Stuffed Gulab Jamun
A classic Indian sweet, Stuffed Gulab Jamun features soft, milk-solids-based dumplings, delicately stuffed with chopped nuts, deep-fried to a golden hue, and then soaked in an aromatic cardamom and saffron-infused sugar syrup.
For 18 servings
**Prepare the Dough**: In a large bowl, crumble the khoa (mawa) thoroughly to remove any lumps. Add the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gently mix with your fingertips until well combined. Gradually add milk, a teaspoon at a time, and knead lightly to form a soft, smooth, crack-free dough. Do not over-knead. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
**Prepare the Stuffing**: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped pistachios and almonds. You can add a pinch of saffron or a tiny bit of cardamom powder to the nuts for extra flavor, if desired.
**Form and Stuff the Jamuns**: Divide the dough into 15-20 equal small portions. Take one portion, flatten it slightly in your palm, place a small pinch of the nut mixture in the center, and carefully bring the edges together to seal. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth, crack-free ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and stuffing. Ensure there are no cracks, as they can cause the jamuns to break during frying.
**Prepare the Sugar Syrup**: In a wide, heavy-bottomed pan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the syrup becomes slightly sticky (it should not be a thick one-string consistency). Add crushed cardamom pods, saffron strands (if using), and rose water (if using). Keep the syrup warm over very low heat or turn off and reheat just before adding jamuns.
**Deep Fry the Jamuns**: Heat ghee or oil in a deep kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat. To test the oil temperature, drop a tiny piece of dough; it should slowly rise to the surface without browning too quickly. Carefully slide 5-6 jamun balls into the warm oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry on low to medium-low heat, gently stirring and turning them frequently with a slotted spoon, until they turn an even golden-brown to dark brown color on all sides (about 8-10 minutes per batch).
**Soak the Jamuns**: Once fried, immediately remove the jamuns from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them directly into the warm sugar syrup. Ensure they are fully submerged. Repeat the frying process with the remaining jamun balls.
**Rest and Serve**: Let the gulab jamuns soak in the syrup for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to absorb the syrup and become soft and juicy. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra chopped nuts or saffron.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Dough Consistency**: The key to soft gulab jamuns is a soft, smooth, and crack-free dough. If it's too hard, the jamuns will be dense; if too soft, they may break. Adjust with a tiny bit more milk or flour if needed.
- 2**Frying Temperature**: Always fry on low to medium-low heat. High heat will brown the outside quickly, leaving the inside uncooked and hard. Slow frying ensures even cooking and a beautiful color.
- 3**Syrup Temperature**: The sugar syrup should be warm, not boiling hot, when adding the fried jamuns. If the syrup is too hot, the jamuns might shrivel; if too cold, they won't absorb the syrup properly.
- 4**No Cracks**: Ensure the jamun balls are perfectly smooth and crack-free before frying. Any cracks will cause them to disintegrate in the hot oil.
Adapt it for your goals.
Paneer Stuffed
Instead of nuts, stuff the jamuns with a mixture of crumbled paneer, sugar, and cardamom powder for a richer, creamier center.
Chocolate StuffedChocolate Stuffed
For a modern twist, stuff the jamuns with a small piece of dark chocolate or a mixture of cocoa powder and sugar.
Rose Petal GarnishRose Petal Garnish
Garnish with dried rose petals for an elegant presentation and a delicate floral aroma.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boost
Being a sweet dish, Gulab Jamun provides a quick source of carbohydrates, offering an immediate energy boost, especially during festivities.
Nutritional Value from Nuts
The nut stuffing (pistachios, almonds) adds healthy fats, protein, and essential micronutrients like Vitamin E and magnesium, contributing to overall well-being.
Cultural Significance
While a treat, consuming traditional sweets like Gulab Jamun can contribute to mental well-being by fostering cultural connection, joy, and a sense of celebration.
Frequently asked questions
This usually happens due to over-kneading the dough, using too much flour, frying on too high a heat, or the sugar syrup being too thick or cold.
