Gulab Jamun: A Classic and Delicious Indian Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup Milk Powder
3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
2 tablespoons Ghee (Clarified butter)
2-3 tablespoons Milk
1.5 cups Sugar
1.5 cups Water
4 Green Cardamom
1 tablespoon Lemon juice
1 tablespoon Rose water
Saffron strands (a few for garnishing)
Sliced almonds and pistachios (for garnishing)

Steps and instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the milk powder, all-purpose flour, and baking soda.
Add the ghee to the dry mixture and mix well.
Add the milk gradually to form a soft dough. Do not knead the dough, just gather it together.
Make small balls from the dough, ensuring there are no cracks on the surface.
In a pan, add sugar and water and heat it over medium flame. Stir it until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the cardamom and lemon juice to the sugar syrup and simmer it for five minutes.
Heat ghee or oil in a separate pan and deep fry the dough balls over low to medium flame until they turn golden brown.
Drain the fried balls and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
Submerge the fried balls into the sugar syrup. Make sure the syrup is warm while adding the balls.
Let them soak in the syrup for at least 2 hours, until they absorb the syrup and become soft.
Add rose water and mix gently.
Before serving, garnish with saffron strands, sliced almonds, and pistachios.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dry ingredients and form the dough.
Pan - A wide and shallow pan to make the sugar syrup.
Frying Pan - A deep pan to fry the dough balls.
Slotted Spoon - A spoon with slots or holes to remove the fried dough balls from the oil.
Tongs - To handle and flip the dough balls while frying.
Measuring Cups - To measure the ingredients accurately.
Measuring Spoons - To measure small quantities of the ingredients precisely.
Spatula - A flat utensil to gently mix and turn the dough balls in the sugar syrup.
Knife - To slice the almonds and pistachios for garnishing.
Small Bowl - To soak the saffron strands in water before garnishing.
Whisk - To mix the dry ingredients evenly.

Recipe variations

Using khoya (milk solids) instead of milk powder for a richer texture
Adding a pinch of cardamom powder or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor
Stuffing the dough balls with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios
Replacing all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version
Using jaggery or honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness
Infusing the sugar syrup with rose petals or saffron strands for a floral twist
Adding a few drops of food color to the dough for a vibrant presentation
Deep frying the dough balls in ghee for an authentic taste
Serving gulab jamun with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination
Creating a Gulab Jamun cheesecake by incorporating crushed gulab jamun into the crust and filling

Recipe overview

Gulab Jamun is a classic, much-loved dessert enjoyed by millions around the world. Originating from India, this sweet treat is warm, soft, and drenched in aromatic sugar syrup. It carries a beautiful blend of taste and texture that can make any day festive. In this recipe, we will walk you through the steps to make perfect Gulab Jamuns at home using simple ingredients such as milk powder, all-purpose flour, and ghee. Expect soft dough balls that are deep fried to a golden brown and then soaked in a flavorful syrup of sugar, cardamom, and rose water. The resulting delicacy is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert bursting with sweetness and warmth. To top it all, we garnish with saffron, almonds, and pistachios that add an extra bit of sophistication and taste to the dish. This recipe guarantees you a sweet journey, which is as rewarding as the dish itself. So, roll up your sleeves and let's get started!

Common questions

Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk for making the dough?
Yes, you can use skim milk instead of whole milk for making the dough, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the Gulab Jamun.
Can I use store-bought Gulab Jamun mix instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought Gulab Jamun mix instead of making the dough from scratch. Follow the instructions provided on the packaging for best results.
Can I make Gulab Jamun without frying and just boil the dough balls?
Traditional Gulab Jamun is deep-fried to achieve its characteristic texture and taste. Boiling the dough balls may result in a different texture and flavor.
Can I store the leftover Gulab Jamun?
Yes, you can store the leftover Gulab Jamun in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I use rose essence instead of rose water?
Yes, you can use rose essence instead of rose water. However, be cautious as rose essence is more concentrated, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Can I substitute ghee with oil?
Yes, you can substitute ghee with oil for frying the Gulab Jamun. However, ghee adds a distinctive flavor and richness to the dessert, so the taste may vary.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl for combining the dry ingredients and forming the dough.
Pan - Used for heating sugar and water to create the syrup.
Frying Pan - Used for deep frying the dough balls.
Slotted Spoon - Helps in removing the fried dough balls from the oil.
Serving Bowl - A bowl for serving the Gulab Jamun.
Spatula - Used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Small Saucepan - Used for heating ghee or oil for frying the dough balls.
Tongs - Helps in handling and transferring the fried dough balls.
Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurate measurement of ingredients.
Knife - Used for slicing almonds and pistachios for garnishing.

Origin stories

Gulab Jamun, a star of Indian sweets, has an intriguing historical origin. It is said to have arrived in India during the Mughal era, brought by the Persian invaders. The term 'Gulab Jamun' itself is derived from Persian words where 'Gulab' means rose and 'Jamun' refers to a berry that is similar in size and color to the dessert. The addition of rose water in the recipe is a testament to the dessert's Persian influence. Interestingly, the dessert's preparation method mirrors a similar Arabic dessert called 'Luqmat Al Qadi'. However, over centuries, Gulab Jamun has been Indianised and has become an integral part of Indian festivity traditions and culinary identity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.