Jalebi - Apple Fritters in Saffron Syrup

Jalebi is a kind of Indian dessert but it is not as sweet as you would imagine. Green apples used in this recipe are generally sour. The saffron syrup makes it less so.

Ingredients for batter (mixed well and set aside for four hours):

320g plain flour
120ml natural yoghurt
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp egg yellow colouring
500ml water

Ingredients for syrup

500g sugar
400ml water
Generous pinch of saffron strand
10 cardamom pods, pounded lightly

Ingredients for jalebi

2 cups of oil for deep frying
4 green apples, cored and cut into 1 cm thick rounds
Plain flour for dusting

Cooking method:

Bring all syrup ingredients to a boil in a pan for 10 minutes, or until fragrant and thick. Remove from the fire. Keep warm.
To make batter: mix all ingredients until there is no lump. Set aside for 4 hours.
Heat oil in a pan over medium fire. Lightly dust aple slices with flour. Dip into the batter.
Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Place on paper towels to remove excess oil
Dip the fried apple jalebi into the warm syrup. Quickly remove and place on a serving dish.
Serve warm or with a dollop of vanilla ice-cream, if desired.

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