Gulab Jamun Recipe: A Classic Indian Sweet.

Gulab Jamun Recipe: A Classic Indian Sweet

Gulab Jamun is one of the most loved desserts in India. It is a soft, melt-in-the-mouth sweet dipped in fragrant sugar syrup. Whether it is a festival, wedding, or family gathering, Gulab Jamun never fails to bring joy to the table. Making this sweet at home is not very difficult, and with the right method, you can create the same taste that you enjoy at sweet shops.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Gulab Jamun, you will need:

• For the dough:

  
  
  

  • 1 cup milk powder

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

  • A pinch of baking soda

  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (for kneading)

For the sugar syrup:





• 1 ½ cups sugar

• 1 ½ cups water

• 4–5 cardamom pods

• Few strands of saffron or 1 teaspoon rose water (optional, for flavor)

For frying:

• Oil or ghee

Method of Preparation

1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup
   Start by making the syrup. In a pan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Add cardamom and saffron, then let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes. The syrup should be sticky but not too thick. Keep it warm on low flame.

2. Make the Dough
   In a mixing bowl, combine milk powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and ghee. Mix gently until crumbly. Gradually add milk and knead softly into a smooth dough. Do not over-knead, as this can make the balls hard.

3. Shape the Balls
   Divide the dough into small equal portions. Roll them gently between your palms into smooth, crack-free balls. Ensure there are no cracks, as this prevents them from breaking during frying.

4. Frying the Gulab Jamuns
   Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan on low to medium flame. Drop a small piece of dough to check the temperature; it should rise slowly without burning. Fry the balls in batches, stirring gently, until they turn golden brown.

5. Soak in Syrup
   Once fried, immediately transfer the hot Gulab Jamuns into warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for at least 1–2 hours, allowing them to absorb the syrup and become soft and juicy.

Serving Suggestion

Gulab Jamun can be enjoyed warm or chilled. Some people like to serve it with vanilla ice cream for a modern twist. Garnishing with chopped pistachios or almonds makes it even more festive.