About Mane Adige

My photo
"Mane Adige" means "Home Food" in kannada and this blog is all about recipes that I cook. Most of the recipes I post here will be from "Mangalooru" and "Bengalooru " regions of Karnataka,India. Rest of them are the one's which I try out by improvising the recipes got from different sources.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

"Kashi Halwa for Deepavali!" Well, now for Thanksgiving maybe.... :)

As most of you would have guessed, this post was meant to be for Deepavali!! It has been lying in my drafts folder for almost a month now.... But it somehow didn't make it to my page before Deepavali :(

P.S: The delay had nothing to do with me being lazy and not getting a picture of the dish, before relishing it right out of the cooking pan!! :D :P :)

Had this post made it on time, here's what I would have said.....

"A Very Happy Deepavali to all Mane Adige readers!!!! Here's hoping that the festival of lights brings your way, bright sparkles of contentment, that stay with you today and in the days to come!

As you all know, the speciality of Deepavali festival (apart from the fireworks, of course :)...) is the multiple varieties of sweetmeats prepared in every household. Unlike other festivals, where the main focus is on worshiping God, Deepavali is a people oriented festival. It is the time for enjoyment.... It is the time when people forget enmity and join hands, back in friendship!".

But now, I'd just say, Hope you all had a wonderful Deepavali!!! :)

Kashi Halwa is an authentic Karnataka speciality sweet dish that is made with Ash Gourd (Also known as Winter melon in English and called Boodkumbalakai/ Kumbalakai in Kannada). Kashi Halwa is usually made during special occasions like weddings and festivals. How did the dish get its name?!?? I am clueless!!! Any info regarding the name would be much appreciated!! :D

There are two ways of making this Halwa

  • Cook the winter melon with milk, just like how we make Carrot Halwa
  • Cook the winter melon without adding any milk - This is the version I have for you today.

While both the versions are famous, I personally prefer the one with no milk. You could go ahead and choose whichever suits you best!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!! :)

Ingredients:

2 - 2 1/2 cups Grated Winter melon/Ash gourd/ Boodkumbalakai

1.5 cups Sugar

4-5 strands of Saffron

1/2 tsp Elaichi/Cardamom powder

1 tbsp Raisins/Cashew mixture

2+2 tsp Ghee/Clarified butter

Method:

  1. Drain out excess water from the winter melon; Heat 2 tsp ghee in a pan and roast the grated winter melon until it is coated well with ghee.
  2. Pressure cook the grated winter melon for 1-2 whistles, or until cooked completely.
  3. Transfer the contents to the pan and cook on medium heat until all the excess water evaporates; Saute regularly.
  4. Once the quantity is reduced to three fourth's, add sugar and mix well;
  5. Cook further, until all the moisture evaporates and the winter melon comes out as a single lump; It usually takes about 40-50 mins; Saute frequently towards the end.
  6. Add elaichi, saffron and mix well.
  7. Roast raisins and cashews in ghee and add to the halwa. Serve hot and enjoi!

Prep Time: About 90 minutes;

Serves: About 1-2 people;

Off this goes to Aparna for her Blog Anniversary Event celebrations... Congratulations, Aparna and thanx so much for hosting!! :)

I am also sending this across to Mythreyee of Paajaka Recipes for the Sweet series- Halwa/Katli/Burfee/Peda Event that she is hosting. Thanx so much, Mythreyee!!


18 comments:

Finla said...

Wow love the colour and delicious. Belated deepvali wishes, better late than nerver, that is why i say :-)

Vanamala Hebbar said...

Looks nice delicious...Well this we call it as Dhamrote..i have posted a year back.

Kannada Cuisine said...

Belated Deepawali wishes...
Kashi halwa looks absolutely decadent..It is such a festive dish, i am sure fits the 'Deepawali' bill perfectly

Uma said...

colorful halwa. looks so delicious. No problem, I can have it for thanksgiving! Yummy!

Cynthia said...

Well given that it is soon going to be thanksgiving, we are thankful that you made it and posted it for us :)

Unknown said...

Looks vibrant and beautiful..lovely color.

Red Chillies said...

Kashi halwa? is that the same as dumrote? Bealted Diwali wishes to you Ramya.

SMN said...

Kashi halwa one of its kind nothin to beat this. Yum Yum..

Dibs said...

aha tumba chennagi ide!

I have somethings for you at our blog :-))

lubnakarim06 said...

Wow this is something new to me. Looks yummylicious.

Raks said...

I am here after long time,hav to catch up with ur posts...
This halwa looks gorgeous and photo is too good!!!

Divya Rao said...

Hey Ramya,
A friend of mine mentioned your blog sometime last year and since then I've been visiting your blog often. I think it's great and I've added a link to your blog on mine - cozylittlekitchen.blogspot.com.
Are you from M'lore? coz I'm kinda a Mangy too :-)
Keep blogging! Cheers! Divya

amna said...

i remember tasting this in a relative's place long back and loved it!

Aparna Balasubramanian said...

I liked the golden colour of your halwa. Looks delicious.
Thanks for celebrating with me.

Btw, I believe the name Kashi Halwa comes from the fact that Ash Gourd is also known as Kashi Phal in hindi.

Mythreyee said...

Hey wonderful kashi halwa. Send this to the sweet series event as well. Love to include this.

Sanghi said...

delicious one. first time here. great blog. do visit my site..

Arathi Sridhar said...

wow!looks yummy!will definitely make some soon! love your blog ramya! Keep up the good work!

Arathi

Anonymous said...

Hi...
While searching for some recipe, I dropped in here...Kashi halwa looks really great and mouth watering..