Ingredients

3-4 heaped tbsp Ghee (घी)
1 Bottle gourd, pelled, thick grated (लौकी)
2 cups Milk (दूध)
A pinch baking soda (बेकिंग सोडा)
½ cup Sugar (चीनी)
½ tsp Cardamom powder (इलायची पाउडर

For Fried Nuts
1 tbsp Ghee (घी)
1 tsp Chironji (चिरौंजी)
4-5 Almonds, chopped (बादाम)
4-5 Cashew nut, chopped (काजू)

For Garnish
Rose petals (गुलाब की पंखुड़ियां)
Silver vark (चांदी का वर्ख)
Mint sprig (पुदीने के पत्ते)
Fried Cashew nut (तला हुआ काजू)

Process
In a pot, add milk and bring it to a boil.
Add baking soda, and stir well.
In a heavy bottom pan, add ghee, grated bottle gourd and saute it well on medium flame.
Until the raw smell goes away and the moisture evaporates.
Pour the hot milk to the sauteed lauki.
Cook on medium flame, keep stirring constantly.
Now, add fried nuts and mix well.
Onces the milk is absorbed, add sugar. Keep stirring continuously until the halwa turns thick.
Now, add cardamom powder and cook for two minutes.
Garnished it with fried cashew, rose petals, silver vark and mint sprig.
Served warm or chilled.