🔴Bhatt ke Dubke , Lauki ka halwa recipe by Meal Palace

🔴Bhatt ke Dubke , Lauki ka halwa recipe by Meal Palace is a medium Indian (Uttarakhand) recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Meal Palace on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 50 min

Cost: $22.19 total, $5.55 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Black Bhatt (Black Urad Dal) (soaked overnight, rinsed)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (peeled and minced)
  • 2 Green Chilies (slit lengthwise, optional for heat)
  • 1 tsp Salt (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1500 ml Water (for boiling the dal)
  • 1 kg Lauki (Bottle Gourd) (peeled and grated)
  • 2 tbsp Ghee (unsalted, divided)
  • 1.5 cups Full‑Fat Milk (warm, preferably fresh)
  • 4 tbsp Sugar (adjust to sweetness preference)
  • 2 tbsp Milk Powder (adds richness, optional)
  • 0.25 cup Mixed Dry Fruits (chopped (almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins))
  • 0.25 tsp Cardamom Powder (optional, for aroma)
  • a pinch Food Color (optional) (natural beet powder preferred)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Black Bhatt

    Rinse the black bhatt thoroughly, then place it in a bowl and cover with plenty of water. Soak for at least 12 hours or overnight.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Drain and Grind

    Drain the soaked dal and transfer to a grinder. Add 2‑3 tbsp water and pulse to a coarse paste; avoid turning it into a smooth batter.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Boil the Dal

    Heat the cast‑iron kadhai on medium flame. Add 1.5 L water, bring to a rolling boil, then stir in the ground dal. Scrape the bottom to prevent lumps.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Add Aromatics

    Add the minced garlic, slit green chilies, and a pinch of salt. Stir and let the flavors meld.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Simmer the Dubke

    Reduce the flame to low, partially cover, and let the dal simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and the broth thickens.

    Time: PT20M

  6. Prepare the Lauki

    Peel the lauki, then grate it using a coarse side of the grater. Set aside.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Fry Dry Fruits

    In a separate small kadhai, melt 1 tbsp ghee over medium flame. Add the chopped dry fruits and fry for 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a plate.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Sauté the Grated Lauki

    Add the remaining 1 tbsp ghee to the same kadhai, then add the grated lauki. Sauté for 3‑4 minutes on medium flame, stirring constantly.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Add Milk

    Pour the warm milk over the sautéed lauki, stir, and bring to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Sweeten the Halwa

    Stir in the sugar and milk powder until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Cook the Halwa

    Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, pulls away from the sides of the pan, and attains a glossy texture (about 10‑15 minutes).

    Time: PT15M

  12. Finish the Halwa

    Add cardamom powder, a pinch of food color (if using), and drizzle the remaining ½ tbsp ghee. Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Garnish and Serve

    Transfer the dubke to a serving bowl. Serve hot with steamed rice or on its own. Plate the lauki halwa, garnish with the fried dry fruits, and enjoy warm.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, High‑Iron, High‑Protein

Allergens: Milk, Ghee (dairy), Nuts (dry fruits), Soy (black urad dal may trigger legume allergy)

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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🔴Bhatt ke Dubke , Lauki ka halwa recipe by Meal Palace

Recipe by Meal Palace

A wholesome Uttarakhand mountain meal featuring protein‑rich Black Bhatt Dubke (boiled black urad dal) served alongside sweet, aromatic Lauki (bottle gourd) Halwa. The dish is celebrated for its health benefits, especially for joint and liver ailments, and is completely vegetarian, gluten‑free and iron‑packed.

MediumIndian (Uttarakhand)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
47m
Prep
1h 15m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 17m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$22.19
Total cost
$5.55
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the black bhatt overnight ensures proper softening.
  • Grinding to a coarse paste (not a smooth batter) is essential for texture.
  • Simmering the dubke uncovered if too watery prevents a soupy result.
  • Do not squeeze the grated lauki; its moisture is key to a soft halwa.
  • Stir the halwa continuously to avoid scorching on the iron surface.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot cast‑iron kadhai with oven mitts; the handle gets extremely hot.
  • Boiling water can splatter – keep a lid partially ajar and stir gently.
  • When frying dry fruits, stay close to the stove; nuts can burn within seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Black Bhatt Dubke in Uttarakhand cuisine?

A

Black Bhatt Dubke is a traditional mountain staple of Uttarakhand, originally prepared as a nourishing, iron‑rich dish for laborers and patients with joint or liver ailments. The black urad dal, locally called ‘bhatt’, grows in high‑altitude regions and has been used for centuries as both food and folk medicine.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Lauki Halwa in Uttarakhand?

A

In some valleys of Uttarakhand, Lauki Halwa is made with jaggery instead of sugar and flavored with locally sourced cardamom and a dash of saffron. In other areas, people add khoya (reduced milk solids) for extra richness, while some families keep it plain to highlight the natural sweetness of the bottle gourd.

cultural
Q

How is Black Bhatt Dubke traditionally served in Uttarakhand households?

A

Dubke is typically served hot, either on its own as a hearty stew or alongside steamed rice or roti. It is often eaten for breakfast or as a light dinner, especially during the cold months, because its warmth and iron content are believed to boost vitality.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Black Bhatt Dubke traditionally prepared in Uttarakhand?

A

Dubke is commonly prepared during the monsoon season when joint pain (jandish) spikes, as well as during festivals like Harela and during family gatherings in the winter, when a warming, nutritious dish is most appreciated.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Black Bhatt Dubke versus acceptable modern substitutes?

A

Authentic dubke uses black bhatt (black urad dal), fresh garlic, green chilies, and a pinch of hing (asafoetida). Modern cooks may substitute regular urad dal or black lentils if bhatt is unavailable, and can use garlic paste for convenience, but the flavor profile changes slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Uttarakhand dishes pair well with Black Bhatt Dubke and Lauki Halwa?

A

Dubke pairs beautifully with plain steamed rice, ghee‑topped roti, or a side of sautéed leafy greens like sarson ka saag. Lauki Halwa complements the meal as a sweet finish, and it also goes well with a cup of spiced buttermilk (chaas) to aid digestion.

cultural
Q

What makes Black Bhatt Dubke special or unique in Uttarakhand cuisine?

A

The dish’s uniqueness lies in the use of black bhatt, a high‑iron legume native to the Himalayan foothills, and the minimal use of spices—letting the natural earthy flavor shine. It also doubles as a folk remedy for jandish (joint pain) and liver disorders.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Black Bhatt Dubke?

A

Common errors include over‑grinding the dal into a smooth paste, which removes the desired texture, and cooking the dubke with a tight lid, which traps steam and makes the stew soupy. Always keep the grind coarse and simmer uncovered if excess liquid remains.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a cast‑iron kadhai instead of a non‑stick pan for both dubke and halwa?

A

A cast‑iron kadhai distributes heat evenly and adds a subtle smoky flavor that is traditional to mountain cooking. It also tolerates high heat needed for sautéing dry fruits and simmering the halwa without the risk of coating wear that can happen with non‑stick surfaces.

technical
Q

Can I make Black Bhatt Dubke ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, dubke can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on low flame with a splash of water to restore its creamy consistency.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Meal Palace specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Meal Palace, hosted by Kusum, specializes in authentic regional Indian recipes, especially lesser‑known mountain and tribal dishes from Uttarakhand, along with health‑focused cooking tips and traditional home remedies.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Meal Palace's approach to Uttarakhand cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Meal Palace focuses on sourcing genuine mountain ingredients, such as black bhatt and local herbs, and emphasizes the medicinal properties of dishes. Unlike many channels that adapt recipes for convenience, Meal Palace preserves traditional techniques like using a cast‑iron kadhai and minimal spice blends.

channel

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