Delicious Ash Gourd (Petha Kaddu) Halwa Recipe

Delicious Ash Gourd (Petha Kaddu) Halwa Recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Asma Majid Food on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr

Cost: $6.60 total, $1.65 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 g Pumpkin (peeled, seeds removed, grated)
  • 1/2 cup White Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cup Full‑Cream Milk (can use whole milk for richer taste)
  • 2 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter, preferably desi ghee)
  • 1/4 cup Mixed Dry Fruits (cashews, pistachios, almonds, roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Water (for initial cooking of pumpkin)
  • 1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pumpkin

    Wash the pumpkin, peel it, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds and grate the flesh using a fine grater.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Cook pumpkin with water

    Place the grated pumpkin in a saucepan, add 1/4 cup water, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates and the pumpkin softens.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Add sugar

    Stir in 1/2 cup white sugar and continue cooking until the sugar melts and the mixture starts to thicken.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Incorporate milk

    Pour in 2 cups full‑cream milk, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture reduces and the pumpkin is fully cooked.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Add ghee

    Add 2 tbsp ghee, mix well and cook until the ghee separates and the halwa acquires a glossy sheen.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Finish with dry fruits and cardamom

    Stir in the mixed dry fruits and optional cardamom powder, cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Serve

    Transfer the hot halwa to a serving bowl, garnish with the remaining nuts and serve warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Milk, Nuts

Last updated: April 27, 2026

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Delicious Ash Gourd (Petha Kaddu) Halwa Recipe

Recipe by Asma Majid Food

A traditional Punjabi pumpkin halwa made with grated pumpkin, milk, sugar, ghee and mixed dry fruits. This sweet, aromatic dessert is prized for its rich flavor and is believed to boost strength and ease joint discomfort.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
25m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.60
Total cost
$1.65
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Peel and grate pumpkin
  • Cook pumpkin until water evaporates
  • Add ghee and let it separate
  • Add dry fruits at the end

Safety Warnings

  • Hot ghee can cause severe burns – handle with care
  • Milk can boil over quickly; keep an eye on the pan

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Pumpkin Halwa (Kaddoo ki Halwa) in Punjabi cuisine?

A

Pumpkin Halwa, known as Kaddoo ki Halwa, is a traditional Punjabi sweet prepared during festivals and winter months. It is valued for its warming properties and is believed to provide strength and ease joint discomfort, reflecting the region’s emphasis on hearty, nourishing desserts.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Pumpkin Halwa in North Indian cuisine?

A

In North India, some families add khoya (reduced milk solids) for extra richness, while others incorporate saffron or rose water for fragrance. In Gujarat, a thinner, more syrupy version is common, whereas in Punjab the halwa is thick, ghee‑laden, and studded with dry fruits.

cultural
Q

How is Pumpkin Halwa traditionally served in Punjabi households?

A

It is usually served warm in a shallow bowl, garnished with chopped nuts, and enjoyed after meals or as a festive treat. It may be accompanied by a cup of chai or offered as prasad during religious occasions.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is Pumpkin Halwa traditionally prepared in Punjabi culture?

A

Pumpkin Halwa is often made for winter festivals like Lohri, during family gatherings, and on special occasions such as birthdays or religious events where sweet dishes are customary.

cultural
Q

What makes Pumpkin Halwa special or unique in Punjabi cuisine?

A

The combination of sweet pumpkin, ghee, and rich milk creates a velvety texture unlike other halwas that use carrots or semolina. Its natural orange hue and the belief in health benefits set it apart as both a comfort food and a wellness dessert.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pumpkin Halwa?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the pumpkin so it becomes mushy, burning the ghee, and adding too much water which makes the halwa watery. Removing all seeds and grating finely also prevents gritty texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Pumpkin Halwa recipe add ghee after the milk rather than at the beginning?

A

Adding ghee after the milk allows the milk to reduce without the risk of the ghee separating too early. This sequence ensures a glossy finish and prevents the ghee from burning, giving the halwa its characteristic sheen.

technical
Q

Can I make Pumpkin Halwa ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of milk to restore softness before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Pumpkin Halwa is done?

A

The halwa should have a thick, glossy consistency, with the ghee visibly separating around the edges. The color should be a deep orange, and the mixture should pull away from the sides of the pan without sticking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Asma Majid Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Asma Majid Food specializes in Punjabi home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional recipes, health‑benefiting dishes, and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks in the Indian subcontinent.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Asma Majid Food's approach to Punjabi cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Asma Majid Food emphasizes the health aspects of traditional dishes, often highlighting ingredients like pumpkin for their nutritional benefits, and presents recipes in a straightforward, no‑fuss style that appeals to busy home cooks, unlike many channels that focus on elaborate plating.

channel

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