Have you ever indulged in the sweet, syrupy goodness of a perfectly made Gulab Jamun? This delectable dessert holds a special place in the hearts of many, with its origins dating back centuries in the Indian subcontinent.

Legend has it that Gulab Jamun was first created during the Mughal era, where it was served as a royal treat to emperors and their guests. The name itself is derived from Persian words, with “Gulab” meaning rose water and “Jamun” referring to a South Asian fruit with a similar size and shape to the dessert.

The recipe for Gulab Jamun may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and patience, you can master the art of creating these melt-in-your-mouth delicacies. The key ingredients include milk powder, flour, ghee, and sugar, all coming together to form soft, spongy balls that are then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with cardamom and rose water.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, Gulab Jamun is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. So why not give this traditional recipe a try and experience the rich history and flavors of this beloved Indian dessert for yourself?

Expert Tip: To achieve perfectly cooked gulab jamuns with a golden exterior and a soft interior, it’s crucial to maintain the oil temperature at around 180°C throughout the frying process. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.

Ingredients

Milk Powder: Milk powder is a key ingredient in making gulab jamun. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the dough, resulting in soft and moist dumplings.

Plain Flour: Plain flour is used to bind the ingredients together and give the gulab jamun its structure. It helps create a smooth and elastic dough.

Baking Powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the gulab jamun to rise and become light and fluffy when fried.

Egg: The egg acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and giving the gulab jamun a tender texture.

Milk: Milk is used to bring the dough together and create a smooth consistency. It also adds moisture to the gulab jamun.

Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the gulab jamun dough. It helps create a tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Green Cardamom Pods: Green cardamom pods are used to flavor the sugar syrup that the gulab jamun is soaked in. They add a warm and aromatic touch to the dessert.

Sugar: Sugar is the main sweetener used in the syrup for gulab jamun. It creates a sticky and sweet coating for the dumplings.

Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is added to the sugar syrup to balance out the sweetness and add a hint of tanginess. It helps enhance the flavors of the gulab jamun.

Expert Tip: When shaping the dough into balls, avoid overworking it. Overworking can lead to tough gulab jamuns.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Gulab Jamun, it is important to consider the traditional accompaniments and pairings that enhance the overall experience of enjoying this sweet treat. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings to elevate your Gulab Jamun experience:

• Ice Cream: Serve warm Gulab Jamun with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of hot and cold temperatures.
• Whipped Cream: Top your Gulab Jamun with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy and indulgent twist.
• Pistachios and Almonds: Garnish your Gulab Jamun with chopped pistachios and almonds for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Cardamom Tea: Pair your Gulab Jamun with a cup of hot cardamom tea for a fragrant and comforting combination.
• Yogurt: Enjoy Gulab Jamun with a side of plain yogurt to balance out the sweetness with a hint of tanginess.
• Fruit Salad: Serve Gulab Jamun alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a light and fruity contrast to the rich dessert.
• Rose Water: Drizzle some rose water over your Gulab Jamun for an extra floral aroma and flavor.
• Saffron Milk: Pair Gulab Jamun with a glass of saffron-infused milk for a luxurious and aromatic combination.

Expert Tip: After frying, allow the gulab jamuns to soak in the sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gulab Jamun?

Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian dessert made of deep-fried dough balls soaked in a sweet syrup. It is often flavored with cardamom, rose water, or saffron.

How do you eat Gulab Jamun?

Gulab Jamun can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combination.

Can Gulab Jamun be served hot or cold?

Gulab Jamun can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Some people prefer to eat it warm, while others like it chilled from the refrigerator.

Is Gulab Jamun vegan-friendly?

Traditional Gulab Jamun is not vegan-friendly as it contains dairy products such as milk solids (khoya) and ghee. However, there are vegan versions available that use plant-based ingredients.

How long does Gulab Jamun last?

Gulab Jamun can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If refrigerated, it can last for up to a week.

Can Gulab Jamun be frozen?

Yes, Gulab Jamun can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Badam Barfi
• Rasmalai with Milk Powder
• Boondi Ladoo
• Homemade Jalebi
• Rice Kheer

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Gulab Jamun

by Nabeela Kauser

Indulge in the rich cultural delicacy of India with our gulab jamun recipe. This dessert is not just a treat to your taste buds but also a fun challenge for cooking enthusiasts. A perfect mix of sweetness, texture, and heritage awaits you. 

5 from 10 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 14

Calories 296 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

For the Gulab Jamun

• ▢ 100 g Milk Powder
• ▢ 2 tbsp Plain Flour
• ▢ 1 tsp Baking Powder
• ▢ 1 tbsp Butter melted
• ▢ 4 tbsp Milk warm
• ▢ 1 Egg

For The Syrup

• ▢ 300 g Sugar Granulated
• ▢ 500 ml Water
• ▢ 6 Green Cardamom
• ▢ 1 tsp Lemon Juice

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered milk, plain flour, and baking powder then mix until combined.
• Pour in the melted ghee or butter, milk, and eggs into the dry ingredients. Mix the dough thoroughly until it becomes smooth and free of any lumps. If the dough is too dry, add a small amount of milk to adjust the consistency.
• Roll the dough into small balls, approximately the size of a cherry. Be careful not to overwork the dough to prevent the gulab jamuns from becoming tough.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or fryer over medium heat until it reaches 180°C. Test the temperature of the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. The dough should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
• Carefully add the dough balls to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until all sides turn golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried gulab jamuns from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
• In a separate saucepan, bring the granulated sugar and water to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves.
• Add the ground cardamom and lemon juice to the sugar syrup and stir well.
• Place the fried gulab jamuns into the sugar syrup and let them soak for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped pistachios or desiccated coconut (optional). Serve the gulab jamun warm.

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 92mgPotassium: 203mgFibre: 0.2gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 137IUVitamin C: 1mgVitamin D: 2µgCalcium: 154mgIron: 0.4mg

Keyword Dessert, Food, Indian Desserts, Indian Sweets, Mithai, Party Food, Ramadan, Recipe

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