Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dessert made of soft, spongy dumplings soaked in sugar syrup. They are golden-brown, melt-in-the-mouth, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, making them a beloved treat during festivals and special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the Gulab Jamun:

• 1 cup milk powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup warm milk (to knead the dough)
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Ghee or oil for deep frying

For the Sugar Syrup:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1.5 cups water
• 4-5 cardamom pods
• A few strands of saffron (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rose water or kewra water (optional)

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water, and bring it to a boil.
2. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the cardamom pods and saffron (optional).
3. Let the syrup simmer for 5-7 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t thicken too much. Remove from heat and add rose water or kewra water for fragrance.
4. Set aside the syrup and keep it warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Gulab Jamun Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine milk powder, all-purpose flour, and baking soda.
2. Add ghee and mix it in until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Slowly add warm milk, little by little, and knead the dough gently. The dough should be soft and smooth. If it feels sticky, let it rest for 10 minutes.
4. After resting, divide the dough into small portions and roll them into smooth, crack-free balls (about the size of a marble). If any cracks appear, gently smooth them out.

Step 3: Fry the Gulab Jamun

1. Heat ghee or oil in a deep frying pan over low to medium heat. It is important that the oil is not too hot, or the Gulab Jamuns will cook unevenly.
2. Gently drop the dough balls into the hot oil. They will sink to the bottom initially but should rise after a minute or so.
3. Fry the Gulab Jamuns slowly, turning them gently, until they are golden brown and evenly cooked. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
4. Remove them from the oil and immediately drop them into the warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, allowing the syrup to infuse the dumplings.

Step 4: Serve

1. Once the Gulab Jamuns have soaked up the syrup, serve them warm or at room temperature.
2. Garnish with crushed pistachios or almonds for an added crunch and elegance.

---

Nutritional Value (Per Serving - 2 pieces):

• Calories: 150-200 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fat: 5-7g
• Sugar: 25-30g (from syrup)
• Calcium: ~10% of Daily Value (from milk powder)