Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is one of the most beloved and iconic desserts in South Asian cuisine, often synonymous with celebration and festivity. It is considered as the most beloved sweet especially in Pakistan. People in Pakistan share their happy moments by eating and sending Gulab jamun to each other. From the birth of a child to the wedding bells, Gulab jamun has their place in every event.

Origin of the name "Gulab Jamun": 

 The name "Gulab Jamun" itself is quite poetic, combining "Gulab," which means rose, and "Jamun," a fruit that the dessert resembles in shape and size.

Making of the sweet:

This dessert consists of small, round balls made from a dough of khoya (reduced milk solids) or milk powder, sometimes mixed with a bit of flour. These dough balls are deep-fried to a perfect golden brown and then soaked in a warm, aromatic sugar syrup flavored with rose water, cardamom, and occasionally saffron. The syrup not only sweetens the gulab jamun but also gives it a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Regional preferences in Ingredients:

There are several variations of gulab jamun, depending on regional preferences and ingredients. Some versions incorporate paneer (a type of fresh cheese) into the dough, while others may include different flavorings or fillings, such as dried fruits and nuts. Modern twists on the dessert can include chocolate or fruit-infused gulab jamuns, catering to contemporary tastes

Recipe in English:

Ingredients:

1. Lassa khoya 250 grams/ powdered milk 

2. Baking soda 1 pinch

3. Salt 1 pinch

4. Flour 1/3 cup

5.  Egg ½ 

6. Syrup: 

7. Water 2 cups 

8. Sugar 1 & ½ cup

9. Kewra water 1 tsp

10. Cardamom powder 1/2 tsp

11.  Lemon juice 1 tsp

Directions:

Step #1: To make syrup, in a pan add water and sugar and cook until it becomes a sticky syrup. Now turn off the flame and add kewra water, cardamom powder, lemon juice and mix well.

Step #2: In a bowl take lassa khoya( you can also use powdered milk) and crumble it well with your hands. Add flour, baking soda, salt, and egg and mix well to a smooth dough. It needs kneading for at least 6-8 minutes.

Step #3: Now make small balls of same size. Make sure they are smooth and have no cracks. 

Step #4: Heat ghee, and add balls and fry gently and stir continuously. Make sure ghee is not very hot otherwise gulab jamun will not cook well from inside or will burn. 

Step#5: When gulab jamuns becomes golden, add them directly to hot syrup. Make sure syrup is hot (not burning hot). 

Step#6: Repeat frying process. Add all gulab jamuns in syrup and leave them for 60 minutes

Final step: Garnish with pistachios and serve

Recipe in Urdu:

ایک پین میں پانی لیں اور چینی شامل کر کے پکائیں ۔ جب تک گاڑھا شیرہ بن جائے 

اب چولہے سے اتار لیں اور کھیوڑہ عرق ، الائچی پاؤڈر اور لیمن جوس کر کے اچھی طرح مکس کرلیں 

ایک باؤل میں کھویا لے کر اچھی طرح ہاتھوں سے چورا چورا کرلیں ۔ میدہ ، بیکنگ سوڈا ، نمک، اور انڈہ شامل کر کے مکس کریں 

6-8 منٹ تک گوندھیں تا کہ اچھے سے پیڑہ بنائیں 

ب اس میں ایک ہی سائز کی چھوٹی چھوٹی گولیاں بنالیں دھیان رہے کہ گولیاں نرم رہے اور ٹوٹیں نہ

اب گھی گرم کرلیں اور ایک ایک کرکے گولیاں اور درمیانی آنچ پر فرائی کریں 

آنچ تیز نہ ہو ورنہ گلاب جامن جل جائیں گے یا اندر سے کچے رہ جائیں گے 

جیسے ہی گلاب جامن گولڈن ہو جائیں گرم شیرے میں شامل کرتے جائیں ۔ شیرہ گرم ہونا چاہیے ۔ ایک گھنٹے کے لیے شیرے میں ہی رہنے دیں اور پھر گارنش کرکے سرو کریں 

For a detailed recipe, you can watch the given video and can also download it.

Significance of Gulab Jamuns:

Gulab jamun is more than just a sweet treat; it holds cultural and emotional significance. It’s a staple at weddings, festivals, and special occasions, oftenserved as a gesture of hospitality and goodwill. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, each bite of gulab jamun is a little taste of indulgence, rich in flavor and tradition.