Gulab Jamun

Instructions

1. Prepare the sugar syrup
   In a large pot, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Add crushed cardamom pods, saffron strands (if using), and lemon juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, add rose water, and set aside. The syrup should be warm when adding the fried dumplings.
2. Make the dough
   In a mixing bowl, combine milk powder, all-purpose flour, and baking soda. Mix well. Add the melted ghee and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add warm milk, a tablespoon at a time, and knead gently to form a soft, smooth dough. Do not overknead as it will make the dumplings hard. Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Shape the dumplings
   Divide the dough into 18-20 equal portions and roll each portion between your palms to make smooth, crack-free balls. The balls should be small (about 1 inch in diameter) as they will expand when fried and soaked in syrup. Place them on a plate and cover with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
4. Fry the dumplings
   Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan on low-medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil – it should rise to the surface gradually, not immediately. Gently slide 4-5 dough balls into the oil. Fry on low heat, stirring occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they turn golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Ensure they cook evenly and thoroughly on low heat to avoid burning the outside while keeping the inside uncooked.
5. Soak in syrup
   Immediately transfer the fried dumplings into the warm (not hot) sugar syrup. Repeat the frying process with remaining dough balls. Allow the gulab jamun to soak in the syrup for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight for best results. They will absorb the syrup and become soft and juicy.
6. Serve
   Gently reheat the gulab jamun if needed. Transfer to serving dishes, spoon some extra syrup over them, and garnish with chopped pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.