Gulab Jamun is one of the most cherished and beloved sweets. This luscious, soft dessert can be served at any gathering, be it a festival, a wedding, or a special family get-together. This dessert, which is typically made from khoya or milk powder and is soaked in a sugary syrup, melts in your mouth with each bite. The sweet syrup and fried dough balls create a delicious balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. This simple Gulab Jamun recipe is just what you need if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth or serve a traditional Indian dessert to your guests and wow them.
Let’s get started making these delicious treats at home by following the recipe.
Gulab Jamun Ingredients
| Gulab Jamun Dough | Sugar Syrup | Frying |
|---|---|---|
| Khoya (mawa) – 1 cup (about 250 grams) | Sugar – 2 cups | Ghee or oil – for deep frying |
| All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons | Water – 1½ cups | |
| Baking powder – ¼ teaspoon | Cardamom pods – 4 to 5, crushed | |
| Milk – 1 to 2 tablespoons (as needed for kneading) | Rose water – 1 teaspoon (optional) | |
| Saffron strands – a pinch (optional) |
Gulab Jamun Instructions
1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup – The sugar syrup needs to be made first because it will take some time to cool down before the dough can be made.
- Sugar and water should be boiled – 2 cups of sugar and 112 cups of water should be combined in a saucepan. On medium heat, stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Be careful not to make the syrup too thick; It ought to be runny in consistency. This makes it easier for the Gulab Jamun to take in the syrup.
- Include Flavors – Add the crushed cardamom pods once the sugar has dissolved. Rose water and a pinch of saffron strands can also be added for a more fragrant, rich flavor. After 5-7 minutes of simmering, turn off the heat. Allow the syrup to cool.
2. Make the Dough –
Next, it’s time to prepare the soft dough for the Gulab Jamun.
– Blend the Khoya, Crumble the khoya (mawa) with your hands or a spoon in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the khoya is smooth and liberated from knots. This recipe calls for either store-bought or homemade khoya.
– Incorporate the Dry Ingredients, Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 14 teaspoon of baking powder once the khoya is smooth. Combine the ingredients thoroughly. The baking powder ensures that the dough puffs up lightly when fried, and the flour helps to bind the mixture.
– Use milk to knead, Knead the dough gently as you add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk at a time until it becomes smooth and soft. When adding milk, exercise caution; Use just enough to combine the dough. It ought to be pliable but not sticky. The Gulab Jamun can become hard if the dough is kneaded too much.
– Rest the Pudding, Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about ten minutes after it is ready. This loosens up the batter, making it more straightforward to shape into balls.
3. Shape the Gulab Jamun
Now it’s time to shape the dough into small, smooth balls.
– Divide the Cake Mix, Divide the dough into equal-sized portions after it has rested. Depending on the size of your Gulab Jamuns, you should get about 15-20 pieces.
– Become balls, Make a smooth ball by gently rolling each portion between your palms. Since cracks can cause the balls to break while frying, make sure there are no cracks on the surface. Ghee can be used to lightly grease your hands if the dough feels too dry.
4. Fry the Gulab Jamuns
Frying the Gulab Jamuns to a golden brown perfection is a crucial step in this recipe.
– Turn on the ghee, Ghee (or oil) should be heated on a medium-low heat in a kadhai or deep frying pan. Throughout the frying process, it is essential to keep the temperature at a constant medium-low level. If the temperature is too high, the Gulab Jamuns will burn on the outside but not cook inside. They will absorb excess oil if they are too cold.
– Cook the Balls, The Gulab Jamun balls should be gently slid into the hot ghee one at a time. Cook them evenly over low heat by stirring frequently. Broil until they turn a profound brilliant brown. It’s vital for keep the intensity low to cook the balls the entire way through, bringing about a delicate, supple surface.
– Remove the Excessive Oil, After being fried, drain the Gulab Jamuns off any excess oil by placing them on a paper towel.
5. Soak the Gulab Jamuns in Syrup
The final step is to soak the freshly fried Gulab Jamuns in the sugar syrup to infuse them with sweetness.
– To the Syrup, Add the cooled Gulab Jamuns to the warm sugar syrup after letting them cool for one to two minutes. Make sure the syrup is not too hot. The Gulab Jamuns may lose their shape if the syrup is too hot, and if it is too cold, they won’t be able to absorb the syrup as well.
– Soak for 2 to 4 hours, For at least two to three hours, allow the Gulab Jamuns to soak in the syrup. They become juicier and softer the longer they soak.
Tips for Perfect Gulab Jamun
Avoid over-kneading, Gulab Jamuns that are too dense and hard can result from over-kneading the dough. Make a smooth dough by kneading just enough.
Small, even balls, To ensure that they cook evenly, make sure the balls are the same size. Roll them with care to prevent cracks.
Fry at low heat, For the perfect golden-brown color and soft texture, fry the Gulab Jamuns on medium heat.
Consistency of syrup, The Gulab Jamuns won’t be able to properly absorb the syrup if it’s too thick. Add some warm water to the syrup and stir to loosen it if it becomes too thick.
Flavorings, The flavor of the Gulab Jamuns can be enhanced with cardamom, rose water, or saffron. However, if you prefer a more straightforward flavor, you can skip these.
Serving Suggestions
Depending on your preference, you can serve gulab jamun either warm or cold. It’s usually eaten by itself, but for a more indulgent experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a great dessert for festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Raksha Bandhan and goes well with festive meals.
Gulab Jamun Conclusion
Gulab Jamun is not as difficult to make at home as it may appear. This delicious Indian dessert is perfect for any occasion and can be made with the right ingredients, the right method, and a little patience. It is a favorite among people of all ages due to its soft, spongy texture and sweet, rich flavor. Therefore, if you want to surprise your family with homemade gulab jamun, why not give this recipe a try?
Take pleasure in this delicious dessert and allow it to sweeten your day.