Gulab Jamun Indian Milk Balls Recipe

Indulge in the rich, sweet delight of homemade Gulab Jamun! This recipe, inspired by IndianFoodForever.com, recreates the irresistible Indian milk balls I recently enjoyed at a Nepalese restaurant. Learn to make perfectly golden, melt-in-your-mouth Gulab Jamun, infused with aromatic cardamom and saffron. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to frying the jamuns to a perfect texture and creating a luscious sugar syrup that enhances their flavor.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 653.5 kcal
Protein 20g
Rating 4.5 (2 Reviews)
Gulab Jamun Indian Milk Balls 34

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Gulab Jamun Indian Milk Balls

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How to Make Gulab Jamun Indian Milk Balls

  1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup milk powder, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/4 cup softened butter.
  2. Gradually add 1/4 - 1/3 cup whole milk, mixing until a medium-hard dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  3. Divide the dough into 18-20 equal portions.
  4. Roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms.
  5. Place the balls on a plate, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let rest for at least 30 minutes.
  6. **Fry the Gulab Jamun:** Heat vegetable oil or ghee in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium.
  7. Gently slide the balls into the hot oil, one at a time, avoiding overcrowding. They will sink initially.
  8. Gently shake the pan to prevent the balls from sticking or burning on one side.
  9. After about 5 minutes, they will rise to the surface. Continue frying, gently and constantly agitating, until they are golden brown and fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes total). Maintain a medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning.
  10. **Make the Sugar Syrup:** In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water. Add 4-5 lightly crushed cardamom pods and a pinch of saffron (if using).
  11. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil vigorously, as this can caramelize the sugar. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
  12. **Combine and Soak:** Carefully transfer the hot syrup to a serving dish. Keep warm over low heat. Add the fried gulab jamun to the warm syrup.
  13. Let the gulab jamun soak in the syrup for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, for best results.
  14. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

13 g

Sugar

449g

Fat

45g

Carbs

41g