Ingredients:

• 1 small winter melon (ash gourd)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few drops of rose water (optional)
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Ghee or oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Peel the winter melon and remove the seeds. Cut it into small, rectangular pieces or any desired shape. You can also use a melon baller to make round-shaped pethas.

2. In a large pan, add water and sugar. Heat the mixture on medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Once the sugar syrup starts boiling, add the winter melon pieces. Let them simmer in the syrup for about 20-25 minutes or until the pieces become translucent and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

4. Add cardamom powder and mix well. At this stage, you can also add a few drops of rose water and saffron strands for additional flavor and aroma.

5. Continue to cook the melon pieces in the syrup for another 5 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.

6. Turn off the heat and allow the petha to cool down in the syrup for about 30 minutes. This will help the pieces absorb the syrup and enhance the flavor.

7. Grease a tray or plate with ghee or oil. Gently transfer the petha pieces from the syrup to the greased tray, arranging them in a single layer.

8. Let the petha cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, the syrup will further thicken and crystallize around the petha, giving it a slightly grainy texture.

9. Once cooled and set, your homemade petha is ready to be enjoyed! You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.