Kaddu Halwa Halva (Butternut Squash Cake) Recipe

Kaddu is called Pumpkin in India, it is not same as the Pumpkin in USA. Kaddu is close in texture and taste to Butternut Squash

Kaddu Halwa is made just like Carrot Halwa . I will peel and grate it coarse, and the pre-cook in microwave oven. If you are a traditionalist, cook grated Kaddu in about 2½ cups of milk till tender and most of the moisture has dissipated.

Ingredients

1. Kaddu (Butternut Squash): 3 Pounds
2. Ghee: ½ Cup
3. Milk: ½ Cup

4. Sugar: 1¼ Cup

5. Pumpkin seeds: ½ Cup

6. Cardamom seeds/ground: ½ teaspoon
7. Kewra (Screwpine extract): ½ Tablespoon

Method

1. Put grated Kaddu in a microwave proof dish. Cover with plastic film. Cook covered for about 8 to 10 minutes on high or till Kaddu is tender. Set aside.

2. Heat Ghee in a heavy bottom pan. We will do all our cooking in the pan. Fry Pumpkin seeds. They will puff up and get slightly brown. Remove pumpkin seeds with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Add cooked Pumpkin, milk, and sugar. Cook till almost all the moisture is gone. It is a soft dough. It will take about 10 minutes. Shut off heat.

5. Mix in fried pumpkin seeds and Kewra.

6. Transfer the mixture into a pan and let it cool to room temperature. Place it in the refrigerator. After two hours cut it as squares and serve.