Make a syrup by boiling together until the sugar dissolves:
3 cups sugar
7 cups water
Turn off the heat and add:
2 teaspons cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon saffron
Set the syrup aside in the saucepan on the stove.
Mix by hand in a bowl:
2 cups powdered milk
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Gradually mix in to form a soft dough (only slightly sticky):
1 1/2 cups (or less) heavy cream
Make into walnut sized balls (you may use a small amount of cream on your hands while rolling) set aside and cover with a damp cloth.
Heat in a deep frying pan or wok:
4 cups vegetable oil
Add the milkballs a few at a time in a basket. Fry to an even dark brown, shaking the basket continously. (Adjust the heat so they don't get dark any sooner than 5-7 minutes.) When browned, drain the oil off the milkballs, dip them into the syrup, then transfer onto a serving dish. (Re-boil the syrup between batches to keep the thickening process happening.)
After all the balls have been prepared, boil the syrup again for about 15 minutes, until thicker, and pour over the milkballs. Let the syrup soak in for a few hours before serving.
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