for 1 month maximum.
Don’t fret over reheating frozen doodhi kheer- simply let it thaw overnight in fridge before microwaving or warming on stove with few tablespoons milk upon reheating to enhance creaminess and get rid of any clumps that may form due to high sugar content during freezing.
This low-cal bottle gourd squash pudding (doodhi kheer) is perfect for any occasion or even just as a tasty dessert option during weeknights. It’s quick and easy to make and store so you’ll always have this sweet pudding on hand whenever a craving comes along!
Tips for Perfect Results
Bottle gourd squash pudding, also known as Doodhi Kheer, is a delicious low-calorie dessert that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling guilty. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results with this recipe.
1. Use 2% low-fat milk or skimmed milk instead of full-fat milk to reduce the calorie count while maintaining the creamy texture of the kheer.
2. If you want to make this pudding dairy-free, replace the milk with almond or soy milk.
3. When cooking the grated bottle gourd, make sure to squeeze out any excess water to prevent the kheer from becoming too runny.
4. For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of green cardamom powder to the kheer while it’s cooking.
5. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, use a blend of sugar and Splenda sugar substitute instead of just sugar.
6. To save time on preparation, use an Instant Pot to cook the pudding quickly and easily.
7. Add dry fruits such as almonds, cashews or raisins before serving for a satisfying and tasty dessert.
8. This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized by adding other vegetables such as carrots or pumpkin to create variations like carrot kheer or kaddu ki kheer.
By following these tips, you can create a perfectly creamy and decadent bottle gourd squash pudding that is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this low-calorie bottle gourd squash pudding recipe is the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth without breaking your diet. It’s flavorful and delicious, and the cardamom powder adds a unique touch that sets it apart from other desserts. Plus, with the option to substitute sugar with Splenda sugar substitute, you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence. The best part is that it’s so quick and easy to make; you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone dessert or pairing it with some hot chai tea, this pudding is sure to impress everyone at the table. With the numerous variations and substitutions available, you can tweak it to fit any dietary requirements or preferences. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
Low-Cal, Bottle Gourd Squash Pudding( Doodhi Kheer) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup gourd (peel the zucchini first) or 1 cup zucchini, grated (peel the zucchini first)
- 2 1/2 cups 2% low-fat milk
- 2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar or 3 tablespoons Splenda sugar substitute
- 1/4 teaspoon ghee
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions
- Mix the dry milk in 1 cup water and make a smooth paste.
- Heat the ghee.
- Add the squash and lightly saute.
- Add the milk, milk powder mix and the sugar. Simmer on medium heat till squash is cooked.
- Add the cardamom powder.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.