Step 1 of 5
Gulab jamun
Simmer the sugar, water and cracked cardamom in a saucepan for 5 minutes, until the syrup feels slightly sticky between two fingers but does not form a thread. Off the heat, add the lemon juice, saffron and rose water. Keep it warm.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Gulab jamun take?
1 hr 55 min all in — 20 min prep, 35 min cook, 1 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 18 pieces. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk, Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan, Mixing bowl, Wok, Spider or strainer.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list a salt amount. We will not invent one.
How much sugar?
400 g of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Milk powder and milk → Khoya (mawa). Use 250 g crumbled khoya kneaded with 2 tbsp flour and the baking soda, adding milk only if it is dry. Vegetable oil → Ghee. Sweet shops fry in ghee. It gives a richer jamun and holds a low, steady heat well.
What should I watch for?
The syrup must be warm, not boiling. Boiling syrup makes the jamun collapse; cold syrup will not soak in.
Any tips from this recipe?
They keep a week in their syrup in the fridge. Warm them gently before serving. A few slivers of pistachio on top is the usual garnish. Gulab jamun with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a restaurant habit worth copying.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.