Gulab Jamun - Variants

Variants

Gulab jamun gets its brownish red color because of the sugar content in the milk powder or khoya or bread. In other types of gulab jamun, sugar is added in the dough, and after frying, the sugar caramelization gives it its dark, almost black colour, which is then called kala jamun, "black jamun". The sugar syrup may be replaced with (slightly) diluted maple syrup for a gulab jamun with a Canadian flavour. Homemade Gulab Jamun is usually made up of powdered milk, all-purpose flour, egg, baking powder and butter; kneaded to form a dough, molded into balls, deep fried and dropped into simmering sugar syrup.