When it comes to Indian desserts, Gulab Jamun is undoubtedly one of the most popular and beloved sweets. It is a soft and spongy dessert that melts in your mouth and leaves you with a burst of sweetness. It is made from khoya (dried milk solids) and then deep-fried and soaked in a sugar syrup. This recipe is easy to make, and the result is a dessert that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Ingredients
For the Gulab Jamun balls, you will need:
1 cup of khoya
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1 tablespoon of ghee
2-3 tablespoons of milk (if required)
Oil for deep frying
For the sugar syrup, you will need:
2 cups of sugar
2 cups of water
4-5 cardamom pods (crushed)
1-2 tablespoons of rose water
Instructions
1. Start by making the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, add the sugar, water, and crushed cardamom pods and bring it to a boil. 2. Once it comes to a boil, let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes slightly thick. 3. Add the rose water to the sugar syrup and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Then turn off the heat and keep it aside. 4. In a mixing bowl, add the khoya, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Mix well. 5. Add the ghee to the mixture and mix it well with your hands until it becomes crumbly. 6. Slowly add the milk and knead it into a soft dough. 7. Make small balls from the dough, making sure there are no cracks. 8. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. 9. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to low and add the Gulab Jamun balls to the oil. 10. Fry them until they turn golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure that they cook evenly. 11. Once they are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil. 12. Let them cool for a minute or two, and then add them to the sugar syrup. 13. Let them soak in the sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes before serving. 14. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped nuts if desired.
Nutrition
It's important to note that Gulab Jamun is not exactly a healthy dessert option. It is high in calories, sugar, and fat. One serving of Gulab Jamun (2 pieces) contains approximately 387 calories, 19 grams of fat, and 47 grams of carbohydrates. However, it's okay to indulge in a sweet treat every once in a while. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation and balance it out with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Conclusion
Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dessert that is loved by people of all ages. With this simple recipe, you can make this delicious sweet at home and impress your friends and family. Just remember to take it easy on the sugar and enjoy it in moderation. Happy cooking!