Jhilinga

Jhilinga with tea

Jhilinga is a traditional sweet originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is particularly popular in the Indian states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Jhilinga is known for its unique spiral shape and crispy texture, making it a favorite during festivals and special occasions.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients used in making Jhilinga include:

• Rice flour
• Sugar
• Ghee
• Cardamom

Preparation

The preparation of Jhilinga involves several steps:

1. The rice flour is mixed with water to form a smooth batter.
2. The batter is then poured into a cloth with a small hole at the bottom, similar to a piping bag.
3. The batter is squeezed out in a spiral shape into hot ghee, where it is deep-fried until golden brown.
4. Once fried, the Jhilinga is soaked in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom.

Cultural Significance

Jhilinga holds a special place in the cultural and culinary traditions of the regions where it is popular. It is often prepared during festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja. The sweet is also offered as prasad in temples and during religious ceremonies.

Similar Sweets

Jhilinga is often compared to other traditional Indian sweets such as Jalebi and Imarti, which also feature a spiral shape and are made using similar ingredients and techniques.

See Also

• Indian cuisine
• List of Indian sweets and desserts
• Bihar cuisine
• Uttar Pradesh cuisine
• West Bengal cuisine