Delicious Homemade Badusha Recipe: A Sweet Treat from South India

Ingredients

2 cups All Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Ghee (Clarified Butter)
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
3/4 cup Water
1/2 tsp Salt
2 cups Sugar
1 cup Water (for Syrup)
1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
2 cups Oil (for Deep Frying)
2 tbsp Sliced Almonds (for Garnish)

Steps and instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well.
Add the ghee to the flour mixture and mix it thoroughly until it forms a crumbly texture.
Gradually add water and knead it into a soft dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
In the meantime, prepare the sugar syrup. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and let it boil on medium heat.
Stir the sugar-water mixture until it becomes a one-string consistency syrup. Add cardamom powder and lemon juice. Mix well and turn off the heat.
Divide the dough into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and slightly flatten it. Make an indentation in the center of each dough ball with your thumb.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to low and carefully drop the dough balls into the oil.
Fry the badushas on low heat until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
Dip the fried badushas into the sugar syrup. Make sure all sides are well coated. Leave them in the syrup for a few minutes.
Remove the badushas from the syrup and place them on a tray. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top for garnish.
Let the badushas cool completely before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - Used for combining the flour, ghee, and other ingredients.
Saucepan - Used for preparing the sugar syrup.
Deep Frying Pan - Used for frying the badushas in oil.
Slotted Spoon - Used for removing the fried badushas from the oil.
Tray - Used for placing the fried badushas and allowing them to cool.
Paper Towel - Used for draining excess oil from the fried badushas.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - Used for accurately measuring the ingredients.
Rolling Pin - Used for rolling out the dough.
Knife - Used for slicing almonds for garnish.

Recipe variations

Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Add a pinch of saffron strands to the sugar syrup for a fragrant and vibrant color.
For a nutty flavor, add crushed pistachios or cashews to the dough.
Replace ghee with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different taste.
Add a teaspoon of rose water or kewra essence to the sugar syrup for a floral aroma.
Sprinkle some powdered cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the badushas for a warm and spicy twist.
For a fruity twist, you can stuff the badushas with a small piece of chopped dried fruits like raisins or dates.
To make it vegan, replace ghee with plant-based margarine and use almond milk instead of water in the dough.
Add a tablespoon of semolina (rava) to the dough to give the badushas a slightly crispy texture.
For a unique flavor, you can substitute part of the water in the dough with rose water or orange blossom water.

Recipe overview

Get ready to indulge in a delicious South Indian dessert, Badusha. These are deep-fried sweet treats that are golden brown on the outside and soft, flaky, and sweet on the inside. Badusha is made of a simple dough of all-purpose flour and ghee, which is then deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup. The end result is a scrumptious sweet that's slightly crispy on the outside, with a rich and gooey sweetness on the inside, and the pleasant aroma of cardamom. To top it off, a garnish of sliced almonds adds an extra crunch. This recipe guides you through the process step by step, making it easy for you to prepare this traditional dessert at home. Enjoy the mouth-watering Badusha with your family and friends during festivals or special occasions.

Common questions

Can I use butter instead of ghee?
Yes, you can substitute ghee with an equal amount of melted butter.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture and taste may be slightly different.
How do I know when the sugar syrup is ready?
The sugar syrup should reach a one-string consistency. To test, take a small amount of syrup between your thumb and index finger, and gently pull them apart. If a single string forms and doesn't break easily, the syrup is ready.
Can I skip adding cardamom powder to the sugar syrup?
Cardamom powder adds a pleasant flavor to the badushas, but if you prefer, you can omit it.
Can I reuse the oil for frying?
No, it is recommended to use fresh oil for each batch of badushas to maintain the quality and taste.
How long does it take for the badushas to cool?
The badushas will take around 30-45 minutes to cool completely.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl for combining the dry ingredients and ghee.
Saucepan - Used for boiling sugar and water to make the syrup.
Deep Frying Pan - A pan with high sides for deep frying the badushas.
Slotted Spoon - A utensil with slots or holes to remove the fried badushas from the oil.
Tray - A flat surface for cooling and serving the badushas.
Paper Towels - Used to drain excess oil from the fried badushas.
Knife - To slice almonds for garnishing.

Origin stories

Badusha is an Indian sweet delicacy with roots in the Southern region, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Its history dates back to royal feasts of the Chola dynasty, where the dessert was often served as a part of the royal cuisine. Interestingly, this sweet treat is known by different names across the country; while it's called 'Badusha' in the South, it's known as 'Balushahi' in the North. The recipe bears a striking resemblance to the French 'puff pastry,' leading some food historians to speculate that it might have been introduced by the French during their colonial rule in Pondicherry, a former French colony in South India. However, locals maintain that Badusha is a purely indigenous creation, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of India. The sweet, doughnut-like dessert, layered with a sugary glaze and studded with almonds, is an integral part of many Indian festivals and celebrations. It's a testament to the country's age-old tradition of expressing joy and happiness through food.

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.