Lauki Halwa inspired cupcake with Kesar(Saffron strands) Koya Frosting is a fusion bake which imitates the lauki ka halwa in the cake form. This is definitely a treat to all the kids and lauki halwa lovers. It is baked using whole wheat flour, fresh bottle gourd with the intense touch of unsweetened Koya.
Few strands of Kesar dissolved in a 1 tsp of warm milk
4tbspicing sugar
Instructions
Sieve flour, Cardamom powder and salt for 3 - 5 times.
Peel, deseed and grate bottle gourd (3/4 cup).
Wash well and remove the dark water from the grated bottle gourd. This step is important to avoid the bitterness of the vegetable. Squeeze excess water.
Roast bottle gourd in ghee until the raw smell wafts , cool it completely.
In a blender
A. Pulse the bottle gourd
B. Add the Koya and pulse once or twice
C. Add milk and blend well. Do not overdo as it many turn into a buttery form.
Take curd in a bowl and add the above koya bottle gourd mixture. Add sugar and mix until sugar is completely dissolved.
Add baking powder and baking soda to the above mixture. Set for 1 or 2 mins.
Add the flour and gently mix to get a smooth batter.
Pour the batter in the baking cups(not more than ¾ as this cake will rise well)
Bake @180 in a preheated oven(preheat @180) for 30 - 35 mins.
Kesar koya frosting:
1. Beat sugar and cream until it is slightly fluffy
2. Add Koya and Kesar milk mixture(Add kesar milk mixture 1/2 tsp at a time and check for consistency)
3. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled down, frost the cupcakes and decorate using raisins or roasted cashew nuts.