Krishna Janmashtami is a revered festival celebrated to honor the birth of Lord Shri Krishna. Devotees eagerly await this auspicious day, often observing fasts and indulging in only fruits and milk. The night of Janmashtami is particularly special, as it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Spiritual celebrations abound with bhajans and kirtans that recite the divine exploits and virtues of Krishna. Temples are adorned with vibrant flowers and various decorative items during this festival. Devotees prepare an array of delectable offerings, or ‘bhog’, to present to Lord Krishna, such as kheer, makhan-mishri, and various sweets.
In celebration of this holy occasion, making Lauki (bottle gourd) Barfi can be a delightful way to offer a unique sweet dish to Lord Krishna. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also healthy and delicious, making it an excellent addition to your festive preparations.
Ingredients for Lauki Barfi
- Bottle Gourd (Lauki) – Approximately 500 grams
- Milk – 2 cups
- Sugar – To taste
- Ghee – 2 tablespoons
- Chopped Pistachios and Almonds – 2-3 tablespoons
- Raisins – 2-3 tablespoons
- Cardamom Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
Method to Prepare Lauki Barfi
Step 1: Preparing the Lauki
Begin by thoroughly washing the bottle gourd. Peel it and remove the seeds. Grate the lauки into fine shreds. This step prepares the vegetable for the cooking process.
Step 2: Cooking the Grated Lauki
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan or kadhai over low heat. Add the grated bottle gourd to the pan. Cook it on low heat until the water from the lauки evaporates and it softens. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3: Adding the Milk
Once the water has evaporated, pour in 2 cups of milk. Stir the mixture well and allow it to come to a boil. Continue to cook while stirring frequently until the milk reduces and thickens significantly.
Step 4: Sweetening the Mixture
After the milk has thickened and the mixture has reduced, add sugar to taste. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves and thickens again. Once it reaches the desired consistency, add another tablespoon of ghee and mix well.
Step 5: Adding Flavor
Incorporate the cardamom powder and raisins into the mixture and stir to combine. The cardamom not only enhances the aroma but also adds a delightful flavor to the barfi.
Step 6: Setting the Barfi
Grease a plate or tray with ghee and pour the lauки mixture onto it, spreading it evenly. Let it cool and set for 1-2 hours at room temperature until firm. Once cooled, cut the barfi into desired shapes or squares.
Step 7: Garnishing
Finally, garnish the pieces with chopped almonds and pistachios on top for added crunch and flavor before serving.
Your Lauki Barfi is now ready to be offered to Lord Krishna or enjoyed with family and friends during the festive celebrations. This sweet dish not only embodies the spirit of Janmashtami but also provides a healthy indulgence that everyone will love.
