Have you ever encountered a food or flavor that instantly reassures you that you’re in for a delight? That’s precisely what happened on my introduction to the imarti. This Indian sweet is more than a dessert; it occupies a prominent place in our social and cultural ethos.
I recall hearing stories about the origins of imarti that hark back to the kitchens of the Mughal dynasty. Some claim its roots lie in the Mughal era tracing back to a sweet known as 'Zulabiya' (note the similarity to “Jalebi”). As tales are told and retold, each iteration adds its touch of mystique. Over time, this dessert transformed, embracing flavors and ingredients to eventually become what we now know as imarti.
Beyond being an indulgence, imarti represents something more profound in India’s food culture. We often say that food is an experience, a celebration in itself. Imarti perfectly embodies this belief. I have witnessed it being served at weddings, festivals and religious ceremonies as a symbol of joy and prosperity. Its vibrant orange hues and intricate spiral patterns have come to be a staple in every celebratory occasion.
The charm of Imarti lies in its simplicity. It truly is an art to create. The key ingredient, Urad Dal (gram lentils), goes through a process of soaking, grinding, fermentation. Then, it is skillfully piped into hot ghee or oil. Once fried, these distinctive spirals are then immersed in a sugar syrup that often carries the flavors of cardamom or saffron. This meticulous process contributes to to the imarti’s enchanting taste and aroma.
When I ventured into making imartis at home, initially it seemed like a task. It turned out to be quite an exciting experience. Let me share with you the recipe that I followed:
I used urad dal, sugar, water, saffron strands, cardamom powder, orange food color (optional), and ghee (or oil) for frying. The procedure involves soaking and grinding the dal, preparing the syrup mixture, forming and frying the spirals, and then immersing them in the syrup.
Throughout this journey I picked up tips such as how to achieve the ideal batter consistency and maintaining precise temperature control during frying. Believe me when I say that mastering the art of piping those spirals demands both patience and practise.
As you savor the flavors of imarti remember that it embodies more than sugar and lentils; it is akin to poetry disguised as nourishment, a blend of sweetness that carries tales of both emperors and common folks—a jewel, within the vast realm of Indian cuisine.