Gulab Jamun: Little Balls of Sweet, Syrupy Heaven! 🌸 🍳

Ingredients 🥄

For the Gulab Jamun:
1 cup milk powder (full fat is best!)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter), softened
2-3 tablespoons milk, lukewarm
Oil or ghee for frying
For the Sugar Syrup:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A few strands of saffron (kesar), optional
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon rose water

Instructions 📋

First, let's make the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the syrup slightly thickens. Add the lemon juice to prevent crystallization. Finally, stir in the rose water and set aside to keep warm.
Now for the gulab jamun! In a bowl, mix together the milk powder, flour, and baking soda. Add the softened ghee and mix well with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add the lukewarm milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until a soft, smooth dough forms. Do not knead the dough, just bring it together. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Divide the dough into small, even-sized balls. Make sure there are no cracks on the surface of the balls; smooth them out gently.
Heat oil or ghee in a deep frying pan over low heat. The oil should not be too hot, otherwise, the gulab jamuns will brown quickly from the outside but remain uncooked inside.
Gently drop the gulab jamun balls into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry them on low heat, turning frequently, until they are golden brown on all sides. This will take about 10-15 minutes per batch.
Remove the fried gulab jamuns with a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to the warm sugar syrup. Make sure the gulab jamuns are fully submerged in the syrup.
Let the gulab jamuns soak in the syrup for at least 2-3 hours, or even better, overnight, so they can absorb all that delicious sweetness.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired. Enjoy! 🍳