Gulab Jamun

Indulge in the rich sweetness of gulab jamun, a beloved Indian dessert that brings joy to any occasion. These soft, round balls made from khoya are deep-fried to a golden brown and then soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. Perfect for celebrations or as a comforting treat, gulab jamun is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart. Let’s dive into the delightful world of making this traditional dessert at home!

Ingredients

• 1 cup khoya (dried milk)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Oil for deep frying
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• Chopped pistachios for garnish

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe makes approximately 12 gulab jamun. Preparation time is around 30 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 30 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 gulab jamun) contains approximately 150 calories, 7g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This is based on a serving size of one piece.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. In a mixing bowl, crumble the khoya until smooth.
2. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cardamom powder.
3. Knead the mixture into a soft dough.
4. Divide the dough into small equal portions and roll them into balls.
5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
6. Fry the balls until they turn golden brown; ensure they are cooked evenly.
7. In a separate pot, combine sugar and water to make the syrup.
8. Bring the syrup to a boil, then add rose water and simmer.
9. Once the gulab jamun is fried, soak them in the warm syrup for at least 30 minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.

Alternative Ingredients

If khoya is unavailable, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or powdered milk. Adjust the flour accordingly to maintain the right dough consistency. Additionally, you may use coconut oil for frying to add a unique flavor.

Serving and Pairings

Gulab jamun pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or can be enjoyed with a cup of chai. It’s also a popular choice for festive occasions and weddings, making it a versatile dessert.

Storage and Reheating

Store gulab jamun in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds, ensuring they remain moist.

Cooking Mistakes

• Don’t over-knead the dough; it should be soft, not tough.
• Ensure the oil is at the right temperature; too hot will burn the balls.
• Soak the gulab jamun in warm syrup for the best absorption.
• Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Adjust sugar in the syrup according to your taste.
• Be patient; the dough needs time to absorb the syrup.

Helpful Tips

• Use a thermometer to check oil temperature.
• Let the syrup cool slightly before adding the fried gulab jamun.
• Experiment with flavored syrups for a twist.
• Add saffron strands to the syrup for extra aroma.

FAQs

What is gulab jamun made of?

Gulab jamun is primarily made from khoya, which is dried milk, mixed with flour and flavored with cardamom. The balls are deep-fried and soaked in a sugary syrup flavored with rose water.

Can I make gulab jamun in advance?

Yes, gulab jamun can be made in advance. After frying and soaking them in syrup, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How do I know if the gulab jamun is cooked?

The gulab jamun should be golden brown on the outside. They will also expand slightly when cooked properly. Ensure they are soft and spongy to the touch.

Can I freeze gulab jamun?

Yes, you can freeze gulab jamun. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw and soak in warm syrup before serving.

What can I serve with gulab jamun?

Gulab jamun can be served with vanilla ice cream, fresh fruits, or as part of a larger dessert platter during celebrations.

Conclusion

Gulab jamun is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition that brings people together. With its rich flavors and soft texture, this sweet treat is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or simply satisfying a sweet craving, gulab jamun is sure to delight your taste buds and create lasting memories.

Gulab Jamun

Indulge in the rich sweetness of gulab jamun, a beloved Indian dessert made from khoya, deep-fried and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: gulab jamun, Indian dessert, sweets, festive recipes

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 150kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup khoya dried milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Oil for deep frying
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon rose water
• Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions

• Crumble the khoya in a mixing bowl until smooth.
• Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cardamom powder, and knead into a soft dough.
• Divide the dough into small equal portions and roll them into balls.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• Fry the balls until they turn golden brown.
• In a separate pot, combine sugar and water to make the syrup.
• Bring the syrup to a boil, then add rose water and simmer.
• Soak the fried gulab jamun in the warm syrup for at least 30 minutes.
• Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g