Imarti Recipe – Saffron Cardamom Jalebi with Sugar Syrup

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Imarti Recipe – Saffron Cardamom Jalebi with Sugar Syrup

Okay, let’s be real. Imarti is that dessert, right? The one that instantly transports you to festive celebrations and sweet, happy memories. I remember the first time I tried to make these – it was a bit of a sticky situation (pun intended!), but totally worth the effort. This saffron and cardamom-infused delight is a little bit of work, but trust me, the melt-in-your-mouth texture and fragrant sweetness are absolutely divine. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Imarti recipe isn’t just about a delicious treat; it’s about experiencing a little piece of Indian culinary heritage. It’s a beautiful dessert, with its vibrant color and intricate spiral shape. Plus, the combination of saffron, cardamom, and that warm sugar syrup is just… chef’s kiss. It’s perfect for festivals, special occasions, or honestly, just a weekend when you’re craving something truly special.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• ?? cup all purpose flour (about 120g)
• 1 tsp corn flour (about 5g)
• ?? tsp baking soda (about 1/4 tsp – be precise!)
• ?? tsp vinegar (about 1/2 tsp)
• 1 tsp yogurt (about 5g)
• 5 tbsp water (about 75ml)
• 1 cup sugar (about 200g)
• ?? tsp saffron strands (a pinch, about 1/4 tsp)
• ?? tsp cardamom powder (about 1/2 tsp)
• 1 tbsp ghee (about 15ml)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola work well)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients, because a few key things make all the difference!

• Saffron: Don’t skimp on the saffron! It’s what gives Imarti its beautiful color and signature aroma. A little goes a long way, but good quality saffron really shines.
• Cardamom: Freshly ground cardamom powder is best. It adds such a lovely warmth and fragrance.
• Ghee: Ghee adds a richness and flavor that you just can’t replicate with oil. It also helps with the crispness.
• Flour Blend: The combination of all-purpose flour and corn flour is crucial for that perfect crispy-yet-soft texture. The corn flour helps create a lighter, more delicate bite. Getting the right balance is key!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, saffron strands, and cardamom powder. Bring it to a boil and simmer until you reach one-string consistency. (We’ll talk about how to check that in the FAQs!). Keep it warm.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn flour, yogurt, vinegar, and water until you have a smooth batter. It should be similar to a pancake batter.
3. Add Baking Soda: Just before frying, add the baking soda to the batter and mix gently. This is what gives Imarti its airy texture, so don’t skip this step!
4. Transfer to Squeeze Bottle: Transfer the batter to a squeeze bottle or piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle. This is how we’ll create those beautiful spiral shapes.
5. Heat the Oil: Heat the oil with ghee in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying, but not smoking.
6. Pipe and Fry: Carefully pipe spiral shapes into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in batches. Fry until golden crisp and bubbly, flipping once.
7. Soak in Syrup: Immediately remove the Imarti from the oil and soak in the warm sugar syrup for about 30 seconds. Make sure they’re fully coated!
8. Serve: Serve immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. Honestly, they disappear fast!

Expert Tips

• Batter Consistency: The batter should be smooth and flowing, but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial. Too cold, and the Imarti will absorb too much oil. Too hot, and they’ll burn.
• Syrup Temperature: The syrup should be warm, not boiling hot, when you soak the Imarti. This prevents them from becoming soggy.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level: If you love a stronger cardamom flavor, feel free to add a little more! My grandmother always used a full teaspoon.
• Regional Variations: North Indian Imarti tends to be a bit thicker and softer, while South Indian versions are often crispier. Adjust the frying time to achieve your preferred texture.
• Festival Adaptations: During Diwali, I like to add a tiny bit of rose water to the syrup for an extra festive touch. For Holi, a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) makes them extra special.

Serving Suggestions

Imarti is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Rabri (thickened sweetened milk)
• A cup of masala chai

Storage Instructions

Honestly, Imarti is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. They will lose some of their crispness, but you can briefly reheat them in the oven or microwave to revive them slightly.

FAQs

Let’s tackle some common questions:

• What is the difference between Imarti and Jalebi? Both are delicious fried sweets soaked in syrup, but Imarti is typically made with a fermented batter and has a softer, more spongy texture. Jalebi is usually crispier and made with a different type of batter.
• How do I get the perfect one-string consistency for the sugar syrup? Take a small drop of the syrup between your thumb and forefinger. If it forms a single, sticky string, it’s ready!
• Can I make the batter ahead of time? You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance, but add the baking soda right before frying for the best results.
• What type of oil is best for frying Imarti? Vegetable or canola oil are good choices. They have a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
• How can I achieve the spiral shape if I don’t have a squeeze bottle? A piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle will work just fine! You can also use a clean, empty ketchup bottle with a small opening.

Enjoy making (and eating!) this delightful Imarti recipe. I hope it brings a little sweetness to your day!