Sesame Free Gulab Jamun
These soft, syrup-soaked milk dumplings are one of the most beloved sweets in South Asian cuisine, and for good reason — they're pillowy, fragrant, and absolutely impossible to stop eating. The dough comes together from milk powder, a little flour, and butter, then each ball is slowly fried at a low temperature until it turns a deep, even golden brown and puffs up beautifully. That patience with the oil temperature is the real secret: it lets the centers cook through before the outside gets too dark. From there, the balls go straight into a warm cardamom-and-rose-water syrup, where they soak and plump into something genuinely magical. Every single ingredient here is naturally free from sesame — no tahini, no sesame oil, no hidden seeds lurking in the syrup or the dough — so you can make and serve these with complete confidence. A scatter of slivered pistachios on top adds a gentle crunch and a pop of color that makes them look as special as they taste. Whether you serve them warm right after soaking or let them sit at room temperature, they deliver that deep, floral sweetness that makes guests ask for the recipe every single time.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!