Bottlegourd or Dudhi Halwa/Gardudde Halvo

 

This is a Konkani specialty and is very popular dessert at my home. This recipe goes to the event Iftar Moments Hijri 1431 hosted by Umm and Joys from Fasting to Feasting  by Lubna..

 Ingredients
3 cups grated bottle gourd
2 cups of sugar
1 teaspoon cardamom powder
3 teaspoon raisins
2 tablespoon heavy cream
2 tablespoon chopped cashew nuts
3 tablespoon ghee or clarified butter

Method

Soak the raisins for 20-30 minutes in warm water. If the grated gourd is left around for a long time, it oxidizes and turns brown. So use it immediately after it is grated. Put the grated gourd and sugar in a pan and cook it covered on low heat. Stir it occasionally and avoid browning of the gourd. Cook the gourd till it turns transparent. Adjust the sugar and add more sugar as per your taste. Fry the cashew nuts till brown. Frying the cashew nuts brings out the flavor of the nuts. Add the cardamom and heavy cream to the halwa. Stir well. Garnish the halwa witht he nuts and the raisin. Serve it hot or chilled.