Apple Jalebi Recipe: A Delightful Twist on the Classic Indian Sweet
If you’re a fan of traditional Indian desserts but crave something with a fresh, fruity twist, this Apple Jalebi recipe is for you! This innovative take on the classic jalebi combines the crispy, syrup-soaked delight with the tangy-sweet flavor of apples, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. The crispy fried apple slices, dipped in aromatic sugar syrup, paired with a touch of vanilla ice cream, will leave you craving for more. Serve it during festive occasions like Diwali, or any time you want to impress your guests with something uniquely delicious!
Overview
- Cuisine: Indian
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples | 2 (medium-sized) |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup (adjust as needed) |
| Oil | For deep frying |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds (Elaichi) | 4 pods |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Pistachios | For garnish |
| Canned Cherries | For garnish |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 300 grams |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Saffron Strands | A few |
| Rose Water | A few drops |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 35g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour (maida) and 2 tablespoons of curd (yogurt). Add a little water to the mixture and stir well to form a thick batter. Let the batter rest for about 5 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the batter to thicken slightly.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
- Prepare Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine 300 grams of sugar, 1 cup of water, saffron strands, a few drops of rose water, and 4 cardamom pods. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches a consistency that is slightly thick (about 2-string consistency). This will ensure that the syrup coats the jalebis perfectly, adding that sticky sweetness that is characteristic of traditional jalebi.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Slices
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Slice the Apples: Peel the skin off the apples and cut them into roundels or thin slices. You can also use an apple corer if you prefer more uniform slices. Remove any seeds carefully.
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Coat the Apple Slices: On a plate, combine 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Mix the two well. Coat each apple slice evenly with this mixture, ensuring a light dusting that will help the batter stick to the apple slices when frying.
Step 4: Deep Fry the Apple Jalebis
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Fry the Apple Slices: Heat oil in a deep pan or kadhai over a medium-low flame. Dip the coated apple slices into the prepared batter, making sure each slice is well coated. Carefully drop the apple slices into the hot oil and fry them until golden brown and crispy. Frying on a low flame is crucial to ensuring that the apple slices cook through without burning.
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Drain the Jalebis: Once the apple slices are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and drain any excess oil by placing them on paper towels.
Step 5: Soak in Sugar Syrup
- Soak the Jalebis: Quickly dip the fried apple slices into the warm sugar syrup. Make sure they are submerged for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the syrup to soak into the crispy jalebis. Be cautious not to soak them for too long, as they can become soggy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Garnish: After soaking in the syrup, remove the apple jalebis from the sugar syrup and place them on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped pistachios and canned cherries to add a festive touch.
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Serve: Serve the Apple Jalebi as a delightful dessert, ideally with a scoop of plain vanilla ice cream on the side. The coolness of the ice cream balances out the warm, sugary sweetness of the jalebi, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Jalebi:
- Apple Choice: Opt for apples that are slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, to balance the sweetness of the sugar syrup.
- Frying Temperature: Fry the apple slices at a low to medium heat to ensure they cook evenly without becoming too dark on the outside before the inside is cooked.
- Syrup Consistency: The sugar syrup should be just the right thickness. If it’s too thick, the jalebis may become too sticky. If it’s too thin, the syrup may not coat the jalebis well.
Serving Suggestions
The Apple Jalebi pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian sweets and snacks, such as:
- Rajma Galouti Kebab
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Puri
- Jeera Rice (Pulao)
- Raita (of your choice)
You can also serve it as a standalone dessert, especially during special occasions like Diwali, Holi, or any family gathering. The apple adds a fresh flavor to the deep-fried goodness of traditional jalebi, making it a refreshing alternative to the usual sugary fare.
Conclusion
This Apple Jalebi recipe is a fantastic fusion dessert that marries the flavors of fresh apples with the classic Indian deep-fried treat. It’s crispy, sweet, and fragrant, with just the right balance of flavors from the apples, cardamom, saffron, and cinnamon. Whether you’re looking to try something new or want to impress your guests with a unique dessert, this recipe is sure to win hearts. Don’t forget to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect indulgence!
