Gulab jamun are a popular Indian sweet that consists of deep-fried milk-based dough balls soaked in sweet syrup. A traditional Indian dessert that is commonly served at weddings, birthdays, parties, and religious festivals.
The name, gulab jamun, literally translates to “rose berries,” because the sugar syrup was traditionally scented with rose water, and the size of the dough balls is similar to a berry known as the black plum.
I adore all types of mithai, and my all-time favourite mithai has got to be milk barfi. My daughter, on the other hand, loves gulab jamun.
Gulab jamun can appear to be a difficult task, so I know a lot of people that simply go to their local Indian sweet shop to get their gulab jamun fix. However, my recipe is very simple and straightforward, and you can just make them at home instead.
Gulab jamun are traditionally made with dried milk solids known as khoya or mawa. However, because this is a time-consuming and complicated process, I substituted milk powder for this recipe instead.
You need to make sure that you do not overwork the dough. If the dough is overworked, it will result in tough gulab jamuns.
Another important tip is that it is a good idea to allow the dough to rest for 10-15 minutes is recommended but not required.
This causes the dough to become more elastic and easier to work with. When the balls are fully cooked, they will expand, so keep this in mind as you make them.
Gulab jamun are always deep fried to get that soft and spongy texture. Before you add the balls to the oil, ensure that it is heated properly.
Add the balls in small batches to ensure that the pot is not overcrowded. This is a key part of ensuring that you do not end up with oily balls. No one wants oily gulab jamun!
It is best to make this gulab jamun the night before and soak the balls in the syrup overnight. They will become super juicy and moist as they absorb the syrup.
Once the gulab jamun have fully soaked in the syrup, garnish with your choice of chopped nuts or even a sprinkle of desiccated coconut. A delectable treat that everyone will enjoy.
Check out these recipes
Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you like them don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.
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!
Hi, I’m Nabeela and I love to cook! I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family-friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.
Subscribe to us to always stay in touch with us and get the latest news
about our company and all of our activities!