1. Boil the sugar and water together.
2. Add enough water to the sugar to prepare syrup of one thread consistency. Add saffron paste.
3. Add a tbsp. of milk to bring up the scum.
4. Remove scum and boil liquid till the syrup is sticky between the fingers.
5. Keep aide, but keep warm for use.
6. Make batter with gram flour, which should not be too thin.
7. Add about ½ cup water o the flour. Prepare a semi thick batter. Ensure that no lumps are formed. Keep aside for about half an hour.
8. Add 1 tbsp. of oil to the batter.
9. The batter should evenly coat the back of a spoon when dipped in it.
10. Heat ghee, hold perforated spoon a little above the hot ghee, pour some batter on the spoon.
11. Tap very lightly at edge of spoon to allow small droplets to fall in the ghee.
12. Pour back remaining batter and wipe spoon.
13. Stir the boondis in the ghee gently and fry till crisp but not brown.
14. Drain and put into the syrup. Keep for 3-4 minutes before draining from the syrup.
15. Spread on a wide plate, add cardamom powder, almonds and mix gently.
16. Cool completely and loosen the boondi with finger till each droplet separates.
17. Store in airtight container.

To make saffron paste:

1. Soak a few strands of saffron in a tbsp. of water or milk for about 5 minutes.
2. Grind with a metal or stone pestle.
3. If milk is used for preparing the paste then it has to be used up and cannot be kept for later use.

Making Time: 30-45 minutes.

Serves: makes 3 bowls.

Shelflife: 2 weeks.

Note:

• Take great care while dropping the boondi in the hot ghee so as not to burn yourself. A little practice and it is very easy.
• The proportion of water required in the preparation of batter is dependent on the fineness of the besan.
• If while dropping bundi its shape is long it indicates that the batter is thick and a little more water needs to be added.
• If the bundi drops are too flat it could be wither due to too much water or due to the ghee for frying not being sufficiently hot.

Click here to know all about Tamil Nadu cuisines- Introduction To Tamil Nadu Cuisines And Recipes.

Click here to know more about of Indian Sweets and Desserts- An Introduction To Indian Sweets And Desserts.