← Back to recipes
Vegan Gulab Jamun

Vegan Masala Recipe

Vegan Gulab Jamun

Vegan Gulab Jamun are tender, aromatic sweets made from bread crumbs and enriched with a smooth cashew cream. Soaking in a warm cardamom syrup, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

25 minPrep: 10 minCook: 15 minIndianVegan
Vegan gulab jamun

From the kitchen

What to expect

These Vegan Gulab Jamun embody a sweet tradition, transforming simple ingredients into a cherished treat that everyone can enjoy.

Serving idea

Best served simply

Pair these jamuns with a warm cup of chai for a comforting dessert experience.

Cook the recipe

Method

  1. 1

    In a saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups sugar and 1 ½ cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and add the crushed cardamom and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for another five minutes before turning off the heat.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups white bread crumbs with ½ cup blended cashew cream, adding the cream gradually until you form a smooth, pliable dough that is not too stiff or dry.

  3. 3

    Divide the dough into 14 pieces and roll each piece into a smooth ball, ensuring no cracks are visible on the surface. Grease your palms with a little oil to help with shaping.

  4. 4

    Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep fryer to about 300°F (150°C). Ensure the oil is not too hot, as this could result in quick browning without thorough cooking.

  5. 5

    Carefully add a few jamuns at a time into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. The oil should bubble gently. Use a slotted ladle to keep them moving until they attain a deep reddish color.

  6. 6

    Once cooked, remove the jamuns to a plate lined with paper towels. While still warm and manageable, poke small holes in each jamun using a thin pin or needle to facilitate syrup absorption.

  7. 7

    Immerse the jamuns in the warm syrup, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak for at least 3 hours before serving, giving them time to absorb the syrup.

  8. 8

    Serve the jamuns drizzled with syrup and a sprinkle of chopped nuts if desired.

Gather everything first

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 8 green cardamom pods (crushed to release seeds)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 ½ cups white bread crumbs
  • ½ cup cashews (blended with ½ cup water into a very smooth cream)
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying
  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts (like cashews, almonds, or pistachios for garnish, optional)

A few useful notes

Notes

  • Store leftovers in the syrup at room temperature to maintain moisture. They can be reheated gently in the microwave for a soft texture.
  • For a richer flavour, let the syrup cool and infuse longer before adding the jamuns.
  • If you prefer a different texture, adjust the water in the cashew cream slightly.

Learn the technique