Peel the Pumpkin and cut into big pieces. Prick all sides using a fork. Take water in a bowl. Add limestone and add the pieces. Soak this over night.
Next day rub and wash with fresh water 5-6 times.
Boil water in a saucepan and put the Pumpkin pieces into it. Boil for 10-12 minutes. When transparent take out and put into cold water.
Now in another pan, add sugar and beetroot extract. Heat and boil until sugar dissolves. When you're almost going to reach the one string consistency add the pumpkin pieces and cook until the syrup dries up and coats well with pumpkin.
Once the syrup dries up, switch off, add the few drops of lemon juice, kewara water or rose essence and let it sit for few minutes. Now take one by one and arrange them on a plate. This should remain as this for 12-24 hours.
Coat with dessicated coconut and serve.
NOTES :
1. Do not over cook the Pumpkin.
2. You will get the Alum or Limestone in any grocery store.
3. Instead of beetroot juice you can add normal water and follow the recipe for plain Petha..
