Gulab Jamun

March 30, 2026 Prep: 20min Cook: 25min 12 servings Medium
Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun literally translates to "rose water berry." These golden, syrup-soaked dumplings are served at celebrations across India and are loved for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and aromatic sweetness.

Ingredients

  • 200g milk powder
  • 50g all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 tablespoons ghee, melted
  • 100ml milk (approximately)
  • Oil or ghee for deep frying
  • For sugar syrup: 400g sugar, 500ml water, 4 green cardamom pods, 1 tablespoon rose water, pinch of saffron

Nutrition Facts

220
Calories
4g
Protein
35g
Carbs
8g
Fat

Instructions

  1. 1
    Make the sugar syrup first: boil sugar and water with cardamom pods until slightly sticky (one-string consistency). Add rose water and saffron. Keep warm.
  2. 2
    Mix milk powder, flour, and baking soda in a bowl. Add melted ghee and mix.
  3. 3
    Gradually add milk, a tablespoon at a time, and knead gently into a smooth, soft dough. Do not over-knead — the dough should have no cracks.
  4. 4
    Divide into 24 small portions and roll into smooth balls. Ensure there are no cracks on the surface.
  5. 5
    Heat oil to 130°C (270°F) — this is important, the oil must be at a lower temperature than usual. Fry the balls gently, turning constantly, until deep golden brown all over, about 5-6 minutes.
  6. 6
    Immediately transfer fried balls into the warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. 7
    Serve warm or at room temperature, with a few spoonfuls of syrup and garnished with chopped pistachios.