Ingredients:

• 2 to 2.5 cups – grated winter melon/ash gourd/ boodkumbalakai
• 1.5 cups – Sugar
• 4 to 5 strands – Saffron
• 1/2 tsp – elaichi/cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp – raisins/cashew mixture
• 2 + 2 tsp – ghee/clarified Butter

Method:

1. Drain out excess water from the winter melon and grate.
2. Heat 2 tsp ghee in a pan and roast the grated winter melon until it is coated well with ghee.
3. Then pressure cook it for 1-2 whistles, or until cooked completely.
4. Transfer the contents to the pan and saute it on medium heat until all the water evaporates.
5. Once the quantity is reduced to three fourth, add sugar and mix well.
6. Cook further, until all the moisture evaporates and the winter melon becomes a single lump.
7. It usually takes about 40-50 mins.
8. Stir frequently towards the end.
9. Add elaichi, and saffron and mix well.
10. Roast raisins and cashews in ghee and add to the halwa.
11. Serve hot.
12. Recipe and Image courtesy: Ramya
13. http://maneadige.blogspot.in/