Jalebi

Name: Jalebi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp chickpea flour; 2 tbsp plain yogurt, whisked; 1/2 cup warm water; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup water; 1/4 tsp ground cardamom; 1 pinch saffron strands, crushed; 1 tsp lemon juice; 2 cups vegetable oil

Crispy fried spiral treats soaked in warm sugar syrup infused with aromatic saffron and cardamom.

35 minMediumServes 4340 cal/serving

IndianDessertStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyKosher-styleNut-FreeEgg-FreeSoy-FreeSesame-FreeShellfish-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp chickpea flour
2 tbsp plain yogurt, whisked
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup water
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1 pinch saffron strands, crushed
1 tsp lemon juice
2 cups vegetable oil

Instructions

1

Whisk 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp chickpea flour, 2 tbsp whisked plain yogurt, and 1/2 cup warm water in a bowl until smooth.
2

Stir 1/4 tsp baking soda into the batter and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3

In a saucepan, boil 1 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup water until it reaches a thin syrup consistency, then stir in 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, 1 pinch crushed saffron strands, and 1 tsp lemon juice.
4

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a shallow pan over medium heat.
5

Pour batter into a squeeze bottle, pipe spiraling concentric circles into hot oil, and fry until crisp and golden.
6

Remove spirals from oil, drain briefly, and soak in warm syrup for 1 minute before serving.

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Questions

What is Jalebi?

Crispy fried spiral treats soaked in warm sugar syrup infused with aromatic saffron and cardamom. This reference files it under Indian dessert: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 35 minutes start to finish.

Why rest the batter for Jalebi?

Step 2 reads: "Stir 1/4 tsp baking soda into the batter and let it rest for 10 minutes." The pause in step 2 lets the flour hydrate fully and the bubbles settle, which gives a more tender, even result.

What can I use instead of saffron in Jalebi?

The entry for Jalebi calls for 1 pinch saffron strands, crushed. In its place: Nothing reproduces the flavor of saffron. A pinch of turmeric supplies the color only.

Is Jalebi vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp plain yogurt, whisked. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

How many calories are in Jalebi?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 340 calories, with 3 g protein, 68 g carbohydrate and 7 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 75 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

Classic Chai Tea drink
Chicha Morada Spiced Purple Corn Drink drink
French 75 drink

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