Sweet Potato Gulab Jamun Recipe (Shakarkandi Ke Gulab Jamun)
If you’ve ever been enchanted by the delicate sweetness of traditional Gulab Jamun, you’ll be delighted by this unique twist—Sweet Potato Gulab Jamun. Known as Shakarkandi Ke Gulab Jamun in Hindi, this dessert brings the familiar indulgence of Gulab Jamun to a whole new level. Combining the earthy sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with the rich, syrup-soaked indulgence of Gulab Jamun, this recipe is perfect for special occasions like Navratri or for anyone looking to enjoy a different variation of the classic treat.
Whether you’re fasting or simply exploring vegetarian alternatives, Sweet Potato Gulab Jamun makes for a mouth-watering dessert that you won’t want to miss. These soft, sugar-filled treats are easy to prepare but require a bit of patience and care to ensure the texture and flavor are just right. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Gulab Jamun
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potato (mashed) | 2 cups |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Sugar | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Ghee or Oil for frying | 2 cups |
| For the Sugar Syrup | |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Rose Water | 2-3 drops |
| Saffron Strands | 4-5 strands |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions for Making Sweet Potato Gulab Jamun
-
Boiling & Mashing Sweet Potatoes:
Begin by boiling the sweet potatoes in a pressure cooker until tender. Once boiled, peel and mash them thoroughly using a fork or your hands until smooth. The texture should be soft and easy to work with. -
Making the Dough:
Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl. Add the all-purpose flour (maida), cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well to form a smooth, soft dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, but be careful not to overdo it. -
Forming the Jamun Balls:
Pinch off small portions of the dough, about the size of a lemon. Flatten each portion slightly and place around 1/4 teaspoon of sugar in the center. Carefully seal the edges and roll it into a smooth ball, ensuring there are no cracks. Repeat this step for the rest of the dough, making approximately 12-15 balls. -
Preparing the Sugar Syrup:
In a deep pan or kadhai, combine the water and sugar to prepare the sugar syrup. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the rose water and saffron strands to the syrup, and let it simmer for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. There’s no need to make a one-string consistency here; a light syrup will suffice. -
Frying the Jamuns:
In a wok or kadai, heat the ghee or oil on medium heat. Once hot, reduce the flame to low-medium to avoid burning. Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, one at a time, ensuring that they don’t stick together. Fry the Jamuns slowly, turning them gently to ensure they are golden brown from all sides. This may take about 8-10 minutes. The slow frying allows the Jamuns to cook through without burning. -
Soaking in Sugar Syrup:
Once the Jamuns are fried to a deep golden brown, carefully remove them from the oil and place them into the prepared sugar syrup. Let the Jamuns soak in the syrup for about 15-20 minutes, allowing them to absorb the sweetness and soften. -
Serving:
Your Sweet Potato Gulab Jamuns (Shakarkandi Ke Gulab Jamun) are now ready to be served! These delectable treats can be enjoyed hot, warm, or even chilled, depending on your preference. They are perfect for any occasion, especially during festive seasons like Navratri.
Allergen Information
- Wheat: The recipe contains all-purpose flour (maida), which is a source of gluten.
- Dairy: The recipe includes ghee (clarified butter), which is derived from dairy products.
- Nuts: Although this recipe doesn’t include nuts, if preparing with ghee, it’s always a good idea to check if there are any potential cross-contaminations for those with nut allergies.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is entirely vegetarian, making it suitable for those following a vegetarian diet.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those who are gluten intolerant, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert gluten-free.
- Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, substitute ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut oil or sunflower oil.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shakarkandi Ke Gulab Jamun
- Texture of Sweet Potatoes: Ensure that the sweet potatoes are well-boiled and mashed. The texture of the sweet potatoes is crucial to the dough’s consistency. If they are too watery, it will be difficult to form smooth balls.
- Frying Temperature: Maintaining the correct frying temperature is key. If the oil is too hot, the Jamuns will burn quickly on the outside while remaining uncooked inside. If it’s too cold, they may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Syrup Consistency: The syrup should be light and not too thick. Avoid making a one-string consistency for this recipe to ensure the Jamuns soak well and are not too sweet.
- Stuffing the Jamuns: The sugar in the center of the balls melts and creates a sweet, syrupy surprise inside. Be sure not to overstuff them to avoid the balls breaking while frying.
Conclusion
Sweet Potato Gulab Jamun (Shakarkandi Ke Gulab Jamun) is a beautiful variation of the traditional Gulab Jamun, perfect for adding a twist to your festive treats. The addition of sweet potatoes not only enhances the flavor but also gives a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re fasting for the season or simply looking to explore new dessert ideas, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Prepare it with care, follow the steps, and enjoy these delightful sweet treats that are perfect for any special occasion or casual gathering. Happy cooking and happy feasting!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-180 kcal (per ball) |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
| Protein | 1-2g |
| Fat | 5-7g |
| Sugar | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Enjoy the delicious combination of sweet potatoes, sugar, and fragrant rose water syrup in this indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress!
