The Lau Poda pitha is one of my favorite Pithas. And according to a story that dates back to my childhood days, I ended up burning my forearm trying to get it out of the hot oven. In fact I still have a burn mark (though it has lightened considerably over time) to vouch for the authenticity of this tale.Quite easy to prepare and with the additional health benefits of bottle gourd puree, I opted for a Sugar free version this Raja as my MIL is diabetic. But one can use sugar or jaggery as one pleases.
Peel and cook the bottle gourd pieces for 1 whistle. Once steam escapes, drain off the water and puree the boiled bottle gourd.
Take the bottle gourd puree in a wok and cook it on a low flame for 4-5 minutes before adding the milk.
Once the mixture gets bubbling, add the rice flour, salt and sugar. Cook till it gets to a dough like consistency.
Remove from the flame before adding the cardamom powder, pepper powder, ghee and coconut slices. Mix in and keep aside till it reaches a bearable temperature.
Rub ghee on your palms and start kneading it thoroughly for 5 mins.
Grease a baking dish. Press the dough into it and drizzle some ghee on top.
Preheat for 10 mins at 180 degrees.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 180 degrees till a reddish crust forms.
Remove and keep aside till it cools down. Cut into pieces.
Serve cold. Tastes best the next day and can be refrigerated for up to one week.