This is sweet dessert is always a hit at family get-togethers!

Ingredients

*1/2 C. sugar
*3/4 C. plus 2 Tbs. water
*1/2 tsp. saffron strands
*a little milk
*2 tsp. rose water, optional
*6 Tbs. light cream
*4 Tbs. all-purpose flour
*ghee for cooking
*shredded blanched almonds and pistachio nuts to decorate

Directions

Dissolve the sugar in the water in a saucepan and boil for 5 minutes, creating a syrup.

Warm the saffron with a little milk in a small bowl over a saucepan of hot water. Rub occasionally until saffron dissolves, then add to the syrup. Stir in rose water and keep the syrup warm.

Make a thick batter by gradually beating the cream into the all-purpose flour.

Smear very little ghee on a hot griddle or heavy-based skillet and drop small spoonfuls of batter on it to make small pancakes, each measuring about 2 inches in diameter. Fry on both sides until golden brown.

Dip pudas in hot sugar syrup and serve immediately, decorated with nuts.

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