indianEasyvegetariangluten freedairy freenut free
Chashni
RATING
4.2/5(27)
TASTE SCORE
6/10
A simple sugar syrup infused with cardamom and saffron, the heart of many beloved Indian sweets. This recipe explains how to achieve the perfect one-string consistency (ek taar) for desserts like Gulab Jamun or Jalebi.
SERVINGS
8
INGREDIENTS
For 8 servings
NUTRITION · PER SERVING
195
195
CALORIES · 0.25 CUP
Protein0g · 0%
Carbs50g · 103%
Fat0g · 0%
Fiber0g
Sodium1mg
Potassium5mg
Phosphorus1mg
INSTRUCTIONS
6 steps. 12 minutes total.
6 STEPS
- 1
Step 1
- a.Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Add the crushed cardamom pods and saffron strands to the syrup
- a.Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the syrup for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches a 'one-string' consistency. To check, take a drop of syrup on a small plate, let it cool for a few seconds, then touch it with your index finger and press it against your thumb. When you gently pull them apart, a single thread or string should form.
- 5
Once the desired consistency is reached, stir in the lemon juice
- a.This prevents the syrup from crystallizing. Turn off the heat.
- 6
Let the chashni cool slightly before using it in your favorite sweets
- a.It will thicken a bit more as it cools.
PRO TIPS
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The one-string (ek taar) consistency is crucial for sweets like Gulab Jamun and Jalebi, as it ensures they soak up the syrup without becoming soggy.
- 2Do not overcook the syrup. If it goes beyond the one-string stage, it will become hard and crystallize when cooled.
- 3Adding lemon juice at the end is a critical step to ensure a smooth, non-crystalline syrup.
- 4For extra fragrance, you can add 1 teaspoon of rose water or kewra water after turning off the heat.
- 5Store leftover chashni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
Adapt it for your goals.
healthy
Healthy
Replace white sugar with an equal amount of crumbled jaggery (gur). The process remains the same, but the syrup will have a deeper color and a more earthy flavor.
budget friendlyBudget friendly
You can omit the saffron, which can be expensive. The syrup will still be flavorful from the cardamom.
PAIRS WELL WITH