Imarti is a traditional Indian sweet made from urad dal, popular during festivals like Diwali, Navratri and religious ceremonies. Its intricate spiral shape symbolizes prosperity and is often offered to deities before being shared with family and guests.

In North India, Imarti is usually orange‑colored and made with urad dal batter, while in South India a similar sweet called ‘Jalebi’ uses wheat flour and is brighter orange. Some regions add saffron or rose water to the syrup for extra aroma.

Imarti is served warm, either on a decorative plate or in a shallow bowl of syrup. It is often accompanied by other sweets like laddoo and barfi, and guests are offered a piece as a sign of hospitality.

Imarti is especially popular during Diwali, Navratri, Dussehra, and during puja ceremonies such as Satyanarayan and Pitru Paksha, where it is offered to deities and ancestors.

Imarti is made from urad dal batter, giving it a softer, more porous interior that soaks syrup beautifully, whereas Jalebi is made from wheat flour and has a denser texture. The dal base also adds a subtle nutty flavor.

Authentic Imarti uses urad dal, ghee, granulated sugar, cardamom, and orange food coloring. Acceptable substitutes include using vegetable oil instead of ghee, beetroot powder for natural pink color, or jaggery for a richer caramel flavor, though the texture may vary.

Imarti pairs nicely with warm milk, rabri, or a bowl of kheer. It also complements savory snacks like samosa or pakora during festive platters, offering a sweet contrast.

Common mistakes include under‑soaking the urad dal, using a batter that is too thick, frying at a low temperature (which prevents puffing), and soaking the fried pieces in syrup for too long, which makes them soggy.

A thin, low‑flame syrup allows the fried Imarti to absorb just the right amount of sweetness without becoming overly sticky. A thick syrup would coat the surface and prevent the characteristic juicy interior.

The YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes Hindi - Specials specializes in easy‑to‑follow Hindi video tutorials for classic Indian sweets and snack recipes, focusing on authentic techniques that home cooks can replicate without professional equipment.

Anukriti Cooking Recipes Hindi - Specials emphasizes precise measurements, step‑by‑step visual cues, and practical tips for achieving halwai‑level results at home, whereas many other channels focus on shortcuts or pre‑made mixes.