Amla murabba is a sweet and tangy Indian preserve made from fresh amla (Indian gooseberries). In this delightful recipe, amla fruits are blanched, soaked in a sugar syrup infused with cardamom and optional spices, until they become soft and translucent. The murabba is enhanced with a hint of lemon juice for a touch of acidity. Amla murabba is not only a delicious treat but also renowned for its potential health benefits. Enjoy it as a standalone dessert or incorporate it into your daily diet for its nutritional value and unique flavor.
Here’s a detailed recipe for making Amla Murabba:
Amla Murabba Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams fresh amla (Indian gooseberries)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black salt (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare Amla:
- Wash the amla thoroughly. If there are any impurities or worms, soak the amla in saltwater for 30 minutes and then wash again.
- Prick each amla with a fork or make small cuts on them. This helps in the absorption of the sugar syrup.
- Boil Amla:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
- Add the pricked amla to the boiling water and blanch them for about 5 minutes. This step helps in reducing the bitterness of amla.
- Drain the water and let the amla cool.
- Prepare Sugar Syrup:
- In a separate pan, add sugar and water. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Lower the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes until you achieve a slightly sticky consistency. You can check the consistency by taking a drop of syrup between your fingers – it should feel sticky.
- Add Amla to Sugar Syrup:
- Add the blanched amla to the sugar syrup and simmer on low heat.
- Cook until the amla become soft and translucent. This may take around 15-20 minutes.
- Add Flavorings:
- Once the amla are cooked, add cardamom powder and black salt (if using). Stir well.
- You can also add saffron strands soaked in a tablespoon of warm water for added flavor and color.
- Check Consistency:
- Keep stirring the mixture until it reaches a murabba-like consistency. The amla should be well-coated with the sugar syrup.
- Add Lemon Juice:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the murabba and mix well. Lemon juice not only adds a tangy flavor but also helps in preserving the murabba.
- Cool and Store:
- Allow the murabba to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to a clean, dry, and airtight glass jar for storage.
- Serve:
- Amla murabba is ready to be enjoyed. You can consume a small portion daily for its health benefits.
Store the Amla Murabba in a cool, dark place. It can be stored for several months and is a great addition to your diet due to the nutritional value of amla.
