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Gulab Jamun

Featured in Sweet Treats from My Kitchen.

Classic Indian dessert: Soft milk balls in aromatic cardamom-rose syrup. Prepared in 35 minutes, perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
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Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 08:52:13 GMT
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Gulab Jamun - Tender Milk Balls in Aromatic Syrup | magichouserecipes.com

A traditional sweet dessert combines buttery milk balls with a fragrant rose-cardamom syrup. The perfect balance between soft texture and aromatic sweetness makes Gulab Jamun a popular specialty of Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

Our Basic Ingredients

  • Milk powder: Base for the balls
  • Fine semolina: For texture
  • Cardamom: Aromatic spice
  • Rose water: Fragrant note
  • Saffron: For golden color
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Gulab Jamun – Soft, Syrup-Soaked and Temptingly Sweet | magichouserecipes.com

The Path to Perfect Gulab Jamun

Prepare the dough
  • Mix dry ingredients
  • Knead with milk and yogurt
Form balls
  • Form smooth balls with ghee
  • Fry until golden brown
Develop syrup
  • Boil sugar with spices
  • Let balls soak in syrup

This traditional sweet is perfect proof of the sophistication of South Asian dessert art.

Creative Variations

  • Refine with coconut
  • Different types of nuts
  • Ricotta instead of milk powder
  • Vegan pumpkin version

Serving Suggestions

  • Sprinkled with pistachios
  • Edible silver as decoration
  • Fresh rose petals
  • Serve with ice cream

Troubleshooting

  • Too hard: reduce frying time
  • Too soft: add more flour
  • Cracked: make dough more moist
  • Oily: lower oil temperature
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Gulab Jamun – Sweet, Syrup-Soaked Balls to Enjoy | magichouserecipes.com

Storage

  • Keeps in syrup for up to 1 week
  • Store in refrigerator
  • Warm before serving
  • Do not freeze

This South Asian specialty is a festive dessert that impresses with its variety of flavors and perfect texture. The combination of soft milk balls and spiced syrup makes it a special treat for festive occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why are my balls turning out too hard?
Too much flour or oil that's too hot can make the balls hard. Ensure the right dough consistency and use medium frying temperature.
→ Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes, they keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Warm briefly before serving so the syrup becomes more liquid again.
→ Is rose water necessary?
It gives the dessert its characteristic flavor, but can be omitted or replaced with vanilla if preferred.
→ Why do my balls crack when frying?
Cracks usually occur due to dough that's too dry or air bubbles during shaping. The dough should be soft and the balls very smooth.
→ Can I use less sugar?
The syrup is essential for flavor and texture. Reducing it would change the traditional taste experience.

Sweet Gulab Jamun Milk Balls

Traditional Indian milk balls in cardamom-rose syrup - a beloved dessert from South Asian cuisine perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 12 sweet milk balls

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the milk balls

01 9 tablespoons milk powder, preferably full-fat
02 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 ½ tablespoon fine semolina
04 A small pinch of baking powder (about ⅛ teaspoon)
05 4 tablespoons whole milk
06 2 tablespoons plain yogurt

→ For the aromatic syrup

07 250g granulated sugar
08 250ml water
09 3 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
10 1 tablespoon rose water
11 ½ teaspoon saffron threads or powder (optional for color and flavor)

Instructions

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the milk powder, all-purpose flour, semolina, and baking powder. Stir in the milk and yogurt, mixing until you have a soft, pliable dough that's neither too sticky nor too dry. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Lightly oil your palms and gently roll each portion between your hands to form smooth, crack-free balls about the size of a small walnut. The smooth surface is crucial for perfect frying.

Step 03

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and crushed cardamom pods. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 7-8 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in the rose water and saffron if using. Keep warm.

Step 04

Heat oil in a deep pan to 325°F (165°C). Carefully slide in the milk balls, a few at a time, and fry over medium heat until they turn golden brown all over, gently turning occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer to the warm syrup. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes to absorb the sweet, aromatic flavors.

Notes

  1. For perfect milk balls, ensure they have absolutely no cracks on the surface and fry them slowly over medium heat rather than high heat. This allows them to cook evenly throughout without burning on the outside while remaining raw inside.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep heavy-bottomed pan for frying
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan for syrup

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (from wheat flour and semolina)
  • Contains dairy (milk powder, milk, and yogurt)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 89
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~