Dudhi halwa or lauki halwa is an Indian dessert made with bottlegourd (calabash). It is an easy dessert to make for any occasion. This is an easy recipe to make bottlegourd halwa in instant pot.
Squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated dudhi
Turn the instant pot on Saute mode on normal setting
Once hot, add ghee to the instant pot container.
Once ghee is hot, add the shredded dudhi and stir for 2-3 minutes. It will change color slightly.
Pour the milk and mix well. Lock the instant pot lid with venting valve in sealing position.
Turn off saute mode, turn the pressure mode on for 5 minutes on high pressure setting.
Do a quick release by releasing pressure manually (turn the release valve in venting position until the silver pin drops).
Mix once then add the sugar, raisins, cashews, saffron and evaporated milk and mix well.
Turn the saute mode on high setting and let the liquids evaporate, this can take 8-10 minutes. Occasionally stir using a spatula and scrape the bottom to ensure halwa is not sticking to the base of the container.
Transfer the lauki halwa to a serving bowl and garnish with almond slivers.
Notes
Before using, taste a piece of bottlegourd, if it tastes bitter, discard it.
After shredding, squeeze out as much water as possible to speed up the cooking.