Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian dessert made from khoya and soaked in sugar syrup.

Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
50min
Gulab Jamun recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 2 pieces)

For Gulab Jamun

  • 1cup
    Khoya (milk solids)
  • 3tbsp
    all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1/4tsp
    baking powder
  • 2tbsp
    milk (or as needed)
  • Ghee or oil for frying

For Sugar Syrup

  • 1 1/2cups
    sugar
  • 1 1/2cups
    water
  • 4piece
    cardamom pods (crushed)
  • A few strands of saffron (optional)
  • 1tsp
    rose water (optional)
  • 1tsp
    lemon juice (to prevent crystallization)

How to make Gulab Jamun

Prepare the Sugar Syrup

  1. In a large pan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium flame until the sugar dissolves completely.

  2. Add crushed cardamom pods and saffron strands. Bring the syrup to a boil, then reduce the flame and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.

  3. Add lemon juice and rose water, then turn off the heat. Keep the syrup warm.

Make the Gulab Jamun Dough

  1. Crumble the khoya in a mixing bowl. Add all-purpose flour and baking powder, mix well.

  2. Gradually add milk and gently knead into a soft, smooth dough. Do not over-knead.

  3. Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into smooth balls without any cracks.

Fry the Gulab Jamun

  1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over low to medium flame.

  2. Gently slide the dough balls into the hot oil, and fry them evenly, stirring gently until they turn golden brown.

  3. Once fried, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain the excess oil on paper towels.

Soak the Gulab Jamun

  1. Immediately immerse the fried balls into the warm sugar syrup.

  2. Let them soak for at least 1-2 hours, allowing them to absorb the syrup and become soft and spongy.

Serve

  1. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped nuts or saffron strands, if desired.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

314.2kcal (15.71%)

Protein

5.7g (11.34%)

Carbs

64.0g (23.27%)

Sugars

60.3g (100%)

Healthy Fat

0.0g

Unhealthy Fat

4.2g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the dough balls are smooth without any cracks to prevent them from breaking while frying.

  2. Fry the dough balls on low to medium flame to ensure they cook evenly from the inside.

FAQS

  1. How do I make Gulab Jamun from scratch?

    To make Gulab Jamun from scratch, you'll need khoya, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a few other ingredients. Start by preparing the sugar syrup by dissolving sugar in water and adding cardamom and saffron. For the dough, crumble khoya, mix in flour and baking powder, and knead with milk until smooth. Shape the dough into small balls, fry them until golden brown, and then soak them in the warm sugar syrup for a few hours.

  2. Can I make Gulab Jamun gluten-free?

    Yes, you can make Gulab Jamun gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or using besan (gram flour). Just ensure that the consistency of the dough remains soft and smooth for the best results.

  3. What is the best way to store leftover Gulab Jamun?

    To store leftover Gulab Jamun, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. When ready to serve, you can warm them slightly in the microwave or let them sit at room temperature for a while.

  4. What can I pair with Gulab Jamun for a dessert platter?

    Gulab Jamun pairs wonderfully with other Indian desserts like Rasgulla, Kheer, or Jalebi. You can also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast.

  5. What can I use instead of khoya in Gulab Jamun?

    If you don't have khoya, you can use milk powder as a substitute. Mix milk powder with a little milk and ghee to achieve a similar consistency. Alternatively, you can use ricotta cheese, but make sure to drain it well to remove excess moisture.

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