Imagine biting into a hot, syrup-drenched dumpling that simply dissolves in the mouth, its perfume of sugar attached to you with the magic of Gulab Jamun.
Among the most prized sweets of India, Gulab Jamun is more than just an indulgence speaks of the spirit of Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrating love, joy, and togetherness. During this auspicious time, families sit together and share stories, present gifts, and indulge in delicious treats, with Gulab Jamun taking centre stage.
It could be a festive get-together at home or find the best catering services in chennai to spice up your celebrations, but Gulab Jamun is something one must have in store to impress your guests.
Here, we will discuss the history of this sweet dish, its relation to Diwali, and a simple recipe to make these treats at home.
History of Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun originated in the Middle East by similar types of sweets created using milk solids. Persian chefs brought the dessert to India when the Mughal reign was prominent. Even the name itself is a confluence of two Persian words: “Gulab,” which means rose water, and “Jamun,” referring to the black plum-like fruit found in India. Traditionally, this dish was prepared using khoya, dried milk, fried in oil and then soaked in that very fragrant sugar syrup flavoured with cardamom and rose water.
With the changing years, Gulab Jamun have undergone variations and regional taste. In India, these sweets are specifically prepared for festive and wedding ceremonies. The sweetness syrup of the dish is not just to please the tongue but it also celebrates joy.
Gulab Jamun and Diwali
Families come together during Diwali, rejoicing in the light over darkness and the triumph of goodness over evil. The festival is dotted with several rites, including gift exchange and lavish feasting. Sweets form a significant portion of the festival, and Gulab Jamun is a must-have on any Diwali menu.
The making and distribution of sweets like Gulab Jamun has all the essence of giving and love that defines Diwali. As the households prepare their house for the festival, the act of making it itself becomes a prized tradition for generations. Dumplings browned and syrupy sweets remind one of the glorious moments of Diwali past; thus, it is a nostalgic sweet reminding the present through the past.
If you need to enslave your guests during Diwali, then select the best catering service in Chennai. Professional caterers can create a scrumptious menu including traditional sweets like Gulab Jamun, so your celebration would be a flavorful and memorable affair.
Recipe: How to Prepare Gulab Jamun
This is a straightforward recipe to make your very own Gulab Jamun at home and enjoy this sweet magic of love with your family members, friends, and others this Diwali.
Ingredients
For the Gulab Jamun,
- 1 cup khoya (dried milk)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2-3 tbsp milk (as required)
- Oil or ghee for frying
For the Sugar Syrup:
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- A few saffron strands (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
- Sugars and water in a saucepan. Boil it.
- Keep stirring it continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add cardamom powder and rose water. If you have saffron, add it now.
- Now, let this syrup simmer on medium to low flame for about 5-7 minutes, then remove the pot from the flame and let it cool.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- Crush the khoya in a bowl, and add the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- Mix well. Gradually add milk, kneading to get a smooth and soft dough. The dough should not be sticky.
- Cover it and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Shaping the Gulab Jamun
- Once rested, divide the dough into small portions and roll them into smooth balls. Try not to have cracks on the surface so that you do not get lumps inside while frying.
- Put oil or ghee in a deep frying pan, over low to medium heat.
Step 4: Fry the Gulab Jamun
- Once the oil gets hot, put it in the pan very carefully by placing the dough balls into it. Fry them in batches so nothing crowds the pan.
- When they become golden brown in colour, gently stir them so they are cooked well.
- Take gulab jamun out from the oil and set it on the paper towels.
Step 5: Soaking in Syrup
- Transfer the hot gulab jamun to the warm sugar syrup.
- Let them marinate at least for 2 hours so that the syrupy consistency penetrates well into the tissues and becomes soft and delicious.
Serve
Gulab Jamun can be served either warm or cooled down to room temperature. You may garnish it with chopped nuts or for indulgence, have it served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Prepare these lovely dumplings as part of the celebrations during Diwali and see how your guests smile at the rich flavor.
Conclusion
Gulab Jamun is not just the dessert that is more of a symbol of love, celebration, and heritage. With this sweet recipe, made during Diwali, you’re not only creating a wonderful dish for you and your family but also those immortal memories while staying with friends.
Let the sweetness of Gulab Jamun flood your home this Diwali with joy and each person coming in, making it a festival to remember. Whether you prepare them yourself or prefer to hire a catering service in Chennai to prepare them, your celebrations are sure to be filled with these yummy dumplings.
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