Exotic Places on Earth

. Squash Halwa Serves 5 Ingredients 1 kg squash 6 tbsp poppy seeds (khus khus) ½ cup jaggery (organic) seeds of 4 green cardamoms (elaichi) ½ cup ghee optional 250-300 gm khoya – grated 2 tbsp chironji 2 tbsp raisins (kishmish) GARNISH a few green pistachios and kaju – blanched and sliced Method * Peel & chop squash into small pieces. * Clean and wash the poppy seeds well. * Place the squash in a cooker with ¼ cup water and give 2 whistles, remove from heat. * Place the cooked squash in a kadhai and mash it with a kadchi. Add the poppy seeds, crushed cardamom seeds and saffron. Cook on medium heat till water evaporates and the pumpkin turns dry. * Add the jaggery and stir till dry. Cook, stirring for 5 minutes. * Add ghee and cook for 10 minutes on low heat * Add the khoya, raisins and chironji. Mix well. *Garnish with pistachios, Kaju