Beef Free Gulab Jamun
Soft, syrup-soaked, and perfumed with cardamom and rose water, these little golden spheres are one of the most beloved desserts in South Asian cuisine — and for good reason. The dough comes together from milk powder, a touch of flour, and butter, making this a naturally meat-free treat that needs no substitutions or workarounds whatsoever. The real magic happens during the slow fry: keeping the oil at a lower temperature lets each ball cook all the way through before the outside deepens to that signature rich amber. From there, they go straight into a warm, fragrant sugar syrup where they plump up and drink in every drop of flavor. The result is pillowy, tender, and almost impossibly fragrant — the kind of dessert that disappears from the plate before it even has a chance to cool. A scatter of slivered pistachios on top adds a little color and crunch, though honestly, they're stunning on their own. Whether you're serving a crowd or just treating yourself, this is a recipe worth taking your time with.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 tbsp rose water
For the dough
- 1 cup milk powder (full-fat)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 tbsp whole milk, as needed
For frying
- 2 cups neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower), for frying
For serving
- 2 tbsp slivered pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, sugar, and crushed cardamom pods in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the syrup is slightly thickened and coats a spoon lightly. Remove from the heat, stir in the rose water, and keep warm over the lowest heat setting.
- 2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk powder, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Add the softened butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs with no visible butter pieces.
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