2 - 4tbspsGhee, ( Can add or reduce this quantity )
a pinchCitric Acid crystals /Nimbu ka phool / Nimbu uppu
fewKesar / Saffron threads
1tspCardamom Powder
Nuts raisins cashew badam, as much as you like
Instructions
Wash ,peel the skin and grate bottle gourd using a grater.
Soak saffron in warm milk and keep aside .
Heat a tsp of ghee in a thick bottom kadai / pan and saute raisins ,cashews and almonds in it ,one by one.When they turn golden brown remove and keep aside.
To the same kadai, add 1 tbsp of ghee and add grated bottle gourd .Saute it for 3-5 mins on medium flame, till the raw smell goes.
Add sugar.Mix well.The sugar - gourd mixture will leave water.Cook uncovered on medium flame and keep mixing in between to avoid sticking to the bottom .Let the bottle gourd cook and water be almost evaporated.This will take 5-8 mins.
Now,add Khoya ,saffron and ghee. Mix well.
When the halwa becomes thick and looks like jam ( the mixture becomes one big mass),turn off the stove.
Add roasted nuts ,cardamom powder and citric acid crystals.Mix well.Thats it..Bottle gourd halwa is ready...Enjoy it hot / warm / cold..Stays good when refrigerated up to 10 days.
Notes
Choose tender bottle gourds to make halwa.If you find bottle gourd seeds are tight and grown, remove it before grating.
Grate and start cooking bottle gourd immediately, as they tend to become brown fast .
If you don't have Khoya , you can replace it with condensed milk or fresh cream.
If you don't have saffron , you can add a pinch of food color.