Jalebi

Jalebis can best be described as funnel cakes. Jalebis can be made thin and crispy or thick and juicy. Jalebis taste best when served hot.

Ingredients:

Batter:
1/2 cup All Purpose flour
1 teaspoon besan (gram flour)
1/2 teaspoon yeast
1/2 teaspoon oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
About 1/3 cup of lukewarm water (as needed)

Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Pinch of cardamom powder
Few strands of saffron
1 teaspoon of lemon juice

Also needed:
Oil to fry

Method:

Batter:
Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about five minutes.
Mix the flour, besan (gram flour), oil, and sugar together.
Add the yeast solution and mix well, making sure that there are no lumps and the batter is smooth.
Set the batter aside and let it sit in a warm place for one hour.
Make sure the batter is fermented, but do not over ferment. After fermenting batter will be little lacy.

Syrup:
Boil the sugar and water together. Add the lemon juice and saffron and close the heat.

Making Jalebis:
Heat the oil in a flat frying pan about 1 1/2″ deep.  To check if the oil is ready, put ont drop of batter in the oil, the batter should sizzle and come up without changing in color right away.
Fill the Jalebi batter into a piping bag with a number 3 nozzle. You can also use an empty bottle (i.e. empty ketchup or mustard bottle).
Squeeze the Jalebi batter out in the hot oil in a pretzel shape to about 2 inches in diameter.
Fry the Jalebis until golden-brown on both sides.
Transfer into the warm syrup.
Let jalebi soak in the hot syrup for a few seconds and take out.
Serve hot.

Variations:
Try sprinkling cinnamon powder or drizzle melted chocolate over the Jalebis for a creative touch.