
Crispy Homemade Jalebi
Golden, crispy swirls of fermented batter deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup.
2 hours
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
4
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp chickpea flour (besan)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup water (for batter)
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 cup water (for syrup)
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Saffron strands (optional)
- Ghee or oil for frying
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Prepare the batter: In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, and baking soda. Add yogurt and water gradually to form a smooth, thick batter. Cover and let it ferment for 2 hours.
Make sugar syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cardamom powder, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly sticky. Add saffron if using. Keep warm.
Check batter consistency: After fermentation, the batter should be slightly bubbly. If too thick, add a little water to make it flow easily from a squeeze bottle.
Heat ghee/oil: In a deep pan, heat ghee or oil on medium heat. Test by dropping a small batter - it should rise slowly without browning immediately.
Pipe the jalebis: Fill a squeeze bottle or piping bag with batter. Squeeze concentric circles into the hot oil, starting from the center outward. Fry 2-3 at a time.
Fry to perfection: Cook until golden brown on both sides (about 2 minutes per side). Remove and drain excess oil briefly.
Soak in syrup: Immediately dip hot jalebis in warm sugar syrup for 20-30 seconds. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess syrup.
Serve warm: Enjoy jalebis fresh and slightly warm for the best texture. They can be stored airtight for 1 day but are best consumed immediately.
Chef's Tips
- Fermentation Tip: In cold climates, keep the batter in a warm place or oven with light on to help fermentation.
- Consistency Check: Batter should coat the back of a spoon but drip slowly - similar to pancake batter.
- Syrup Test: When syrup forms a single thread between fingers, it's ready.
- Frying Temperature: Maintain medium heat (170-180°C) for even cooking without burning.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with warm milk or rabri for an indulgent dessert.