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Gulab Jamun- The soft and succulent delight!

Gulab Jamun - Singal's - Indian Grocery Store

Aren’t we all big fans of sweet and syrupy delicacies in life? This is particularly true when you have some celebration or festive occasion coming up.

There is no doubt that Indian festivals are incomplete without a lavish serving of sweets and desserts.

Gulab Jamun - Singal's - Indian Grocery Store

With the most important Indian festival just around the corner, there is hustle-bustle in all Indian households. 

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, finds its place on top among all Hindu festivals in India. The enthusiasm around this festival is palpable. From doing your house with intricate Rangoli patterns to decorating it with sparkling Diyas and lights and donning the best of your clothes and fineries, this festival spreads love, joy, and happiness all around.

Not to forget the sumptuous delicacies that ladies love to dish out for their family and loved ones.

Among the various sweets Gajar ka Halwa, Rasogulla, Gulab Jamun, Soan Papdi, and Kheer are the most common desserts.

Slurp!! My mouth is already watering!

How about learning more about one of these sweets today? Let’s talk about the brown round and succulent delicacy that is a staple to every festive Indian occasion. Any guesses guys? Yup, it’s our very own Gulab Jamun. 

Gulab Jamun, or fondly called Kala Jamun, is my personal favorite.

The word “Gulab” means rose in Hindi & “Jamun” means berry. So, Gulab Jamun are berry-sized balls dipped in flavored sugar syrup.

The main constituent of Gulab Jamun is milk solid, traditionally called Khoya. 

Gulab Jamun - Singal's - Indian Grocery Store

Like most recipes, Gulab Jamun has also undergone transformation to suit the palate of the new-age population. Modern recipes make use of powdered or condensed milk instead of khoya. Gulab Jamun is finally garnished with dried nuts such as pistachios, almonds, and cashews to enhance its look and flavor.


The delectable sweet is traditionally prepared using the following recipe-

Ingredients for Gulab Jamun balls 

Milk-1.25 liters full-fat whole milk or 5 cups milk (makes 250 gm khoya)

Oil or ghee- Good enough for frying

Ingredients for sugar syrup

Sugar- 1.5 cups

Green cardamoms-4

Normal water 1.5 cups

Rosewater- 1 tbsp

Saffron- 6-7 strands

Chopped almonds and pistachios- for garnishing

How to make Gulab Jamun balls

  • Heat milk on a low flame till the water evaporates and only milk solid remains. You have to keep stirring at regular intervals or the milk will stick to the bottom of the pan.
Gulab Jamun - Singal's - Indian Grocery Store

 

Gulab Jamun - Singal's - Indian Grocery Store
  • This milk solid, called khoya, is kneaded into a dough, adding a small amount of flour (maida).
Gulab Jamun - Singal's - Indian Grocery Store
  • The dough is shaped into round balls and deep-fried in oil or ghee on low-medium flame till you get the familiar golden brown color.
  • You must take care not to cook the balls quickly or they remain raw on the inside. 
  • These fried balls are then soaked in sugar syrup flavored with saffron, green cardamom, and rose water.
Gulab Jamun - Singal's - Indian Grocery Store

 

How to make the sugar syrup

  • Add sugar and crushed 4 green cardamoms to a pan. 
  • Add 1.5 cups of normal water.
  • Boil this until the syrup turns slightly sticky. Do not make it of one string consistency.
  • Make the syrup correctly. It is important for the Gulab Jamun recipe. If you go past the sticky syrup and get a one string consistency, then Gulab Jamuns will turn very soft and break. Therefore, check carefully. Turn off the gas. Add saffron, and rose water. You may also add chopped almonds and pistachios for garnishing.

Gulab Jamuns are best enjoyed hot.

Gulab Jamun - Singal's - Indian Grocery Store

 

For someone short on time, Gits Gulab Jamun or MTR Gulab Jamun offer an easy process to prepare 20 Gulab jamuns. If looking for ready to eat variety, try 
Haldiram Gulab Jamun or Bikano Gulab Jamun

Who are we? Singal's Indian Grocery is an online Indian Grocery Store delivering people's favorite brands to their doors all over Canada. We have over 600 products that can be ordered for delivery now! Like our Facebook Page for updates about our Indian Grocery Store!