Gulab Jamun literally translated to rose berries, while rose means gulab and jamun are deep purple colour berries. It is a milk-solid-based sweet from the Indian subcontinent, popular in India. It is made mainly from milk solids, traditionally from Khoya, which is milk reduced to the consistency of a soft dough. It is often garnished with dried nuts such as almonds to enhance flavour.
These milk solids are prepared by heating milk over a low flame for a long time until most of the water content has evaporated. These milk solids, known as khoya, are kneaded into a dough, with a small amount of flour (maida), and then shaped into small balls and deep-fried at a low temperature. The balls are then soaked in a light sugary syrup flavored with green cardamom and rose water, kewra or saffron.