Rosh Bora (Lentil Dumplings in Sugar Syrup - Bengali Sweet)

          This is a traditional Bengali homemade sweet not usually sold commercially. Rosh means syrup and bora means fritters / pakoras. So it is a simple recipe of deep fried pakoras made of  split urad dal (black gram lentil) and dunked in saffron infused sugar syrup. It is not so popular compared to other Bengali sweets, but nevertheless it is very yummy. For some variation, you can put few raisins inside the pakoras before frying them. Garnish with some chopped nuts and enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. 

• 1/4 cup urad dal (split black gram), soaked overnight
• 1/2 tsp. fennel seeds (saunf)
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• pinch of salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 cups water
• pinch of saffron 
• 2-3 green cardamoms
• chopped dry fruits to garnish 
• oil to deep fry

          For the syrup, take water, cardamoms and sugar in a pan and bring it to a boil. Simmer for 8-10 minutes. Add the saffron and keep aside. 

          Grind the urad dal to a smooth paste by using very little water. Add the fennel seeds, salt, cardamom powder and baking soda. Mix everything well and beat for a while to make it fluffy.

          Heat oil. Make small round balls out of the dal mix and deep fry them in batches till golden brown in colour. Drain and add them to the syrup. 

          Soak for a couple of hours. Garnish with the chopped nuts and serve at room temperature or chilled.