How to Make Crispy Jalebi at Home
Jalebi is a beloved Indian sweet, known for its crispy texture and delightful sweetness. Making jalebi at home is simpler than you might think, and the taste will surpass anything you can buy from a store. Here’s a straightforward recipe to create delicious jalebis that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
- Flour: 1.5 cups (all-purpose flour)
- Gram Flour: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added crispiness)
- Citric Acid: 0.5 teaspoons
- Saffron: 0.25 teaspoons
- Sugar: 2 cups
- Cardamom Powder: 0.125 teaspoons
- Oil or Ghee: For frying
- Garnish: Almond and pistachio pieces, rose petals
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix citric acid with 1.25 cups of hot water.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and gram flour to this mixture, mixing well by hand until smooth.
- Fermentation:
- Cover the bowl with a lid and let the mixture sit in a warm place for 6 to 8 hours. This fermentation process is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Saffron Preparation:
- In a separate bowl, combine saffron with 1 teaspoon of hot water and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the batter has fermented, incorporate half of the saffron-water mixture into it and mix thoroughly.
- Make Sugar Syrup:
- In a deep, non-stick pan, combine sugar with 1.33 cups of water.
- Cook on high heat for about 6–7 minutes until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency.
- Add the remaining saffron-water mixture and cardamom powder to the syrup, then remove from heat.
- Frying Jalebi:
- Heat oil or ghee in a wide non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or squeeze bottle with a small opening.
- Squeeze the batter into the hot oil in circular shapes, ensuring they are golden brown on both sides.
- Soaking in Syrup:
- Immediately transfer the fried jalebis into the warm sugar syrup for a few seconds to soak.
- Remove them from the syrup and place them on a tray.
- Garnishing:
- Garnish with almond-pistachio pieces and rose petals before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Jalebi can be enjoyed on its own or paired with milk or rabri (a thickened milk dessert). The crispy texture combined with the sweet syrup makes it an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.By following these steps, you can create homemade jalebis that are sure to delight your taste buds and those of your guests!
