Cookbook:Jalebi (Fritters in Syrup)

| Indian Cuisine | Dessert

Jalebi is a sweet fritter that is shaped like a slightly large, chaotic pretzel. It is traditionally prepared in India and Pakistan. Well-made jalebi has a tart element with a sweet taste.

Batter

 * 3 cups all-purpose flour
 * ¼ cup gram flour
 * ¼ teaspoon baking powder
 * 1½ cups water
 * 3 cups of vegetable oil/ghee for deep frying

Syrup

 * 4 cups white granulated sugar
 * 3 cups water
 * ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
 * Red and yellow food colorings
 * 1 teaspoon rosewater

Procedure

 * 1) Mix up the batter ingredients until smooth.
 * 2) Let the batter sit unrefrigerated and uncovered overnight (about 12 hours).
 * 3) Mix the sugar, water, and cream of tartar for the syrup.
 * 4) Stir the syrup over moderate heat until the sugar is dissolved.
 * 5) Put on high heat and boil for 5 minutes.
 * 6) Let the syrup cool, and stir in the rosewater. Use food coloring to tint it light orange.
 * 7) Put the vegetable oil in a wide wok-like dish, and heat to about 350°F (175°C).
 * 8) Put the batter into a pastry bag with about a ¼ inch opening. If it is too dry to squeeze out, mix in a bit of water.
 * 9) Squeeze the batter into the oil, making a couple of figure-eight shapes and loops on top of each other. The shape should be about 3 inches on its longest side.
 * 10) Fry each jalebi until golden brown. Remove, let the oil drain off, then soak in syrup for a minute.
 * 11) Serve.