Capsaicin Free Gulab Jamun

Total time1 hr 15 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time25 min

5.0

(7)

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 they happen to be completely free of any heat or spice that could cause discomfort. The dough comes together from milk powder, flour, a touch of baking soda, and butter, which gives each ball that signature tender, spongy texture once it soaks up the fragrant sugar syrup. Low-and-slow frying is the real secret here: keeping the oil between 300–320°F ensures the centers cook through gently while the outside turns an even, deep golden brown without burning. After frying, the balls go straight into the warm syrup and plump up beautifully over about 30 minutes, drinking in every drop of that cardamom-rose fragrance. There is no chili, pepper, or any capsaicin-containing ingredient anywhere in this recipe, making it a genuinely safe and indulgent choice for anyone who needs to avoid that compound entirely. Finish with a scatter of slivered pistachios for a little color and crunch, and serve them warm for the full experience.

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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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