Gujarati-style Sweet Dumplings

Ingredients

In this Gujarati adaptation, the traditional Romanian Sfințișori is transformed into Gulab Jamun by incorporating Gujarati flavors and techniques. The original recipe is modified to include khoya, a staple ingredient in Indian sweets, and the dumplings are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with cardamom and saffron, which are commonly used in Gujarati cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Sfințișori, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7 oz) khoya (reduced milk solids) 200g (7 oz) khoya (reduced milk solids)
• 50g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour 50g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands A pinch of saffron strands
• 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 300g (1 1/2 cups) sugar 300g (1 1/2 cups) sugar
• 250ml (1 cup) water 250ml (1 cup) water
• Chopped nuts for garnish (e.g., almonds, pistachios) Chopped nuts for garnish (e.g., almonds, pistachios)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 300 kcal / 1255 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 30g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, crumble the khoya and add the all-purpose flour, cardamom powder, saffron strands, ghee, and baking powder. Mix well to form a smooth dough.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round balls.
3. 3.
   Heat oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium heat. Fry the dough balls until golden brown, turning them gently to ensure even cooking.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Simmer for 5 minutes to form a syrup.
5. 5.
   Remove the syrup from heat and carefully drop the fried dough balls into the syrup. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes.
6. 6.
   Serve the Gulab Jamuns warm, garnished with chopped nuts.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Khoya — If you cannot find khoya, you can make it at home by simmering milk until it reduces to a solid consistency. Alternatively, you can use milk powder as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• Ensure the oil is not too hot while frying the dough balls to prevent them from browning too quickly on the outside.
• To enhance the flavor of the syrup, you can add a few drops of rose water or kewra water.
• For a richer taste, you can stuff the dough balls with a small piece of nuts or dried fruits before frying.

Serving advice

Serve the Gulab Jamuns warm for the best experience. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful fusion dessert.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Gulab Jamuns on a serving platter and garnish them with a sprinkle of chopped nuts. For an elegant touch, you can drizzle some saffron-infused syrup over the dumplings.