Indian Milk Balls

 

Gulab jamun are delightful, soft balls the size of berries made from milk solids and flour, soaked in a fragrant rose syrup.  The name “Gulab” means rose, while “jamun” signifies berry.  While making them with khoya is traditional, using milk powder offers a simpler solution for those outside India! Trust me, once you try these delicious treats, you’ll be hooked on making them for festive occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

2 cup caster sugar

2 cups water

8 cardamom pods, bruised

2 cinnamon sticks

3-star anise

1 teaspoon rosewater, to taste

1/2 cup self-rising flour, sifted.

½ Cup soften spreadable cream cheese

1/4 cup full-cream milk powder

6 dried pitted dates, quartered

vegetable oil, for deep frying

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, cardamon, cinnamon and star anise. Simmer over low heat, without stirring, until sugar dissolves.

Bring to boil. Boil without stirring for 5 minutes, until mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat. Blend in rosewater. Cool to room temperature.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, cheese and milk powder. Using a wooden spoon, mix until it’s a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 6-8 minutes, until smooth. Roll one rounded teaspoon of dough around each piece of date.

Heat oil in a wok or large saucepan on medium. Deep-fry balls in 4 batches, for 2-3 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Transfer balls into rosewater syrup. Stand 1 hour before serving.

 

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing, with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Ashford University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist in her spare time, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, gouache, and pastels. As a political operative who has worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 7 blogs ranging from art to life coaching, food, writing, Gardening, and opinion or history pieces each week.                                                                                                                                            

Indian Cuisine, Kilbride, Potpourri of Frugality, Indian Dessert Cuisine