Delhi-Style Gulab Jamun with Cardamom Syrup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth milk-solid dumplings soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, a beloved Delhi dessert often served during festivals. This Indian-inspired recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, layers milk powder, all-purpose flour, ghee into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Indian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix milk powder, flour, and melted ghee until a soft, pliable dough forms. Knead for 2 minutes until smooth, then cover and rest for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a small ball. Gently flatten into discs about 1/2-inch thick, then roll again into balls.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/2 cup oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry balls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed, turning gently with a slotted spoon.
  4. Step 4: While jamuns fry, make syrup: Combine sugar, water, crushed cardamom pods, and ground cardamom in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until syrup thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add fried jamuns to syrup and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Remove cardamom pods, stir in rose water, and let cool completely before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Delhi-Style Gulab Jamun with Cardamom Syrup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Delhi-Style Gulab Jamun with Cardamom Syrup?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Delhi-Style Gulab Jamun with Cardamom Syrup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Delhi-Style Gulab Jamun with Cardamom Syrup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Delhi-Style Gulab Jamun with Cardamom Syrup?

Indian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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