An classic and popular dish, Gulab Jamun is a dessert of Bengali origin. In Hindi, gulab means rose and jamun means a brownish purple fruit. These rose flavored brown dumplings are made from khoya (reduced milk). These balls are deep fried and soaked in warm rose flavored sugar syrup. Traditionally, shaved batti khoya, maida (all purpose flour) and whole milk are used to make the Gulab Jamuns. They are absolutely delicious. These balls can be stuffed with saffron, pistachio nuts or green cardamom powder. They are served warm or at room temperature. They are available in the Indian grocery stores.

Prepare sugar syrup with equal quantity of sugar and water. Heat Ghee or oil in a Kadai. Deep fry prepared balls on a slow flame till golden in color. Soak saffron in one tablespoon of hot water. In a plate, put the ghee and the soda and rub thoroughly with your palm till the mixture froths. Add khoa, mash well, add maida and knead well till you get a smooth and soft dough.Sprinkle a little water if required. Make small balls or long sausage - like shapes of the dough, deep fry in ghee or dalda on a slow fire till cooked and golden brown in color. Remove from the ghee or dalda and keep aside.

Fry all the other gulab jamuns too. Make a sticky syrup by boiling water and sugar together for five minutes. Add the soaked saffron and cardamom powder.Soak the fried gulab jamuns, when the syrup cools a bit but is still hot. Serve after two hours. If the gulab jamuns soak up all the syrup - a little more syrup can be made and added.Khoa: Homemade khoa is unadulterated and easy to make.

Boil 1-1/2 litres of milk in a non stick vessel stirring all the time till you finally get a dry thick mass- this can be stored frozen for quite sometime. If using readymade khoa - reduce the amount of maida in the gulab jamun. These balls can be stuffed with saffron, pistachio nuts or green cardamom powder. If you don't want to use soda bi- carb. You can also use Self rising flour for the Gulab Jamuns. Ready you are Gulab Jamun Please visit in the site www.indomunch.com for extra details.