Ash Gourd Halwa

Ash gourd (dum root) halwa is delicious sweet treat which can be prepared within few minutes. It can be serve hot, warm or even chilled. Adding grated coconut is purely optional to get a nice crunch in the halwa. Try this festive treat at home and it will disappear soon!
Ingredients:

1. Grated Ash gourd-1 cup (thickly packed)
2. Sugar-1 cup
3. Ghee-3 tbsp
4. Saffron-few strands
5. Grated coconut-1 tbsp (optional)
6. Roasted cashew-to garnish

Preparation:

• Squeeze the grated ash gourd well using a kitchen towel and keep its water aside.
• Heat a pan with a tablespoon of ghee.
• Add the squeezed ash gourd and saute on low flame for about 5 minutes until dried well.
• Then add the strained water along with another 1/4 cup of water and cover cook the ash gourd for about 15 minutes or until cooked well and all the water content gets absorbed. (cook well; else the raw taste completely spoils the taste of halwa)
• Add grated coconut and mix well for a minute.
• Then add sugar and stir cook until the mixture dried.
• At this point add saffron strands, remaining two tablespoons of ghee and stir well.
• Switch off the flame by adding fried cashews..
• Serve hot, warm or chilled by topping it with a scoop of ice cream!!!!