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Imarti

Name: Imarti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Imarti

Lunch • India

200

KCAL

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PROTEIN (G)

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CARBS (G)

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FAT (G)

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How to Make Imarti (Traditional & Healthy Version)

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 20 min

2 servings

Medium

Imarti, a visually stunning and delicious sweet, is a cherished delicacy from North India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. This vibrant orange spiral sweet is made using urad dal (split black gram) batter, deep-fried in ghee or oil, and then soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. Imarti is often served during auspicious Indian festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and weddings. Its unique texture—crisp on the outside and juicy inside—makes it a favorite among sweet lovers. Unlike jalebi, Imarti is thicker, has a floral pattern, and a subtle nuttiness from urad dal, making it distinctive in taste and appearance. Imarti holds a special place in Indian culinary traditions and is often prepared as a festive treat, offered to guests and even as prasad in temples. Its bright color and intricate design symbolize celebration and joy. While traditionally a sweet indulgence, this healthy version uses minimal oil and a natural food color, making it suitable for health-conscious foodies. By following this recipe, you can recreate the authentic flavor and texture of Imarti at home, ensuring a delightful sweet experience during your next festive lunch or family gathering.

Kid-Friendly Vegan Adaptable

Ingredients(for 2-3 medium Imartis per person)

1 cup Urad dal (split black gram) (soaked for 4 hours)
1 cup Sugar (for chashni (sugar syrup))
1/2 cup Water (for batter and syrup)
1/4 tsp Cardamom powder (elaichi) (for flavor)
a few Saffron strands (kesar) (optional, for color & aroma) - optional
1/2 tsp Rose water (gulab jal) (for syrup aroma) - optional
a pinch Edible orange food color (optional, natural preferred) - optional
for shallow frying Ghee or refined oil (use ghee for authentic taste)
1 tsp Cornflour (for crispness) - optional

Instructions

1
Rinse and soak urad dal in enough water for at least 4 hours. Drain and grind into a smooth, thick batter using minimal water.
10 minutes
Add water gradually to get a thick but smooth consistency.
2
Whisk the urad dal batter vigorously for 5-6 minutes to incorporate air, making the batter light and fluffy.
6 minutes
Use your hand or a whisk; the batter should form soft peaks.
3
Mix in cardamom powder, cornflour, and edible orange color (if using). Transfer batter to a piping bag or cloth with a small hole.
2 minutes
A squeeze bottle or thick cloth (imarti maker) can be used for perfect spirals.
4
Prepare sugar syrup (chashni) by boiling sugar and water until it reaches a one-string consistency. Add saffron and rose water for aroma.
7 minutes
Do not overcook; syrup should be sticky, not too thick.

Why This Dish is Healthy

This healthy Imarti recipe uses minimal oil and controlled sugar, making it a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried sweets. Urad dal is rich in protein and fiber, supporting muscle health and digestion. Using natural color and aromatic spices reduces dependency on artificial additives. Homemade Imarti allows portion control and is free from preservatives, making it a wholesome treat for lunch or festive occasions.

Imarti, made primarily from urad dal, offers a good amount of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and satiety. The use of ghee, if used judiciously, provides healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and D. Cardamom and saffron add antioxidants and micronutrients. By using less sugar and shallow frying, the calorie content is reduced while retaining the authentic flavor. Imarti is gluten-free and can be adapted to vegan diets by replacing ghee with oil.