Karela has various therapeutic properties and it is one of the healthiest vegetables. My mom-in-law used to make a variety of dishes with bitter gourd during my pregnancy and post delivery. This halwa is one of them. She added extra ghee and dry fruits but here I have reduced the quantity.
Ingredients:
Karelas / bitter gourds .... 3
Desi ghee / clarified butter .. 3 tbsps
Sugar ........................ 6 tbsps
Cardamom powder ..... 1/2 tsp
Poppy seeds .............. 2 tbsps (dry roasted)
Khoya ........................ 3 tbsps
Milk ......................... 1/4 cup
Almonds .................. 1 tbsp (sliced)
Pistachios ................ 1 tbsp (sliced)
Method:
1. Wash the karelas, peel them and discard the seeds.
2. Cut them into small pieces.
3. Grind them in a mixie without adding any water.
4. In a pan heat the ghee and add the ground karela paste.
5. Stir fry for about 5 minutes until the water is evaporated.
6. Now add the milk and allow it to simmer for few minutes until the karela mixture gets cooked.
7. Tip in the khoya and mix well.
8. Add the sugar and stir it until it melts.
9. Now add the poppy seeds.
10. Keep stirring until the mixture leaves the sides.
11. Add a portion of dry fruits to the halwa and save some for garnishing.