Chef Priya
Priya's Kitchen Notes

Easy recipes, bold spices, and stories from my family kitchen.

Starter Guide To Indian Flavor

Sweet Milk Dumplings

Gulab Jamun

(45 reviews)
"

Gulab Jamun is synonymous with celebration in Indian culture. Whether it's a wedding or a festival, these decadent sweets bring joy with every bite. A true classic!

"
Sweet Milk Dumplings
Prep time:20 mins
Cook time:30 mins
Total time:50 mins

Protein

3g

Carbs

32g

Fat

10g

Calories

210 kcal

Servings:
12
VegetarianGluten Free

Ingredients

khoya (milk solids)1 cup
(grated)
all-purpose flour2 tbsp
baking soda1/4 tsp
milk2-3 tbsp
(as needed for dough)
sugar2 cups
water2 cups
rose water1 tsp
(optional)
oil or ghee0
(for frying)
pistachios2 tbsp
(chopped, for garnish)

Spices

cardamom pods4
(lightly crushed)

Directions

Prepare the Sugar Syrup

  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add cardamom pods and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in rose water. Set aside.

Make the Dumpling Dough

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine grated khoya, all-purpose flour, and baking soda.
  2. Gently add milk, a tablespoon at a time, and knead into a soft, smooth dough.
  3. Divide the dough into small portions and roll between your palms to form smooth, round balls without cracks.
Chef's tip: Ensure the dumplings are smooth to prevent cracking during frying. If the dough feels dry, add a few more drops of milk.

Fry the Dumplings

  1. Heat ghee or oil in a deep frying pan over low-medium heat.
  2. Once hot, add the dumplings gently and fry them slowly, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown.
  3. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Chef's tip: Maintain a low flame to ensure the dumplings are cooked through evenly without burning.

Soak and Serve

  1. Immerse the hot dumplings into the warm sugar syrup.
  2. Allow them to soak for at least 2 hours, absorbing the syrup well.
  3. Garnish with chopped pistachios before serving.
Chef's tip: For best results, let the gulab jamuns rest overnight in the syrup to develop a richer flavor.

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Behind the Recipe

Chef Priya in her kitchen

Hi! I'm Priya. I grew up in Delhi in a tiny kitchen filled with noise, spices, and stories. I learned to cook the way most of us do—by watching, tasting, and eventually doing. My mother never measured anything, but somehow every dish was perfect.

After I moved to the U.S., I found myself cooking the same dishes to feel close to home. Friends would ask for recipes, and I realized how unfamiliar Indian cooking still felt to many people here. That's what led me to start sharing—not just the food, but the how and why behind each step.

These recipes are rooted in tradition but shaped by life abroad. I try to keep things practical without losing what makes them special. If you've ever wanted to bring more Indian flavor into your kitchen, I hope this is a good place to start.