Gulab Jamun Recipe- Cardamom Saffron & Rosewater Indian Sweet

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Gulab Jamun Recipe – Cardamom, Saffron & Rosewater Indian Sweet

Okay, let’s be real. Is there anything more satisfying than a warm, melt-in-your-mouth gulab jamun? Seriously, this classic Indian sweet is pure comfort food, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I tried to make these – it took a couple of attempts to get them just right, but trust me, the effort is SO worth it. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for incredibly soft, flavorful gulab jamuns, infused with cardamom, saffron, and a hint of rosewater.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just a gulab jamun recipe; it’s the recipe you’ll reach for again and again. It strikes the perfect balance between traditional flavors and a foolproof method. We’re using milk powder for that signature soft texture, and the saffron and rosewater elevate the flavor to something truly special. Plus, I’ve included tons of tips and variations to help you customize it to your liking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these little balls of deliciousness:

• 1 cup milk powder (approx. 100g)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (approx. 30g)
• 1 tbsp semolina (rava/sooji) (approx. 10g)
• ⅛ tsp baking soda (a tiny pinch!)
• 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) (approx. 15ml)
• Milk, as needed (approx. 2-4 tbsp)
• ¾ cup sugar (approx. 150g)
• ⅓ cup water (approx. 80ml)
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder (approx. 1g)
• 2 saffron strands
• 1 tsp rosewater (approx. 5ml)
• Oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil work well)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

• Khoya/Milk Powder: Traditionally, gulab jamuns are made with khoya (dried evaporated milk solids). But milk powder is a fantastic, readily available substitute that gives you that same soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Saffron: Don’t skip the saffron! It adds a beautiful color and a subtle, luxurious flavor. A little goes a long way.
• Rosewater: Rosewater adds a delicate floral aroma that complements the cardamom and saffron beautifully. Use a good quality rosewater for the best flavor.
• Ghee: Ghee adds richness and flavor to the dough. You can substitute with oil, but ghee really takes it to the next level. It’s a staple in Indian cooking for a reason!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly. Add cardamom powder and saffron strands. Stir well and add rosewater. Keep the syrup warm – this is important!
2. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, sift together milk powder, flour, semolina, and baking soda. Add ghee and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix well to form a smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. It should be soft and pliable, but not sticky.
3. Shape the Jamuns: Divide the dough into 10-15 equal-sized portions. Gently roll each portion into a smooth, crack-free ball. This is key to preventing cracks during frying!
4. Fry the Jamuns: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium-low heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil – it should rise to the surface immediately. Carefully add the jamuns to the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry them on medium-low heat, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and evenly cooked.
5. Soak in Syrup: Remove the fried jamuns from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Immediately transfer the hot jamuns to the warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, for the best flavor and texture.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overknead: Overkneading the dough will make the jamuns tough. Mix just until combined.
• Low and Slow: Frying on medium-low heat ensures the jamuns cook through without burning.
• Warm Syrup is Key: Soaking the hot jamuns in warm syrup allows them to absorb the sweetness and stay soft.
• Patience is a Virtue: Let the jamuns soak for a good amount of time. The longer they soak, the more flavorful and softer they’ll become.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Gulab Jamun Adaptation: Substitute ghee with vegan butter and use plant-based milk.
• Gluten-Free Gulab Jamun Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with besan (chickpea flour). You might need to adjust the amount of milk slightly. My friend, Priya, swears by this version!
• Spice Level – Adjusting Cardamom: If you love a stronger cardamom flavor, feel free to add a little more.
• Festival Adaptations: These are perfect for Diwali, Holi, Eid, or any celebration! You can even add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Gulab jamuns are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with…

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream. Seriously, try it!
• A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds.
• A cup of hot chai.

Storage Instructions

Leftover gulab jamuns can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They might become a little firmer, but you can gently warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their softness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the secret to soft Gulab Jamuns? Using milk powder, not overkneading the dough, and soaking them in warm syrup for a sufficient amount of time are the keys to soft gulab jamuns.
• Can I make Gulab Jamuns without Khoya? Absolutely! Milk powder works wonderfully as a substitute.
• How do I prevent cracks in the Gulab Jamuns while frying? Ensure the dough is smooth and crack-free, and fry them on medium-low heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
• What is the best way to store leftover Gulab Jamuns? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Can I use a different type of oil for frying? Yes, vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil all work well. Just make sure it has a high smoke point.

Enjoy making (and eating!) these delightful gulab jamuns. I hope this recipe brings a little sweetness to your day!