THE IDEAL MUSLIMAH

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white flour, maida,
• 1/2 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda,
• 1 tablespoon yogurt, beaten,
• 2/3 cup water,
• Few drops of jalebi (orange red) colour.

*For Syrup:

• 1 & 1/2 cups sugar,
• 1 & 1/2 cups water,
• Oil for deep frying.

Instructions:

1. Sieve flour and bicarbonate of soda together in a bowl. Add yogurt, food color and water. Whisk to a smooth batter. The consistency should be like thin pancake batter. Add little more water if necessary. Leave aside to rest for about 5 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Put sugar, water and cardamoms in saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Boil rapidly for about 2-3 minutes or until a thick syrup has formed.

3. Heat ghee or oil in a deep frying pan or karahi to 170C or 325F. Pour batter in polythene bag or in a muslin cloth and hold it like a piping bag, make about 3mm hole at the base. Pipe jalaibi shape (pretzel shape) into hot oil. Fry both sides for about 3-5 minutes or until crisp.

4. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on absorbent kitchen paper and then place in the hot syrup for 3-5 minutes, remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to serving dish.

5. Serve warm with green tea or warm milk. Serve Immediately.

• Serves: 6 People.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes.

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes.