Crispy Indian Jalebi With Sweet Syrupy Spirals

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Jalebi are the bright orange spirals, crisp outside and soaked inside, piped freehand into the oil. I pipe the batter in a tight spiral so the edges crisp while the middle stays syrup-soft.

The Indian Jalebi recipe is simple to follow, making it a great choice for festive occasions or as a delicious dessert after a meal.

Sweet and Crispy Jalebi Recipe

This recipe yields crispy spirals of jalebi that are golden brown and soaked in a sugary syrup, ideal for serving warm. It takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish and makes enough to serve approximately 4-6 people.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup yogurt
Water as needed
Oil for deep frying
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water for syrup
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
A few drops of orange or yellow food coloring (optional)
Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, turmeric powder, baking powder, and yogurt. Add water gradually to form a smooth and slightly thick batter. If using, mix in the food coloring. Cover and let it ferment for 30 minutes.
Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves completely. Add cardamom powder and keep it warm on low heat.

Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. A small drop of batter should sizzle immediately when added to the oil.
Fry the Jalebi: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or squeeze bottle. Squeeze the batter into the hot oil in circular spiral shapes. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels.
Soak in Syrup: Immediately immerse the fried jalebis in the warm sugar syrup for a few seconds. Remove and let them rest on a cooling rack to catch any excess syrup.