Turmeric Free Gulab Jamun
These pillowy, syrup-soaked dumplings are one of the most beloved sweets in South Asian cuisine, and this version is completely free of turmeric — which can sometimes sneak into spice blends or pre-mixed dough products. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, so you can make these with total confidence. The dough comes together from milk powder, flour, a touch of baking soda, and butter, then gets fried low and slow until each ball turns a deep, even golden brown. That patient frying process is the real secret — it lets the centers cook through before the outside gets too dark, and the balls puff up beautifully in the oil. They then go straight into a warm cardamom-and-rose-water syrup, soaking until they're plump, fragrant, and almost impossibly tender. A scatter of slivered pistachios on top adds a little color and crunch that makes the whole plate look like it came from a proper mithai shop. Whether you serve them warm or at room temperature, they disappear fast.
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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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