Pumpkin, Date & Walnut Halwa aka Kaddu, Khajur aur Akhrote ka Halwa

I can write about the pumpkin being in season and how it is all over the market, and is just the right time for a pumpkin recipe!

Or, I can regale my childhood stories about how I had a pumpkin patch and about the harvest that we had every year!

May be I can charm you with the nutritional properties of orange colored vegetables. But no.
I will just get right to the recipe and the pictures... :)

Pumpkin Date Walnut Halwa
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1 cup grated pumpkin (I used a butternut squash)
1/2 cup dates
1/4 cup walnut, coarsely powdered
1/2 tsp elaichi/cardamom powder
2 tbsp + 1tsp ghee
2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
1.5 tbsp milk powder (optional)
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1. Soak finely chopped dates in 1/4 cup water till you are grating the squash. This step can be omitted if you are using the any soft dates like medjool etc.
2. Heat 2tbsp ghee.
3. Add grated squash and saute for 2-3 minutes.
4. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, it gets cooked very fast.
5. Add the softened dates and sugar, stir well. Cook for a few minutes till everything comes together.
6. Add milk powder(if using) and walnut powder, stir well till incorporated.
7. Add 1tsp ghee along the edges of the pan and stir till it comes together.
8. Garnish with walnut halves and serve hot :)
Try this halwa once, it is rich in taste with that amazing dark color, you will enjoy the natural flavors.
This halwa tastes much better the next day, if possible do allow a day for the flavors to play their magic.
I'm not sure if my mind was playing games with me, but it tastes like Gajar ka Halwa after the flavors have developed for a couple of days :)


Notice the napkin under the plate? It is my favorite napkin with the lace made by my mom using shutle :)

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Sending it over to Chandrika for AFAM-dates.

Click here for one more dish using Butternut Squash.