Chana Pulao

Ingredients
White gourd(petha)- 2 kg
Lime(calcium hydroxide)- 4 tsp
kewra essence- 6-8 drops
Alum powder(fitkari)- 1 tsp
Sugar- 1½ kg
Water to need

Instructions
Peel and de-seed the white gourd and cut it into 1? squares.
Dissolve lime in 2 liter of water and strain lime water in a cotton cloth.
Prick the gourd pieces with fork and soak in lime water at least for 20 minutes.
Drain the extra water and wash the pieces in running water to remove lime effect.
Dissolve alum in a cup of water and keep aside.
Drizzle the alum water over the gourd pieces and mix well.
After 4-5 minutes drain and shift the gourd pieces in another bowl.
Add sugar and 4 cups of water in a heavy vessel and bring to boil.
Skim off any impurities floating on the surface using a slotted spoon.
Simmer the syrup till 1 thread consistency, place gourd pieces into the syrup.
Boil for 8-10 minutes, turn off the flame and add kewra essence.
Cool the pieces into the syrup for 4-5 hours.
Now take out the pieces and drain them.
Petha is ready to serve.