Recipe

Homemade Gulab Jamun – Quick & Easy Recipe with Milk Powder Instant Mix

Prep: 
25 mins
Cook: 
10 mins

Ingredients

Saffron Syrup:

Sugar - 2 cups

Water - 1 cup

Green Cardamoms - 4 qty

Saffron - 1 pinch

Lemon Juice - 1 tsp

Rose Water - ½ tsp

Gulab Jamun Dough:

Dry Whole Milk Powder - 1 cup

All-Purpose Flour - ½ cup

Baking Soda - ½ tsp

Cardamom Powder - ¼ tsp

Ghee - 2 tbsp melted

Whole Milk - ¼ cup

Ghee (or oil) - for deep frying

Pistachios - 1 tbsp finely chopped

Almonds - 1 tbsp finely chopped

A decadent deep fried dough soaked in a sugary saffron syrup - Gulab Jamun is a traditional Indian desert, and a favorite during holidays and celebrations. Our Gulab Jamun recipe is quick and easy to make, using ingredients that are easy to find so you can make it at home!

Whole milk powder can be found in any grocery store and makes for a rich and creamy gulab jamun dough. After frying, soaking in a sweet saffron and rose water syrup, and garnishing with chopped pistachios and almonds, it will be almost impossible to stop eating them!

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Gulab Jamun. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For Gulab Jamun calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Instructions

How to make Gulab Jamun syrup:

1) In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 4 cracked green cardamoms, and a pinch of saffron.

2) Heat the syrup mixture over medium heat, slowly bringing to a simmer while stirring constantly for about 7-10 minutes.

3) Simmer for about 1 minute. Once the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is clear, turn off the heat.

4) Add 1 tsp lemon juice and 1/2 tsp of rose water. Mix well and set aside.

How to prepare Gulab Jamun dough:

1) In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup milk powder, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp cardamom powder. Mix well.

2) Add 2 tbsp melted ghee, and mix thoroughly with the dry ingredients to form a moist and crumbly mixture.

3) Slowly add 1/4 cup milk in small portions. Gently mix in between each pour of milk to incorporate slowly and form a dough.

4) Add 1 tsp more milk and knead into the dough.

5) If the dough is still too dry, add another tsp of milk and knead into the dough.

PRO TIP: Roll a small piece of dough between your palms for about 30 seconds to check if your dough is ready. If you notice cracks or breakage, knead another tsp of milk into the dough.

6) Roll about 1 tbsp of dough between your palms, applying light pressure. The balls should be smooth and round without any cracks. Cover dough balls with a damp paper towel and set aside.

How to cook Gulab Jamun:

1) Heat enough ghee to completely cover the gulab jamun dough in a large pot.

PRO TIP: Check to see if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil. If it bubbles and begins to get golden brown after about 45 seconds, it is ready.

2) Once the temperature reaches around 300 F, reduce the heat to medium low, and then fry the gulab jamun dough in small batches (3-4) for about 3 minutes, moving them constantly for instant cooking.

3) Once dark golden brown, drain the oil and add the fired gulab jamun to the syrup. The syrup should be hot, but not boiling.

4) Soak the gulab jamun in the syrup for at least 2 hours. After soaking, warm in a saucepan and garnish with chopped pistachios and almonds before serving!

A decadent deep fried dough soaked in a sugary saffron syrup - Gulab Jamun is a traditional Indian desert, and a favorite during holidays and celebrations. Our Gulab Jamun recipe is quick and easy to make, using ingredients that are easy to find so you can make it at home!

Whole milk powder can be found in any grocery store and makes for a rich and creamy gulab jamun dough. After frying, soaking in a sweet saffron and rose water syrup, and garnishing with chopped pistachios and almonds, it will be almost impossible to stop eating them!

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Gulab Jamun. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For Gulab Jamun calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Leave a review

We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.

Your Recipe rating*

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Recent Recipes

Classic Rava Upma Recipe – A One-Pot South Indian Breakfast Favorite Made with Semolina and Spices

Discover how to make soft, fluffy Rava Upma—a savory South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina, ghee, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sautéed vegetables. This comforting recipe is perfect for mornings when you want something warm, wholesome, and flavorful. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney, chana curry, or even a cup of masala chai.

Prep: 
10 mins
20 mins

Rava Upma, also known as Suji Upma, is a comforting and wholesome South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina (rava), tempered spices, and sautéed vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, light on the stomach, and full of flavor—making it a go-to meal for busy mornings or a nourishing evening snack. 

The subtle nutty aroma of roasted rava, combined with the warmth of curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies, brings out the true essence of traditional South Indian cooking. A touch of sugar balances the flavors and enhances the taste. Serve your upma hot with coconut chutney, green peas curry, or a cup of chai for a complete and satisfying meal.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Rava Upma. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our rava upma calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Tandoori Shrimp Skewers & Cheesy Masala Corn – Independence Day Barbeque Recipe

Fire up the grill this 4th of July with bold, irresistible flavors! Our Tandoori Shrimp Skewers are marinated in a spiced yogurt blend and grilled to smoky perfection, while Cheesy Masala Corn on the Cob brings buttery heat, melty cheese, and classic Indian street-style flair to your summer spread. Perfect for backyard cookouts and festive gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that blends Indian tradition with American barbecue vibes.

Prep: 
35 mins
5 mins

Bring the heat to your 4th of July cookout with this irresistible duo—Tandoori Shrimp Skewers and Cheesy Masala Corn on the Cob. These shrimp are marinated in a bold blend of Indian spices, yogurt, and mustard oil, then grilled to perfection for that smoky char and juicy bite. 

The marinade combines the warmth of garam masala and Kashmiri chili with a tangy kick from lemon juice, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or a stovetop pan, these skewers cook in minutes and look just as festive as they taste.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Tandoori Shrimp Skewers and Cheesy Masala Corn on the Cob. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our tandoori shrimp skewers and Masala Corn on the Cob calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Fresh Papdi Recipe + Papri Chaat – How to Make Homemade Crispy Papdi with Aloo, Chana, Yogurt, and Chutneys

Craving authentic Indian street food? This Papdi Chaat recipe shows you how to make crispy homemade papdi from scratch and top it with potatoes, chickpeas, chutneys, curd, and spices for the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. A delicious and colorful snack that’s easy to assemble and guaranteed to impress at your next gathering!

Prep: 
60 mins
35 mins

Papdi Chaat is one of the most iconic Indian street foods, known for its vibrant flavors, crunchy textures, and refreshing toppings. This beloved snack starts with crispy homemade papri—thin, golden wafers made from whole wheat flour, ghee, and cumin. 

These crunchy discs are then topped with a medley of boiled potatoes, chickpeas, chopped onions, and juicy tomatoes, making each bite hearty and satisfying. A drizzle of creamy yogurt, tangy mint chutney, and sweet tamarind chutney ties all the ingredients together, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Papdi Chaat. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our papri chaat calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.