How to Make the Perfect Jalebi
Indian · Easy · 35 min · 6 servings
Jalebi are crispy golden pretzel-shaped Indian sweets soaked in warm saffron sugar syrup that kids find incredibly fun to eat. These satisfying crunchy spirals are a beloved street food treat children beg for at festivals and celebrations.
Why this recipe works
This Jalebi recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 240 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.5 cup plain yogurt
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 0.25 teaspoon saffron strands
- 2 cups oil for frying
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Batter
Mix flour cornstarch and yogurt together adding water gradually until you have a smooth thick pourable batter with no lumps. Cover and let the batter rest for at least 2 hours at room temperature to ferment slightly and develop flavor.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil stirring until sugar dissolves. Add saffron strands and cook for 5 minutes until the syrup reaches a one string consistency when tested between your fingers. Keep warm on the lowest heat.
Step 3: Fry the Jalebis
Heat oil to 180 degrees Celsius in a wide flat pan. Pour batter into a squeeze bottle or piping bag and pipe spiral shapes directly into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until crispy and golden orange in color.
Step 4: Soak and Serve
Transfer fried jalebis immediately into the warm sugar syrup and let them soak for one minute turning gently to coat all sides. Remove and place on a plate. Serve warm so kids can enjoy the crispy sugary crunch at its best.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- saffron strands → a few drops of orange food coloring for the classic orange color
- plain yogurt → buttermilk for a similar tangy fermented flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Frying in oil that is not hot enough causing jalebis to absorb too much oil and become greasy
- Soaking jalebis in syrup for too long making them soggy instead of achieving the desired crispy outside
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 240 calories, 3g protein, 46g carbs, 6g fat, 1g fiber.
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