Gulab Jamun in Kunafa Nests, I came up with this idea a few years back and ever since I posted about it, it’s been a hit on every platform.
Being an Indian, loving Indian food while also living my entire life in the UAE and being highly influenced by the food culture here, made me want to kind of bring the best of the two worlds together and create a hybrid dessert that will be loved by everyone.
That is how the idea for Gulab Jamun in Kunafa Nests was born. It is a unique Asian fusion dessert that is quite a showstopper at any gathering and also tastes fantastic!
This fusion Indian dessert comes with Kunafa nests as the base. It is filled with fresh or thick, unsweetened cream and mini Gulab Jamuns. Finally, topped with chopped pistachios for a little colour.
The kunafa is also sweetened with a drizzle of sugar syrup. Using unsweetened cream in this dish really helps balance the taste of this overall sweet dessert.
Gulab Jamuns are very soft in texture and it works really well with the crispiness of the Kunafa. This dessert is a blend of flavours and textures and it really is so wonderful!
How to make Gulab Jamun in Kunafa Nests?
For this recipe, I use a Gulab Jamun Mix. Following the instructions of the packet, but instead of making the Jamuns large, we prepare the dough balls only around 1-2cm in diameter. Their size grows as we fry and soak them in sugar syrup. These gulab jamuns will later fit perfectly in the Kunafa nests.
If you know how to make Gulab Jamun from scratch, you can do it that way as well. Just ensure to keep the size smaller so that it will fit and look cute inside the nests.
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For the Kunafa Nests, we use Kunafa/Kataifi dough. These are basically shredded Arabic Phyllo (or Filo) Pastry. It is used in many arabic sweets and is often found in the frozen section of the supermarkets in UAE and the middle east. If you can’t spot it in any stores near where you stay, you may find it online.
The process to make the nests is pretty simple, you’ll need a hollow cupcake tray and some melted butter with loosened up, long strands of Kunafa dough. Apply butter on the Kunafa strands, twist it using your fingers until it resembles a bowl and then put it inside the cupcake pan. Bake until it is golden brown.
Make a simple sugar syrup infused with cardamom and saffron. After the kunafa nests cool down, we fill it up with cream, gulab jamuns, pistachio and drizzle up the sugar syrup on the nests. I recommend assembling it just before serving.
If you want a visual tutorial, do check out my Instagram recipe video for Gulab Jamun in Kunafa Nest.
I really hope you enjoy making this unique dessert. This is a great recipe idea for Ramadan, Eid, Diwali or any of your upcoming festivals and gatherings. Do let me know what you think in the comments!
RECIPE for Gulab Jamun in Kunafa Nest:
Gulab Jamun in Kunafa Nests
Course: DessertCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Easy12-24
servings1
hour30
minutesIngredients
250gm Kunafa dough
1/2 cup melted butter
180gm Gulab Jamun Mix
150gm Fresh Cream
Pistachio, for garnish
- Sugar syrup
3 cups granulated white sugar
4 cups water
2 Tbsp lemon juice
5 Cardamom pods
1 Tsp Saffron
Directions
- Start with the Sugar syrup, add the sugar and water in a saucepan on medium heat. Stir until all sugar is dissolved and let it come to a boil.
- Remove from heat and mix in the lemon juice, cardamom and saffron. Pour 3/4th of this syrup into a wide dish, this will be for the Gulab Jamun to be soaked in and the rest would be used to pour over the Kunafa nests later.
- Follow the instructions of your Gulab Jamun mix to make the dough.
- Make smaller balls with the dough about 1-2cm in diameter and deep fry them as per instructions until you get a golden brown exterior and it is cooked all the way through.
- Soak the Gulab Jamun for at least 45minutes in the prepared dish with sugar syrup.
- Meanwhile, prepare a cupcake baking pan by greasing it with non-stick spray and preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Take a thin strip of the kunafa dough, it should be a little long and using the melted butter and a pastry brush, coat the dough with butter evenly on all sides.
- Now, using your fingers twist the dough strands to create something like a nest about the size of your cupcake mould and stuff it into it. Ensure the base and the sides have enough Kunafa and is lightly pressed, so that it holds shape after baking.
- Create all the Kunafa nests and bake for about 12-15 minutes until the dough turns crisp and gets a light golden colour. Let it cool.
- For arranging, first put your Kunafa nests in the serving plate, apply a layer of fresh cream on the base. Put around 2-3 mini Gulab Jamuns on top and pour a little sugar syrup which was set aside on the Kunafa nests.
- Repeat for all, serve with chopped pistachios on top and enjoy!!
Notes
- The measurements of the ingredients are all approximate, you can alter it slightly based on your requirement.
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Your recipe for ‘Gulab Jamun in Kunafa Nests’ is an absolute masterpiece! The fusion of the classic Gulab Jamun with the crispy and delicate Kunafa is a stroke of genius. The step-by-step instructions and clear explanations make it seem achievable even for those not so skilled in the kitchen. I can’t wait to try this unique dessert and savor the blend of flavors and textures. Thanks for sharing this creative and mouthwatering recipe.
That means a lot to me. Thankyou so much. I really hope you try it out! <3