Ethakka/Plaintain Halwa

Ingredients

3-4 large plantains, riper the better
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raisins (soaked)
2-3 cups milk
1 teaspoon allspice
1/4 cup unsalted butter

Method

Steam the plantains with the skin on if you have a steam cooker. Else microwave whole, skin and all, over a little water for about three to four minutes on high power. This enhances the sweetness of the plantains. Make a few slits in the skin of the plantains. You can even cut them in half. Allow to cool and skin them. I apologise for leaving this part out to those who may have already tried this!
Mash the ripe plantains with the milk, the sugar and half the butter. I use a food processor as it blends the bananas well. Keep aside.

Melt the rest of the butter on a low flame (Use a non-stick pan). Add the cashews and saute till golden. Add the mashed ingredients and the raisins.
Increase the heat and mix in the allspice. Continue blending in until the halwa is sticky and leaves the pan. Remove from heat.Allow to cool and set in a greased pan/plate. Cut into little squares. You can serve this warm or cold!