Gulab Jamun (Indian Doughnuts)

Gulab Jamun - Delicious Indian Donuts

Gulab Jamun is an Indian dessert that has won the hearts of sweet lovers around the world. These golden, soft, syrup-soaked mini donuts are a symbol of tradition and hospitality. Their origin is lost in the mists of time, but one thing is certain: every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures. Preparing this dessert may seem intimidating at first glance, but with this detailed recipe, you can bring a touch of magic from India into your own kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 donuts

Ingredients for donuts:
- 50 g flour
- 200 g milk powder
- 25 g baking soda
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 50 ml milk
- Oil for frying

Ingredients for syrup:
- 200 g sugar
- 400 ml water
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 whole cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 3-4 strands of saffron

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, milk powder, and baking soda well. These ingredients are essential for achieving the fluffy texture of the donuts. Add the melted butter and milk, mixing until you get a soft, sticky dough. Don't worry if the dough seems a bit stickier than expected. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to blend perfectly.

2. Preparing the syrup:
In a saucepan, add the water, sugar, lemon juice, and cardamom pods. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. The syrup should become slightly viscous. Once ready, turn off the heat and add the rose water and saffron. These ingredients will give the syrup a subtle floral aroma and a beautiful golden color.

3. Frying the donuts:
In a large pot, heat the oil for frying. Ensure it is deep enough for the donuts to float. Form small balls from the dough, the size of a walnut, and fry them in the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan so they can brown evenly. Gently stir the donuts with a spatula to help them brown on all sides.

4. Finishing the preparation:
Once the donuts are golden brown, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. After all the donuts are fried, carefully place them in the warm syrup. Cover with a lid and let them soak up the syrup for about 30 minutes. During this time, the donuts will expand in volume and become incredibly soft and flavorful.

5. Serving:
Gulab Jamun is served warm or at room temperature, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can add a personal touch by decorating with chopped pistachios or almonds for an elegant look.

Practical tips:
- Ensure the oil is well heated before adding the donuts; oil that is too cold will lead to excessive oil absorption.
- If you want a healthier option, you can experiment with coconut oil or olive oil for frying.
- To achieve a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use liquid milk instead of milk powder?
- Milk powder is essential for the final texture, but if you don't have it, you can experiment with condensed milk or a combination of milk and flour.

2. What should I do if the syrup is too thick?
- If the syrup becomes too thick, add a little water and boil it again until it reaches the desired consistency.

3. How do I store the donuts to prevent them from drying out?
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct light. They can be consumed the next day, but they will retain their flavor and texture best if eaten fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
Gulab Jamun is a treat rich in carbohydrates and has a moderate calorie content. Each serving provides a quick source of energy due to the sugar, but moderate consumption is essential given the fat content from frying.

This dessert is perfect for special occasions, parties, or simply to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones. Gulab Jamun will surely become everyone's favorite! Enjoy!