Jelabi

We wanted to start of 2012 with something sweet and a recipe we never tried before. Jelabi is probably one of the most popular sweet in India. We have tried jelabi made from Urad Dal, unlike the ones that made from Maida/ All Purpose Flour. These are not difficult to make,take care in one or two things and you will have delicious homemade Jalebis to enjoy within minutes…


What you need to prepare Jelabi :

• Split Urad Dal - 1 Cup (Wash and soak for 4 hours)
• Salt - a pinch
• Orange Red Food Color - a pinch
• Baking Soda - a pinch (Optional)
• Oil for deep frying 

To make the Syrup

• Sugar - 1 ½ Cups
• Water -  1 Cup
• Orange Red Food Color -  1/8 Teaspoon
• Lemon Juice -  1 Teaspoon
• Cardamom -  2 (crushed well)

The Preparation Method :

• Drain the Urad Dal from its soaking water and grind into a smooth paste using just enough water.
• Mix Salt, Orange Red Food color and Baking Soda (if using) in the last stage of grinding.
• Fill this batter in an empty bottle (i.e. empty ketchup or mustard bottle) or a cloth with a tiny hole.
• In a deep pan mix all the ingredients to make the Syrup and boil. Once boiled, wait for 2 minutes and reduce the flame to low and maintain it like that.
• On another stove, heat a wide, flat, shallow pan with half an inch of Oil on medium heat.
• Squeeze the bag to drop the batter into the hot Oil making the circular patterns. 
• Fry them on both sides for a minute each and immediately transfer them to the simmering Syrup.
• Let it soak in the Syrup for two minutes, turning once in between if needed (if the Jalebi is not immersing fully in the Syrup).
• Take it out of the Syrup and keep aside while making the rest.
• Serve Jalebis warm or at room temperature.