ASH GOURD PETHA

Ingredients:
1 kg firm ash gourd
800 grms sugar
2 tsp calcium hydroxide
½ tsp alum
1 tsp rose water
2 cups of water

Method:
Dissolve alum in ½ cup of water. Keep aside.
Dissolve the calcium hydroxide in 1 liter water.
Strain with a clean cloth, keep aside.

Peel the ash gourd, discard the the seeds and mushy centre.
Cut into desired sizes. Prick all over with a fork.
Put the pieces in the calcium solution, soak for 30 minutes.
After that drain and wash under running water for 3 minutes.
Put the pieces in a bowl, sprinkle the alum water.
Shake to coat all pieces evenly.

Now drain and boil the pieces in a large heavy pan,
till a little soft and exuding water.
Now make syrup with the sugar and water.
Boil till 2 ½ thread consistency.
Now drain the ash gourd and put in the syrup.
Boil till syrup becomes thick again.
Keep covered over night.
Drain, boil syrup again till thick, add pieces, reboil for 3 minutes.
Drain out excess syrup, sprinkle rose water.
Cool completely, dry in the sun till the sugar crystalises.