Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Sugar Syrup

   In a pot, combine 2 cups of sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water. Add a pinch of saffron, 1/2 teaspoon of green cardamom powder, and 1 tablespoon of rose water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the sugar dissolves completely and it reaches one boil. No string consistency is required. Set aside to keep warm.

2. 2.Prepare the Gulab Jamun Dough

   In a large bowl, add 250 grams of khoya (mava) and 65 grams of fresh paneer (cottage cheese). Knead the mixture thoroughly with your hands for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and free of any grains. The mixture should be soft and pliable.

3. 3.Add Dry Ingredients to Dough

   To the smooth khoya and paneer mixture, add 4 tablespoons of maida (plain flour) and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix well and knead again until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough is very smooth, resembling a soft dough.

4. 4.Rest the Dough and Form Balls

   Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes. After resting, pinch small portions of the dough and roll them between your palms to form smooth, crack-free balls. Ensure there are no cracks, as this can cause them to break during frying.

5. 5.Deep Fry the Gulab Jamuns

   Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan over very low to medium flame. To test the temperature, drop a tiny piece of dough; it should slowly rise to the surface with small bubbles. Gently add the gulab jamun balls to the warm ghee/oil. Continuously stir the ghee/oil (not the gulab jamuns directly) to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking to the bottom. Fry until they turn a uniform golden-brown color, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes.

6. 6.Soak in Sugar Syrup

   Once the gulab jamuns are golden brown, carefully remove them from the ghee/oil using a slotted spoon and immediately transfer them to the warm sugar syrup. Ensure the syrup is warm, not boiling hot or cold. Let the gulab jamuns soak in the syrup for at least 6-7 hours, or preferably overnight, to absorb the syrup and become soft and juicy.

7. 7.Serve

   The Gulab Jamuns are now ready to be served. Enjoy this classic Indian dessert!