Trinidadian Gulab Jamun Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Indulge in a unique Trini Gulab Jamun recipe - a Caribbean delight inspired by Indian flavors. Step-by-step guide to this fusion dessert!

Trini Gulab Jamun

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Trinidadian
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 20 pieces
Calories: 120 calories

Trini Gulab Jamun is a delightful fusion dessert that combines the flavors of traditional Indian Gulab Jamun with a Trinidadian twist. It's a beloved treat in Trinidad and Tobago, where the influence of Indian cuisine has created a unique variation of this classic dessert.

These sweet and syrupy balls are made by combining powdered milk, flour, ghee, and a pinch of saffron to form a soft dough. The dough is rolled into small, smooth balls and deep-fried until they turn a deep golden brown. What makes Trini Gulab Jamun special is the sugar syrup in which the fried balls are soaked. The syrup, flavored with cardamom and sometimes a touch of rosewater, infuses the Gulab Jamun with a sweet and aromatic essence.

Trini Gulab Jamun is enjoyed at various celebrations and special occasions in Trinidad and Tobago, and it reflects the multicultural heritage of the island. It's a testament to the rich culinary diversity of the region, blending the traditions of Indian immigrants with the local Trinidadian flavors. These little syrup-soaked sweets are not only delicious but also a symbol of the harmonious fusion of cultures in the Caribbean.

Recipe

Discover the Caribbean's sweet twist on a classic! Our Trini Gulab Jamun recipe brings vibrant flavors and cultural fusion to your table. Dive in!

Ingredients

1 cup powdered milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp baking powder
A pinch of saffron strands (for flavor and color)
Oil for deep frying
For the Sugar Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
A few drops of rosewater (optional)

Method Instructions

Start by preparing the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat it on medium heat until it comes to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. Add cardamom powder and rosewater (if using), and then set the syrup aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered milk, all-purpose flour, and baking powder.
In a small saucepan, heat the ghee until it melts. Then add the milk and a pinch of saffron strands to it. Warm this mixture, but make sure it's not too hot.
Pour the ghee-milk mixture into the dry ingredients and knead it into a soft and smooth dough. If the dough is too dry, you can add a bit more milk, but do it gradually.
Now, divide the dough into small, equal-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls. Make sure there are no cracks in the balls; they should be smooth.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to low and gently place the dough balls into the oil.
Fry the balls on low heat, turning them occasionally until they turn a deep golden brown. It should take about 10-12 minutes for them to cook through.
Remove the fried dough balls and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
While they are still warm, immerse the fried dough balls into the warm sugar syrup. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, allowing them to absorb the syrup and become soft and sweet.
Your Trini Gulab Jamun is ready to be served! Enjoy this delightful Caribbean-Indian fusion dessert.

Recipe Video

Trini Gulab Jamun

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Recipe Tags: Trini Gulab Jamun, Trini Gulab Jamun Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Trini Gulab Jamun is a delightful experience, and it's traditionally enjoyed as a sweet treat on special occasions and celebrations. Here's how to serve Trini Gulab Jamun:

Warm or Room Temperature: Trini Gulab Jamun can be served either warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Some people like them warm, right after they've been soaked in the sugar syrup, while others enjoy them at room temperature.
Arrange: Place the Gulab Jamun balls in a serving dish or platter. You can arrange them neatly in rows or any decorative pattern you like.
Sugar Syrup: Drizzle a bit of the sugar syrup over the Gulab Jamun balls. This not only adds sweetness but also keeps them moist and flavorful.
Garnish (optional): For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish the Trini Gulab Jamun with slivers of pistachios, almonds, or even a few saffron strands for a pop of color.
Serve: Offer them to your guests as a sweet dessert after a meal, or serve them during festive occasions and celebrations. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips

Consistency of the Dough: Ensure that the dough is smooth and free of cracks. If it's too dry, add a bit of milk gradually until you achieve the right consistency. The dough's texture is crucial for shaping perfect Gulab Jamun balls.
Frying Temperature: Maintain a consistent low heat while frying the Gulab Jamun balls. This allows them to cook evenly and develop a golden brown color. If the oil is too hot, the outer layer may cook too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
Oil Quality: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, for frying. This prevents the oil from smoking or developing a burnt taste during the frying process.
Size of Gulab Jamun: Keep the size of the Gulab Jamun balls relatively uniform. This ensures that they cook at the same rate and absorb the sugar syrup evenly.
Syrup Soaking: Allow the Gulab Jamun to soak in the sugar syrup for at least 30 minutes. This allows them to absorb the sweetness and flavor of the syrup and become soft and succulent. Be patient with this step for the best results.
Variations: Feel free to customize the sugar syrup by adjusting the amount of sugar and adding flavors like cardamom or rosewater to your taste.
Garnish Creatively: While not mandatory, garnishing your Gulab Jamun with slivers of nuts or saffron strands can add a touch of elegance and extra flavor.
Storage: Gulab Jamun is best when freshly made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Gently reheat in the microwave or a gentle stovetop heat to enjoy them again.

Ingredient Substitutes

And again, if at all you need to make substitutions for the Trini Gulab Jamun recipe due to dietary restrictions or ingredient availability, here are some alternatives you can consider:

Powdered Milk: If you want a dairy-free version, you can use powdered coconut milk or almond milk powder. Be sure to adjust the quantity and consistency of the dough as needed.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): For a vegan alternative, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly.
All-Purpose Flour: You can use gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option. Make sure the blend you choose is suitable for frying.
Milk: If you're lactose intolerant or prefer a non-dairy option, use almond milk, soy milk, or any other non-dairy milk of your choice.
Saffron Strands: Saffron can be quite expensive. If you want to substitute it for color and a mild flavor, you can use a pinch of turmeric or saffron food coloring.
Sugar Syrup: You can use honey or agave nectar as a sweetener instead of the traditional sugar syrup. Adjust the amount to your preferred sweetness.
Cardamom Powder: If you don't have cardamom, you can use ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor.
Oil for Frying: Use any vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, sunflower, or safflower oil. You can also use ghee if you don't have any concerns about dairy.