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Halwa-e Kadu (sweet squash dessert) (halwa kadu): recipe illustration
Desserts

Halwa-e Kadu (sweet squash dessert) (halwa kadu)

A melting, cardamom-scented dessert made with squash caramelised with sugar and butter. It is served warm or cold, often at the end of a meal or during festivals such as Nowruz.

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Ingredients

Ingredients

Spices & seasoning

Optional extras

Nutrition facts

375 kcal per serving

Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
44.3 g
of which sugars
40.2 g
Fat
20.3 g
of which saturated fat
11.6 g
Fiber
1.5 g

Ecomely’s estimate, calculated from the ingredients with the ANSES Ciqual food composition table, excluding sides and seasoning added to taste.

Instructions

  1. Peel the squash, remove the seeds and cut it into cubes about 2 cm.
  2. Crush the cardamom pods in a mortar to release the seeds and grind them to a powder.
  3. Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat, then add the squash cubes and fry for 5 minutes, stirring.
  4. Add the water, sugar and cardamom, cover and cook over low heat for about 25 minutes, until the squash is very tender.
  5. Roughly mash the squash with a fork or potato masher to a thick compote texture, then simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
  6. Flavour with the rose water if using, then spoon into bowls.
  7. Decorate with pistachios and almonds and serve warm or cold.

Variations and tips

Richer version. Add a spoonful of thick double cream when serving for a creamier touch.

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Original Ecomely recipe.