Kaimati

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup warm water
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup sugar, for the syrup
• 1/2 cup water, for the syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom, for the syrup
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Before you cook

• Mix the flour, 1 tbsp sugar, yeast, 1/2 tsp cardamom, and salt in a large bowl.
• Stir in the warm water until you have a thick, sticky batter.
• Cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes, until bubbly and roughly doubled.

Steps

1. Combine the 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, cardamom, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
2. Bring the syrup to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Keep the syrup warm over the lowest heat.
4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pot to 325°F (160°C).
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the risen batter with a wet spoon and drop them into the oil.
6. Fry the balls in batches for 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown all over.
7. Lift them out with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.
8. While still warm, drop the fried balls into the warm syrup.
9. Toss gently to coat each one completely.
10. Lift out with a slotted spoon and arrange on a plate to serve.