Sorakaya Halwa, also known as Anapakaya Halwa, Lauki Halwa, or Bottle Gourd Halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert made with grated bottle gourd, milk, sugar, and ghee. This halwa is mildly sweet, soft, and rich in flavor, making it a perfect festive sweet for poojas and celebrations.
Ingredients
- Bottle gourd – 2 cups (peeled & grated)
- Milk – 2 cups
- Sugar – ¾ cup (adjust as per taste)
- Ghee – 3 tbsp
- Cardamom powder – ½ tsp
- Cashews – 10 (broken)
- Almonds – 8 (sliced)
- Raisins – 10
- Khoya/Mawa – 2 tbsp (optional, for richness)
Preparation Process
- Prep the Bottle Gourd
- Peel, deseed, and grate the bottle gourd.
- Lightly squeeze out excess water and keep aside.
- Fry Nuts
- Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan.
- Fry cashews, almonds, and raisins till golden brown.
- Remove and set aside.
- Cook Bottle Gourd
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp ghee.
- Add grated bottle gourd and saute for 5–6 minutes until raw smell disappears.
- Add Milk & Cook
- Pour in milk and cook on medium flame.
- Let it simmer until the gourd turns soft and the milk reduces to less than half.
- Sweeten & Flavor
- Add sugar and mix well. The mixture will loosen and then thicken again.
- Add khoya (if using) and cardamom powder. Stir till halwa leaves the sides of the pan.
- Finish
- Add the fried nuts and mix well.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Tips
- Always squeeze extra water from the grated sorakaya to avoid excess moisture.
- Using full-fat milk makes the halwa rich and creamy.
- Khoya enhances flavor, but you can skip it for a lighter version.
- Cook on medium flame and stir continuously after adding sugar to prevent sticking.
Variations
- Coconut Sorakaya Halwa: Add 2 tbsp grated coconut for extra flavor.
- Jaggery Halwa: Replace sugar with jaggery for a healthier, earthy taste.
- Dry Fruit Rich Halwa: Add pistachios and more nuts for a festive version.
Health Benefits
- Sorakaya/Anapakaya (bottle gourd) is rich in water content, aiding hydration and digestion.
- Low in calories and high in fiber, making it light on the stomach.
- Milk and nuts add protein, calcium, and healthy fats.
- A wholesome sweet that balances taste with nutrition.