500g ash gourd (peeled and cubed)
2 cups sugar
4 cups water
1/2 tsp lime or baking soda (for soaking)
A pinch of cardamom powder
Saffron strands (optional)
After soaking the ash gourd cubes for an hour in water mixed with baking soda or lime, thoroughly rinse.
Once the cubes are soft, boil them, then drain and set them aside.
To produce syrup, dissolve sugar in water in a different pan. When the syrup thickens and the petha becomes translucent, add the ash gourd cubes and simmer over low heat.
Cook for a few more minutes after adding the saffron (if using) and cardamom powder.