Authentic Batasha Recipe: Homemade Indian Sugar Drops

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cardamom Powder
  • 2 tablespoons Ghee (Clarified Butter)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

Steps and instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  2. Add lemon juice to the sugar syrup. This prevents the sugar from crystallizing.
  3. Continue to cook the syrup until it reaches a one-string consistency. You can check this by taking a little syrup on a spoon, let it cool a bit and then between your thumb and forefinger. When you pull your fingers apart, it should form a single thread.
  4. Once the syrup reaches one-string consistency, add the cardamom powder and mix well.
  5. Remove the pan from heat and add ghee and baking soda. The mixture should start to froth.
  6. Quickly spoon out small portions of the mixture onto a greased tray or parchment paper. Don't worry about making them perfect spheres, batashas are meant to have irregular shapes.
  7. Allow the batashas to cool completely. They will harden as they cool.
  8. Once cooled, store in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade batashas!

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - Used to cook the sugar syrup.
  • Spoon - Used to stir the sugar syrup and other ingredients.
  • Tray or Parchment Paper - Used to shape and cool the batashas.
  • Grease or Oil - Used to grease the tray or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Measuring Cups - Used to measure the sugar and water accurately.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the lemon juice, cardamom powder, and baking soda accurately.

Recipe variations

  • Add a pinch of saffron strands to the sugar syrup for a fragrant and vibrant twist.
  • Replace cardamom powder with cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
  • Experiment with different sweeteners like jaggery or honey instead of sugar.
  • Add finely chopped nuts such as almonds or pistachios to the batasha mixture for added crunch and flavor.
  • For a healthier alternative, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Try coating the batashas with desiccated coconut or powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Add a few drops of rose water or orange blossom water to the syrup for a floral aroma.
  • For a unique twist, dip the cooled batashas in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate on top.

Recipe overview

Batasha is a traditional Indian sweet, often used in religious rituals but also enjoyed simply as a treat. These sugar candies are light, dissolve-in-mouth, and pack a delicate flavor of cardamom. Making batasha at home may require some patience but it's quite a rewarding experience. This recipe will guide you through the process of making batashas using simple ingredients: sugar, water, lemon juice, cardamom, ghee, and baking soda. The key to perfect batashas is achieving the right sugar syrup consistency and then allowing the candies to cool and harden. Let's embark on this sweet journey!

Common questions

  1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar? Yes, you can use brown sugar as a substitute for white sugar in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and color of the batashas.
  2. Can I use butter instead of ghee? While ghee is traditionally used in batashas, you can substitute it with an equal amount of melted unsalted butter. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
  3. How long can I store the batashas? Batashas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks. Make sure to store them in a cool and dry place to maintain their crispness.
  4. Can I add nuts or other flavorings to the batashas? Yes, you can add chopped nuts like almonds, pistachios, or cashews to the batasha mixture before spooning them onto the tray. Additionally, you can also add a few drops of rose water or other flavorings for a different taste.
  5. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double or even triple the recipe to make more batashas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and work in batches if needed.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Batasha, a common sweet in various parts of India, has a fascinating history. They are often used in religious rituals and are seen as a symbol of auspicious beginnings and divine blessings. The sweet is associated with Lord Hanuman, and it's customary to distribute batashas after the recital of Hanuman Chalisa, a devotional hymn dedicated to the deity. Interestingly, batashas are intentionally made irregular in shape, reflecting life's imperfections. The humble batasha, thus, not only tantalizes the taste buds with its sweetness, but also carries with it a profound spiritual and philosophical message.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.