Craving Jalebi? Here’s How You Can Prepare It In Just 5 Steps

Jalebi is a beloved Indian sweet that is renowned for its crispy texture, twisted spiral shape, and delightful sweetness. It's a popular dessert enjoyed across the Indian subcontinent, particularly during festivals, celebrations, and special occasions.

Jalebi is a popular Indian sweet that is crispy, syrupy, and enjoyed across the country. Here’s a traditional recipe to make delicious jalebis at home:

1. Ingredients

For the Batter:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
– 2 tablespoons fine semolina (sooji)
– 1 tablespoon yogurt (dahi)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 cup water (approximately), adjust as needed
– A pinch of orange food color (optional)

For the Sugar Syrup:

– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
– A few saffron strands (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon rose water or a few drops of rose essence (optional)

For Frying:

– Ghee or oil for deep frying

2. Instructions

Step 1- Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

– In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
– Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the syrup slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in rose water or essence. Keep warm.

Step 2- Make the Batter:

– In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, semolina, baking powder, and yogurt.
– Gradually add water to form a smooth batter. The consistency should be like pancake batter—thick yet flowing. Add orange food color if desired and mix well. Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3- Fry the Jalebis:

– Heat ghee or oil in a wide frying pan or kadai over medium heat. The pan should have enough ghee/oil to deep fry the jalebis.
– Fill the jalebi batter into a squeeze bottle or a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle (traditionally, a cloth or plastic cone is used).
– Squeeze concentric circles or swirls of the batter into the hot ghee/oil. Start from the center and move outwards to form round shapes. Alternatively, you can make small spirals as well.
– Fry the jalebis until they are golden and crisp on both sides, turning them gently using a slotted spoon. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
– Remove the fried jalebis from the ghee/oil using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate for a few seconds.

Step 4- Soak in Sugar Syrup:

– Immediately transfer the hot jalebis into the warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring they are well coated with syrup.
– Remove the soaked jalebis from the syrup and place them on a serving plate or tray. Repeat the frying and soaking process with the remaining batter.

Step 5- Serve Jalebis:

– Serve jalebis warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh when crispy and soaked in syrup.
– Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds for added flavor and texture.

Enjoy these homemade jalebis as a delightful sweet treat with family and friends, perfect for festivals, celebrations, or simply as a special dessert!