Gulab Jamun Recipe – Quick & Easy Indian Dessert

Originally posted on February 10, 2024 @ 8:11 am

Gulab jamun is a beloved Indian sweet that is known for its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This delectable dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this quick and easy gulab jamun recipe is a great choice for satisfying your sweet cravings.

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients including milk powder, all-purpose flour, ghee, sugar, rose water, and cardamom powder. With just a few steps, you’ll be able to create these delightful golden-brown balls of sweetness that are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.

What makes this recipe even more convenient is that you don’t need to worry about finding traditional khoya (milk solids). Instead, milk powder is used as a substitute, making it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or you’re just looking for a quick and easy dessert recipe, this gulab jamun recipe is a perfect choice.

Key Takeaways:

• Gulab jamun is a popular Indian dessert known for its rich flavors and soft texture.
• This quick and easy recipe uses milk powder as a substitute for traditional khoya.
• The golden-brown gulab jamun balls are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.
• With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade dessert.
• Enjoy this delightful Indian sweet with family and friends.

What is Gulab Jamun?

Gulab jamun is a beloved Indian dessert that is a staple in festive celebrations. These soft, delicious berry-sized balls are made with a combination of milk solids, flour, and a leavening agent. They are then deep-fried to golden perfection and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup flavored with rose water. With their sweet and floral flavors, gulab jamun is truly a treat for the senses.

The name “gulab jamun” translates to “rose berry” in Hindi, which perfectly describes the essence of this delectable dessert. Each bite is like a burst of sweetness and aroma, reminiscent of a blooming rose garden.

“Gulab jamun is the epitome of indulgence and a true delight for both the eyes and the taste buds.”

Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, gulab jamun is a dessert that is cherished by people of all ages. Its soft texture, combined with the rich flavors of the syrup, make it an irresistible treat that is often served on special occasions, festivals, and weddings. Gulab jamun is not only a dessert but a symbol of love and celebration in Indian culture.

To help you visualize this mouthwatering dessert, here is an image of gulab jamun:

Now that you know what gulab jamun is, let’s explore the different ways it can be made and the variations you can try to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Gulab Jamun with Milk Powder Recipe

Making gulab jamun with milk powder is a convenient and easy option for those who don’t have access to khoya. This homemade gulab jamun recipe yields deliciously sweet and soft jamuns that are perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup milk powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 2-3 tablespoons warm milk
• Optional: chopped almonds, pistachio nuts, and golden raisins for garnishing

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the milk powder, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
2. Add ghee to the dry ingredients and mix well using your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually add warm milk while kneading the mixture until it forms a soft and pliable dough. If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm milk.
4. Shape the dough into small, smooth balls, ensuring there are no cracks.
5. In a deep frying pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.
6. Gently slide the jamuns into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown. Ensure the jamuns cook evenly by stirring them occasionally.
7. Remove the fried jamuns from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
8. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
9. Add a few drops of rose water and a pinch of cardamom powder to the sugar syrup and stir well.
10. Place the fried jamuns into the warm syrup and let them soak for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
11. Your homemade gulab jamun with milk powder is now ready to be served.

Enjoy the delectable sweetness of these gulab jamuns as a delightful end to your meals or during festive occasions. The creamy texture and aromatic syrup make them an irresistible treat for your taste buds.

Gulab Jamun with Khoya Recipe

For those who prefer the traditional method of making gulab jamun, using khoya is the way to go. Khoya, also known as mawa, is a rich and creamy milk solid that can be easily found in Indian grocery stores. Follow this recipe to create the perfect batch of traditional gulab jamun.

Ingredients:

• Unsweetened khoya – 1 cup
• All-purpose flour – 1/4 cup
• Ghee – 2 tablespoons
• Baking powder – 1/4 teaspoon
• Chopped almonds (optional) – 1 tablespoon
• Pistachio nuts (optional) – 1 tablespoon
• Golden raisins (optional) – 1 tablespoon

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, crumble the khoya using your hands.
2. Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ghee to the khoya. Mix well to combine.
3. Knead the mixture into a soft dough. If the dough feels dry, add a little warm milk and knead again.
4. Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
5. After resting, divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into smooth balls, ensuring there are no cracks.
6. In a deep pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, reduce the heat to low and carefully add the rolled dough balls.
7. Fry the dough balls until they turn golden brown, making sure to constantly rotate them for even cooking.
8. Remove the fried balls from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
9. In a separate saucepan, prepare the syrup by combining sugar, water, rose water, and cardamom. Heat the syrup until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens slightly.
10. Add the fried dough balls to the syrup and let them soak for at least 2 hours to absorb the flavors.
11. Garnish with chopped almonds, pistachio nuts, and golden raisins, if desired.

Enjoy this timeless dessert that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. The combination of the soft and spongy gulab jamun with the fragrant syrup is a delight for the senses. So, gather your ingredients, follow the recipe, and treat yourself to a plate of delicious traditional gulab jamun.

Tips for Making Perfect Gulab Jamun

To ensure your gulab jamuns turn out perfect, here are some pro tips:

1. Measure the ingredients correctly, especially the dry and wet ingredients, to maintain the right balance of flavors.
2. Mix the dough well but avoid over-kneading as it can result in hard jamuns. A soft and pliable dough is key.
3. Make sure the sugar syrup is at the right consistency. It should be sticky but not too thick or too thin, allowing the jamuns to soak properly.
4. Fry the balls at the right temperature to ensure even cooking and a golden-brown color. Too low heat can make them oily, while too high heat can burn them.
5. After frying, allow the gulab jamuns to soak in the syrup for at least 3 hours before serving. This allows them to absorb the flavors and become tender.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfect gulab jamuns every time, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills!

Gulab Jamun Dessert Parfait Recipe

If you’re looking for a unique and refreshing way to serve gulab jamun, try making a gulab jamun dessert parfait. This recipe combines the flavors of gulab jamun with yogurt, cream, saffron, pistachios, and honey.

To create this delightful Indian dessert parfait, you will need the following ingredients:

• Gulab jamun – quartered
• Yogurt – 1 cup
• Cream – 1 cup
• Saffron strands – a pinch
• Pistachios – crushed, for garnish
• Honey – for drizzling

To assemble the parfait:

1. In a bowl, mix yogurt and cream until well combined.
2. Add a pinch of saffron strands to the yogurt and cream mixture, and stir gently.
3. In serving glasses or bowls, start with a layer of gulab jamun.
4. Top the gulab jamun layer with a generous spoonful of the yogurt and cream mixture.
5. Continue layering with gulab jamun and yogurt and cream mixture until you reach the top.
6. Drizzle honey on top of the parfait for added sweetness.
7. Garnish with crushed pistachios.

This gulab jamun dessert parfait can be made in advance and chilled until ready to serve. The combination of the soft and sweet gulab jamun with the creamy yogurt and saffron-infused cream creates a delightful play of flavors and textures. It’s a perfect blend of traditional and modern, making it an impressive dessert for special occasions or celebrations.

Conclusion

Gulab jamun is a beloved Indian dessert that can be made with either milk powder or khoya. Both versions yield delicious results, and it’s a matter of preference and availability of ingredients. Whether you choose to make gulab jamun with milk powder or khoya, the key is to follow the recipe carefully and pay attention to tips for making the perfect gulab jamun.

The gulab jamun dessert parfait offers a unique twist on the traditional dessert, making it a delightful option for special occasions or celebrations. By combining the flavors of gulab jamun with yogurt, cream, saffron, pistachios, and honey, you can create a refreshing and visually appealing dessert. Each spoonful of the parfait is a burst of sweet and floral flavors, perfectly complemented by the creamy texture.

So, whether you’re a fan of the classic gulab jamun or eager to try the dessert parfait, don’t hesitate to indulge in this sweet, classic Indian dessert with your loved ones. Gather your family and friends, and savor the rich and aromatic flavors of gulab jamun. It’s a dessert that brings joy and happiness to every occasion!

FAQ

What are the main ingredients in gulab jamun?

Gulab jamun is made with milk solids (khoya or milk powder), flour, sugar, rose water, and cardamom powder.

Can I make gulab jamun with milk powder instead of khoya?

Yes, you can make gulab jamun with milk powder as an alternative to khoya. It is a convenient and easy option for those who don’t have access to khoya.

How do I make gulab jamun with milk powder?

To make gulab jamun with milk powder, mix milk powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, ghee, and warm milk to form a dough. Shape the dough into small balls and fry them until golden. Soak the fried balls in a syrup made with sugar, water, rose water, and cardamom.

Can I make gulab jamun with khoya?

Yes, you can make gulab jamun with khoya. Khoya, also known as mawa, is a milk solid that can be bought from Indian grocery stores.

How do I make gulab jamun with khoya?

To make gulab jamun with khoya, knead unsweetened khoya, all-purpose flour, ghee, and baking powder together to form a dough. Shape the dough into small balls and fry them until golden. Soak the fried balls in a syrup made with sugar, water, rose water, and cardamom.

What are some tips for making perfect gulab jamun?

Some tips for making perfect gulab jamun include measuring ingredients correctly, avoiding over-kneading the dough, ensuring the sugar syrup is at the right consistency, frying the balls at the right temperature, and allowing them to soak in the syrup for at least 3 hours before serving.

How can I make a gulab jamun dessert parfait?

To make a gulab jamun dessert parfait, layer gulab jamuns with a mixture of yogurt, cream, saffron, and pistachios, and drizzle with a saffron-honey syrup. Garnish with quartered gulab jamuns and pistachios. Chill the parfait until ready to serve.

Source Links

• https://www.easycookingwithmolly.com/2016/10/gulab-jamun-dessert-parfait-royal-diwali-treat/
• https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/72467/gulab-jamun/
• https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/gulab-jamun-recipe-using-milk-powder/