How to Make Gulab Jamun or Kala Jam (Waffle Balls) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Gulab Jamun or Kala Jam, also known as Waffle Balls, is a popular and traditional South Asian dessert. These sweet, syrup-soaked treats are often served at special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. They are made from simple and readily available ingredients, and are relatively easy to prepare, making them a delightful addition to any menu.

This delectable dessert is comprised of deep-fried dough balls made from milk solids such as khoya (m...

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 2 drops rose water (Optional)
  • 1 pinch saffron (Optional)
  • ½ cup instant dry milk powder (such as Carnation®)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (such as Land O'Lakes®)
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 17 mins
  • Additional Time: 50 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 17 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 gulab

  • Combine water, sugar, cardamom, rose water, and saffron in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until consistency is syrupy, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Mix milk powder, flour, and baking soda in a bowl until well-combined. Slowly mix in butter and yogurt until dough comes together. Let gulab dough rest for 5 minutes. Shape into smooth balls the size of pennies.
  • Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Test the temperature of the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough. When it sits at the bottom of the pan for 1 minute before coming to the surface, the oil is ready.
  • Fry 4 gulab balls at a time, stirring carefully, until dark golden brown on all sides, about 2 minutes. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate. Repeat with remaining gulab.
  • Bring syrup back up to a boil and drop in fried gulab. Remove from heat and let them soak in the syrup, covered, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Nutrition

    187 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Cholesterol: 3mg
    • Sodium: 45mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 36g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 35g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 42mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 59mg