Whenever the topic of sweets comes up, traditional flavors like *khoya* barfi, *besan* ladoo, or *gulab jamun* come to mind. But have you ever tasted bottle gourd barfi? This sweet not only tastes delicious but is also extremely beneficial for health. Bottle gourd, which most people recognize as a vegetable, can actually be transformed into a wonderful sweet.
Ingredients (for 2-3 servings)
- Bottle gourd (grated) – 500 grams
- Milk powder – ½ bowl
- Powdered sugar or desi sugar – ½ bowl
- Condensed milk – 3-4 tablespoons
- Grated coconut (powder) – 1 small bowl
- Cardamom powder – the amount from 2-3 crushed cardamoms
- Finely chopped nuts – almonds, cashews, pistachios (as needed)
- Green food coloring – 3-4 drops (optional)
- Ghee – 3-4 tablespoons
Method
1. Preparing the Bottle Gourd
First, peel the bottle gourd, wash it thoroughly, and wipe it with a clean cloth. Then, grate the bottle gourd. Make sure the bottle gourd isn't too ripe or too raw – medium-sized green bottle gourd is best.
Now, heat 1-2 tablespoons of ghee in a deep non-stick pan. Add the grated bottle gourd to it and sauté on medium heat, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes. During this time, the water from the bottle gourd will also dry up a bit.
2. The Blend of Flavor and Sweetness
When the bottle gourd is slightly cooked, add cardamom powder, milk powder, grated coconut, and powdered sugar. Keep stirring so that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. Milk powder will give the barfi a creamy taste, and powdered sugar will provide natural sweetness.
Now, add 2-3 tablespoons of condensed milk, which will enhance the sweetness and creamy texture. Also, add some chopped nuts to this mixture and add a little more ghee. Keep stirring all these ingredients until they mix well and become thick.
3. Color and Appearance
Now, if you want, you can add 3-4 drops of green food coloring. This is just for looks; it won't make any difference in taste. Remember to cook it a little after adding it so that the color mixes well.
As soon as the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, turn off the gas.
4. Setting and Garnishing
Take a plate or tray and grease it well with ghee. Now, pour the prepared mixture into it and spread it well with a spoon. Garnish with the remaining grated coconut and chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, etc.
Keep it in a cool place or the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours so that it sets well.
5. Serving and Storage
When the barfi is completely set, cut it into your desired shape – square, diamond, or whatever you like. Arrange it on a plate and enjoy the taste with your family.
This barfi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. It is a healthy and delicious sweet without preservatives.
Tips
- You can also use jaggery powder instead of powdered sugar.
- If you don't like coconut, you can skip it.
- You can also add walnuts and raisins to the nuts, which will enhance the flavor.
Bottle gourd barfi is a unique, delicious, and healthy sweet that is perfect for special occasions, fasts, festivals, or anytime you feel like eating something sweet. Make it at home once, and then see; your family will forget about store-bought sweets. So, what are you waiting for? Make it today and surprise everyone with a new taste.
