Gulab Jamun: A Sweet Indian Delight

Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian sweet made from milk solids, deep-fried in ghee, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. It’s a delicious and indulgent dessert that’s often served at celebrations and festivals.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup milk powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands, soaked in warm milk
• 1/4 cup ghee, melted
• 1/4 cup water

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Make the dough: In a bowl, combine milk powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cardamom powder, saffron strands, melted ghee, and water. Knead into a soft dough. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Shape the gulab jamuns: Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
3. Fry the gulab jamuns: Heat ghee in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the dough balls until golden brown and puffed up. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the sugar syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sugar dissolves and the syrup thickens. Add cardamom powder.
5. Soak the gulab jamuns: Pour the sugar syrup over the fried gulab jamuns. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or until they are fully absorbed with the syrup.

Serve the gulab jamuns warm or cold.

For a richer flavor, you can add a few drops of rose water to the sugar syrup.

Would you like to try a variation on this classic dessert, like adding nuts or saffron?