White Melon Halva - Chalkumra Halwa (চাল কুমড়ার হালুয়া)
 
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Chal kumra halwa is slightly sweet, soft, smooth and incredibly tasty. The aroma of ghee, color of saffron, crunch from the garnished pistachio make chal kumra halva irresistible.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Bangladeshi
Serves: 6-10
Ingredients
  • 1 medium size winter melon (2 cups puree)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoon ghee
  • 2-3 cinnamon, about 1” each
  • Few strands of saffron
  • Pistachio, for garnish
Instructions
  1. Wash and peel winter melon. Discard the soft part with seeds.
  2. Cut the melon into cubes.
  3. Simmer the cubes until tender. Do not add any water, as winter melon will release liquid.
  4. When tender, drain all the liquid reserving about 2 tablespoon.
  5. Add saffron to the reserved liquid. Cover and let steep.
  6. Puree the tender melon and take 2 cups.
  7. Add ghee and cinnamon on a non-stick pan in medium heat.
  8. Add the puree, sugar, saffron water. Stir time to time until all liquid evaporates.
  9. Cook until the mixture is sticky and a mass pulls away from the bottom and sides of the pan.
  10. Remove from heat. Let cool.
  11. Garnish with pistachio and serve.
Notes
Notes :
Adjust the sugar according to your taste.
Often, instead of throwing the liquid, I cook the winter melon until all the water has evaporated for higher nutrition. This method takes a long time.
As Winter melon starts to cook, taste the liquid a little. Sometimes, the liquid may be bitter which will ruin the halvah. Throw the bitter liquid away, wash the pieces again and cook by adding a little water if needed.
Recipe by WithASpin at https://withaspin.com/2014/06/09/chalkumra-halwa/