Soft Gulab Jamun: Easy Recipe with Sweet Success & Common Pitfalls

What Is Gulab Jamun?

Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dessert made from milk solids, deep-fried until golden, and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. Known for its Soft Gulab Jamun, melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich sweetness, this festive treat is a must-have for celebrations like Eid, Diwali, and weddings. Whether served warm or chilled, Gulab Jamun is a delightful indulgence that brings joy to every bite!

Gulab Jamun is a quintessential and much-loved South Asian dessert. “Gulab Jamun” is named from two Persian terms: “Gulab,” rose water (a central component of the sugar syrup), and “Jamun,” an Indian fruit with a deep purple color that matches the shape and hue of the dessert.

How To Make Gulab Jamun Soft

Ingredients & Preparation
The traditional dough for Gulab Jamun is prepared from khoya (milk solids reduced), but milk powder is used in contemporary preparations as a convenient substitute. Flour, ghee, and a leavening agent (baking soda or baking powder) are other ingredients. The dough is kneaded lightly, formed into small spherical balls, and deep-fried on low heat to develop a soft, golden-brown texture.

After being fried, the hot dough balls are immersed in a scented sugar syrup with rose water, cardamom, and saffron so that they soak up the sweet and aromatic tastes. The outcome is a soft, spongy, and syrupy dessert that dissolves in the mouth with each bite.

Taste & Variations
Gulab Jamun is rich, creamy, and faintly sweet with a floral note due to the rose syrup. It is round and golden brown in its classic form, though various forms are available:

Kala Jamun – Dark, almost black, caramelized on the outside.

Dry Gulab Jamun – Syrup-free, coated in coconut flakes or sugar.

Stuffed Gulab Jamun – Stuffed with nuts or saffron-flavored khoya.

Occasions & Popularity
Gulab Jamun is a classic festival dessert for Diwali, Eid, and Holi, and for weddings, birthdays, and other special occasions. Its addicting sweetness and silky texture have won the hearts of dessert enthusiasts around the globe.

Soft Gulab Jamun Recipe

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 20 Minutes 20 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 100 calories 100 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

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Ingredients

• For Gulab Jamun Dough:
• 1 cup milk powder
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 cup warm milk (adjust as needed)
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• Oil or ghee (for deep frying)
• For Sugar Syrup:
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• 1/2 tsp rose water (optional)
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice (prevents crystallization)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

•  In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat on medium flame and stir until the sugar dissolves.
•  Add cardamom powder, saffron strands, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly sticky (not too thick).
•  Turn off the heat and add rose water. Keep the syrup warm.

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Step 2: Make the Gulab Jamun Dough

• In a mixing bowl, combine milk powder, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Mix well.
•  Add ghee and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly.
• Gradually add warm milk, little by little, and knead gently into a soft, smooth dough. Do not overknead.
• Cover and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.

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Step 3: Shape the Jamuns

• Grease your hands with a little ghee and divide the dough into small equal portions.
• Roll each portion into a smooth ball without cracks (cracks may cause them to break while frying).

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Step 4: Fry the Gulab Jamuns

• Heat oil or ghee in a pan over low-medium heat. The oil should be warm, not too hot.
• Gently add the jamuns and keep stirring continuously to ensure even cooking.
• Fry them until they turn golden brown. This takes 5-7 minutes per batch.
• Remove from oil and drain excess oil using a paper towel.

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Step 5: Soak in Sugar Syrup

• Immediately place the fried gulab jamuns into the warm sugar syrup.
• Let them soak for at least 1-2 hours so they absorb the syrup and become soft and juicy.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm or chilled, garnished with chopped pistachios or almonds.
• Enjoy with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Notes

Tips for Perfect Gulab Jamun

• Dough Consistency: It should be soft and smooth. Too dry = cracks; too sticky = dense jamuns.
• Oil Temperature: Fry on low-medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the jamuns will be raw inside.
• Sugar Syrup: Keep it warm, not boiling, while soaking the jamuns.
• Soaking Time: Let them soak well for soft, juicy texture.

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