Afghan Jelabi is a traditional dessert that holds a special place in Afghan culture, symbolizing warmth and hospitality. This crispy, spiral-shaped treat is fried to golden perfection and then soaked in a fragrant cardamom-infused syrup. Its unique flavor comes from a combination of simple ingredients such as flour, yogurt, and spices like cardamom and saffron. Afghan Jelabi is often served at festive occasions, religious celebrations, and family gatherings, where it’s enjoyed by people of all ages, usually with a cup of tea.
Jelabi, also known as "Jalebi" in other regions, has its roots in Persia and was later introduced to South Asia and Afghanistan through cultural exchanges and trade routes. Over centuries, Afghan Jelabi developed its distinct characteristics. In Afghanistan, it is often prepared during Ramadan, weddings, and festive celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and sweetness in life. The dish also highlights the culinary influence of Persian and Indian traditions on Afghan cuisine, while maintaining its own unique flavor profile.
Ingredients:
For the Jelabi Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional, for color)
- Oil for frying
For the Sugar Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- A few drops of lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron threads (optional, for color)
Instructions:
Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
1- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water.
2- Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3- Add a few drops of lemon juice to prevent crystallization.
4- Simmer the syrup over low heat until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
5- Add cardamom powder and saffron threads (if using) to the syrup.
6- Remove from heat and set the syrup aside to cool.
Prepare the Jelabi Batter:
1- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, yogurt, water, baking powder, cardamom powder, and saffron threads (if using).
2- Mix the ingredients until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
3- Allow the batter to rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps develop flavor and improves the texture.
Fry the Jelabi:
1- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 2-3 inches deep.
2- Pour the Jelabi batter into a squeeze bottle or a piping bag with a small round tip.
3- Squeeze the batter in a spiral or pretzel shape directly into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
4- Fry until the Jelabi turns golden brown and crispy. This may take 2-3 minutes per side.
5- Carefully remove the fried Jelabi from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
Soak in Sugar Syrup:
1- While the Jelabi is still warm, immerse it in the prepared sugar syrup.
2- Let it soak for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the Jelabi to absorb the syrup.
Serve:
1- Your Afghan Jelabi is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it warm for the best flavor and texture.
Afghan Jelabi is a delightful dessert that combines the crispiness of the fried batter with the sweetness of the sugar syrup, creating a wonderful treat for your taste buds. Enjoy this traditional Afghan delicacy with family and friends!
Nutritional Values:
1. Jelabi Batter Nutrition Breakdown
1.1 All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 95g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 1.2g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin B-complex
- Minerals: Iron (3.6mg), magnesium (22mg)
- Nutritional benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and a moderate amount of protein.
1.2 Yogurt (1/2 cup)
- Calories: 77 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 59mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, B2 (riboflavin), B12
- Minerals: Calcium (150mg), phosphorus
- Nutritional benefit: Rich in calcium and probiotics, which help digestion.
1.3 Water (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Hydration, essential for proper digestion and bodily functions.
1.4 Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 244mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Acts as a leavening agent to help the batter rise and become fluffy.
1.5 Cardamom powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Calories: 9 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, B6
- Minerals: Magnesium, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Known for aiding digestion and offering antioxidant properties.
1.6 Saffron threads (1/4 teaspoon, optional)
- Calories: 2 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.4g
- Protein: 0.1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, C
- Minerals: Iron, potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Adds antioxidants and a distinctive color, with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
1.7 Oil for frying
- Calories: 120 kcal (per tablespoon)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Provides fat for frying, but should be used in moderation due to high calorie content.
2. Sugar Syrup Nutrition Breakdown
2.1 Sugar (1 cup)
- Calories: 774 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 200g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional benefit: Provides a concentrated source of quick energy but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
2.2 Water (1/2 cup)
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
-Nutritional benefit: Hydrates and helps dissolve sugar to create syrup.
2.3 Lemon juice (a few drops)
- Calories: 1 kcal (per teaspoon)
- Carbohydrates: 0.3g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium
- Nutritional benefit: Provides vitamin C and adds a tangy flavor, which balances the sweetness of the syrup.
2.4 Cardamom powder (1/2 teaspoon)
- Refer to section 1.5 for nutritional details.
2.5 Saffron threads (a pinch, optional)
- Refer to section 1.6 for nutritional details.
Summary
This Jelabi recipe contains a combination of flour, yogurt, sugar, and cardamom. It provides energy from carbohydrates, some protein from the yogurt, and vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron. The sugar syrup adds sweetness but should be consumed moderately due to its high sugar content.
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