recipes ·

Flaming GJs: A Very Singh Family Tradition

A moody diptych of gulab jamuns being drizzled with liquid and a glowing bottle of cognac — evoking the richness and ritual of a beloved family dessert tradition.

Flambéed Gulab Jamuns

How a classic Mrs Balbir Singh dessert became a family showstopper.

At the end of a long Sunday lunch in the Singh household—or quite often when guests were gathered, thanks to Pallavi’s parents’ great love of entertaining—something extraordinary would appear on the table. It wasn’t always planned. But when it happened, you knew you were in for a moment.

“Flaming GJs,” Pallavi’s father would grin. A Singh family phrase for gulab jamuns theatrically doused in warm cognac and set alight like a Christmas pudding.

The recipe itself comes from Pallavi’s grandmother, Mrs Balbir Singh. Known for her precision and refinement, she was as famed for her desserts as for her savoury dishes—and her gulab jamuns were no exception. Made from scratch, gently fried to the perfect shade, and soaked in saffron and rose-scented syrup, they were soft, elegant, and unapologetically indulgent.

The cognac, of course, came later.

A nod to Pallavi’s parents’ love of theatre and ritual. And a reminder that legacy isn’t just about tradition—it’s about the joy of evolving it.

How to Make The Singh's Flaming GJs at Home

You’ll need:
- 10 gulab jamuns (homemade using Mrs Balbir Singh’s original recipe, or good-quality pre-made ones from the supermarket)
- 4 tbsp cognac (warmed, not boiling)
- Silver leaf or chopped pistachios (optional, for flair)
- Vanilla ice cream (to serve)

To flame:

  1. Warm the cognac in a small pan—just until steaming, not boiling.
  2. Place the gulab jamuns in a flameproof dish (a shallow ceramic or steel bowl).
  3. Pour the warm cognac over the top.
  4. Using a long lighter or match, ignite carefully at the table.
  5. Let the flame dance for a few seconds, then extinguish gently.

Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream and, ideally, a round of applause.

Two golden gulab jamuns served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a rustic metal bowl — a rich, warm Indian dessert with a cool, creamy finish.

Legacy, Lit.

At Mrs Balbir Singh’s, we don’t just preserve recipes—we invite you to experience them. Flaming GJs are one of those rare dishes that feel like theatre, memory, and indulgence all in one.

Real Indian. Made easy. And occasionally, on fire!

Discover more heritage desserts like Kheer and Kulfi →


Mrs Balbir Singh 
Award-winning godmother of Indian home cooking, and author of Mrs Balbir Singh's Indian Cookery, as featured in "The Best Indian Cookbooks Ever, as Judged by the Experts" - The Telegraph (UK)

Back to BLOG