Badusha Recipe | Balushahi Recipe – Sweet Indian Doughnut
Badusha (also known as Balushahi) is a traditional Indian sweet that’s crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. Often prepared during festivals like Diwali and weddings, this iconic dessert is a favorite in many Indian households. The preparation of Badusha involves two key stages: the making of the fried dough and the preparation of the aromatic sugar syrup. In this recipe, we will walk you through the entire process of making these delightful sweets from scratch, ensuring your Badusha turns out perfectly crispy and delicious.
Ingredients for Badusha:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1/4 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) – chilled | 1/4 cup |
| Sunflower Oil – for deep frying | As required |
| Pistachios – roughly chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 12
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions to Make Badusha (Balushahi):
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour (maida), 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir them together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Incorporate the Ghee: Add 1/4 cup of ghee (clarified butter) to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to rub the ghee into the flour until it forms a coarse crumbly texture. This should take about a minute. The consistency you’re looking for is similar to breadcrumbs.
- Add the Curd: Now, add 1/4 cup of chilled curd (yogurt) to the mixture. Gently knead the dough until it comes together. Be careful not to over-knead as this can make the dough tough.
- Rest the Dough: Once the dough is formed, cover it with a damp cloth and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps to relax the dough and makes it easier to shape.
Step 2: Shape the Badusha (Balushahi)
- Divide the Dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into equal portions, each roughly the size of a large lemon.
- Shape the Dough Balls: Take each portion of dough and roll it into a ball. Using your thumb, make a small dent in the center of each ball. Be careful not to press too hard, as this may cause cracks. The dent helps the Badusha cook evenly and gives it the traditional shape.
- Rest the Shaped Dough: Cover the shaped dough portions with a damp cloth and allow them to rest for an additional 15 minutes. This resting time ensures that the dough does not shrink while frying.
Step 3: Fry the Badusha
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat sunflower oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking. If the oil is too hot, the Badusha will brown too quickly on the outside without cooking properly on the inside.
- Fry the Badusha: Gently add a few dough balls into the hot oil at a time. Fry them on medium heat. As they fry, the dough balls will start to float to the surface. Once they do, flip them over and continue frying until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the Badusha is golden brown on both sides, remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Continue this process with the remaining dough portions.
Step 4: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
- Make the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. Place it over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the sugar has dissolved, add 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder for a lovely aroma.
- Simmer the Syrup: Bring the syrup to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Keep an eye on the syrup as it reduces to a single-thread consistency. This means that when you dip a spoon into the syrup and let it drop, it should form a long, sticky thread. You can check by touching the syrup between your fingers—it should be sticky but not overly thick.
- Dip the Badusha: Once the syrup reaches the right consistency, dip each fried Badusha into the hot sugar syrup. Make sure each piece is well-coated. You can dip them one at a time and then arrange them on a platter.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: After dipping the Badusha in the syrup, garnish them with roughly chopped pistachios for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Allow to Rest: Let the Badusha rest for a few minutes so that the sugar syrup hardens slightly. This will give the Badusha a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Serve: Serve the Badusha (Balushahi) as a delightful sweet treat during festivals like Diwali, weddings, or any festive occasion. The crispy exterior, soft interior, and aromatic cardamom syrup make it the perfect dessert to share with friends and family.
Pro Tips for Perfect Badusha (Balushahi):
- Frying Temperature: Maintaining medium heat is key to getting the perfect texture. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the Badusha may turn out greasy.
- Sugar Syrup Consistency: The single-thread consistency is crucial for the syrup to coat the Badusha perfectly. If the syrup is too thick, it will not adhere well, and if it’s too runny, it will not give the desired texture.
- Resting the Dough: Resting the dough helps it become more manageable and results in a tender texture for the Badusha. Don’t skip this step!
Conclusion:
Badusha (Balushahi) is a festive favorite that embodies the spirit of Indian sweets with its flaky texture and fragrant syrup. Whether you’re preparing it for Diwali, a wedding, or just to share with loved ones, this delightful treat is sure to impress. With a little patience and care, you’ll be able to master the art of making this traditional Indian doughnut at home. Enjoy this sweet treat and savor the joy it brings to your festive celebrations!
