Agra Petha Delight

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ash gourd (winter melon or white pumpkin) 1 kg (2.2 lbs) ash gourd (winter melon or white pumpkin)
• 500 g (2 ½ cups) sugar 500 g (2 ½ cups) sugar
• 1 cup water 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
• 1 teaspoon rose water 1 teaspoon rose water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 0g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 40g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the ash gourd and remove the seeds. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine sugar and water. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. 3.
   Add the ash gourd pieces to the sugar syrup and simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes or until the pieces become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add cardamom powder, saffron strands, and rose water to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate the flavors.
5. 5.
   Continue simmering for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, transfer the Agra Petha along with the syrup into a clean, airtight container.
8. 8.
   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance the flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ash gourd — Make sure to choose a firm and ripe ash gourd. Avoid using overripe or underripe ones, as they may affect the texture and taste of the final dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios to the syrup for added crunch and flavor.
• To enhance the color of the Agra Petha, you can add a few drops of orange food coloring to the syrup.
• If you prefer a stronger saffron flavor, soak the saffron strands in warm milk for 10 minutes before adding them to the syrup.
• Store the Agra Petha in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and enjoy it chilled.
• Serve the Agra Petha as a dessert or as a sweet treat during festive occasions.

Serving advice

Serve the Agra Petha as a delightful dessert after a traditional Indian meal. It can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack on its own or paired with a cup of hot masala chai.

Presentation advice

Arrange the translucent Agra Petha pieces on a serving platter, garnished with a sprinkle of saffron strands and a few rose petals for an elegant touch. The golden hue of the candy will be visually appealing and inviting.