Zucchini Halwa

Halwa is a popular Indian dessert made with various core ingredients. Carrots are used in Carrot Halwa (Gajar Ka Halwa), Semolina is used in Sooji Halwa, Wheat Flour is used in Aate Ka Halwa, etc.

Today’s recipe, Zucchini Halwa, is inspired by Ghiye ka Halwa, which is made with fresh, tender bottle gourd. Since zucchini’s taste is quite similar to that of bottle gourd, and they belong to the same family, zucchini can be replaced in many recipes, including savouries and desserts.

If, like me, you live in a country where zucchinis are easier to access than bottle gourds, this recipe idea is for you! I live in Germany. Though bottle gourd is sometimes available in Indian shops, they are expensive and not local. Zucchinis, on the other hand, are quite easily available and more reasonably priced.

Also, check out my recipes for Carrot Halwa and Aate ka Halwa. Both are delicious and must-try.

I have already shared many zucchini recipes. Do check them out.

Coming back to Zucchini Halwa.

In this recipe, I used fresh, tender zucchini. I washed and grated them and cooked them in milk infused with cardamom powder and saffron.

Slow cooking the zucchini in milk releases its flavour and thickens the milk. The addition of sweetened condensed milk gives it a rich taste. Finally, this piping hot dessert tastes heavenly when served with nuts fried in ghee.

I recently made zucchini halwa when I hosted a Diwali Party at home. It was delicious and unique, and everyone loved and appreciated it.

So, here is my Zucchini Halwa recipe:

Equipment Needed:

• Thick Bottomed Pan
• Spatula
• Grater
• Small pan for frying the nuts
• Knives and Cutting Board

Read about all the equipment I use in my Indian Kitchen in Germany here.

Ingredients for Zucchini Halwa

• 3 Medium Sized Zucchinis; washed and grated
• 1 lt Full Fat Milk
• ½ tsp Cardamom Powder
• 2 Pinches Dried Saffron Strands
• 250 ml Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 100 gm Refined Sugar
• 1 Handful of Mixed Nuts ( Cashews, almonds, pistachios)
• 5 tbsp Ghee

Some Notes about Ingredient Sourcing in Germany:

• Zucchini: Available in the vegetable section of supermarkets.
  
• Milk: Buy milk with at least 3.5% fat. I used Frische Milch 3,5% Fett. Read my article about Milk in supermarkets in Germany.
  
• Cardamom Powder: Cardamom is available in some supermarkets and is commonly found in Indian shops. Use a mortar and pestle to make a powder. Discard the outer cover. Only the seeds must be powdered.
  
• Dried Saffron Strands: Available in Indian Shops.
  
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: It is called gezuckerte Kondensmilch. The most Common brand available in supermarkets is Milchmädchen.
  
• Refined Sugar: It is called Raffinade Zucker. It is easily available in supermarkets. You can also read my article about sugar varieties in supermarkets in Germany.
  
• Mixed Nuts ( Cashews, almonds, pistachios): All of these are available in supermarkets.
  
• Ghee: You can buy ghee or make it at home. Read my article: A guide to sourcing Ghee in Germany.

Method to make Zucchini Halwa

• Heat milk on high heat in a thick-bottomed saucepan.
  
  
  
• Add cardamom powder and saffron.
  
  
  
• Add grated zucchini.
  
  
  
• Now, reduce the heat to medium and cook. Mix from time to time so that the milk doesn’t stick to the base of the pan. Cook till the milk reduces to half. This can easily take about 30 minutes.
  
  
  
• Add condensed milk and sugar.
  
  
  
• Cook till it reduces to half. This process can take another 30 minutes. Then, turn off the heat.
  
  
  
• Fry nuts in ghee.
  
  
  
• Add them to the cooked halwa and serve.
  
  

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