ஆக்ரா ஸ்பெஷல் பூசணிக்காய் ஸ்வீட் / Agra petha recipe / White pumpkin candy / Pumpkin sweet recipe

Ingredients

• 1 Kg White pumpkin / ash gourd (large and hard)
• 2 tsp lime stone
• 2 cups Sugar
• 2 cups Water

Method

1. Prick each ash gourd cube with a fork at close intervals.
2. Combine the lime stone with enough water in a deep bowl and mix well till it dissolves completely.
3. Add the pricked ash gourd and mix well. Cover it with a lid and keep aside 12 to 15 hours.
4. Next day, drain and wash the ash gourd thoroughly under running water and keep aside.
5. Boil enough water in a deep non-stick pan add the ash gourd, mix well and cook on a medium flame till the ash gourd turn transparent.
6. Drain well and keep aside.
7. Combine the sugar and 2 cups of water in a deep non-stick pan, mix well and cook on a medium flame till the sugar dissolves completely.
8. Add the ash gourd, mix well and cook on a medium flame till the sugar syrup one thread consistency, while stirring occasionally.
9. Cover it with a lid and keep aside for 6 hours.
10. After 6 hours, cook the ash gourd along with the remaining sugar syrup on a medium flame for 10 minutes, while stirring continuously.
11. Strain the excess sugar syrup using a strainer and discard it.
12. Place the ash gourd cubes on a plate at regular intervals and allow it to dry under the fan one hour or overnight.
13. Serve or store refrigerated in an air-tight container.