Honey Free Gulab Jamun

Total time1 hr 15 min

Prep time20 min

Cook time25 min

5.0

(7)

These soft, syrup-soaked milk dumplings are one of the most beloved sweets in South Asian cuisine, and this version delivers every bit of that pillowy, fragrant magic. The cardamom-and-rose-water syrup is built entirely from granulated sugar and water, so there's no need to reach for honey or any other liquid sweetener — the result is a beautifully clear, aromatic soak that lets the dumplings shine. The dough itself comes together from full-fat milk powder, a little flour, baking soda, and butter, which gives each ball that signature melt-in-your-mouth tenderness once it's been fried and soaked. Getting the oil temperature right — low and slow between 300 and 320°F — is the real secret here, ensuring the centers cook through before the outside deepens to that gorgeous golden brown. After a 30-minute soak, the balls plump up dramatically and drink in all that floral syrup, turning into something that feels genuinely indulgent. A scatter of slivered pistachios on top adds a little color and crunch if you want to dress them up for guests. Whether you serve them warm straight from the pot or at room temperature a few hours later, these are the kind of dessert that disappears fast.

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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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