Khaja

Dish

Khaja

Khaja is a crispy and flaky pastry that is made by frying layers of dough in ghee and then coating them in a sugar syrup. The pastry is then garnished with chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios. Khaja is a popular sweet in India, and is often served during festivals and special occasions.

Jan Dec

Origins and history

Khaja has been a part of Indian cuisine for centuries, and is believed to have originated in the state of Bihar. The pastry is often associated with the Hindu festival of Diwali, and is also popular during weddings and other celebrations.

Dietary considerations

Khaja is not suitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies, as it contains both flour and ghee. It is also high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.

Variations

There are many variations of Khaja, including a savory version that is made with spices and served as a snack. Some bakers also add saffron or rose water to the sugar syrup for added flavor.

Presentation and garnishing

Khaja is typically presented on a plate, with the chopped nuts forming a decorative pattern on top of the pastry. Some bakers also sprinkle a little bit of powdered sugar on top for added visual appeal.

Tips & Tricks

To make the perfect Khaja, be sure to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh flour and ghee. The dough should be rolled out thinly and fried in hot ghee until crispy and golden brown. Finally, be sure to coat the pastry in plenty of sugar syrup for a sweet and satisfying finish.

Side-dishes

Khaja is often served with a cup of chai tea, which helps to balance out the sweetness of the pastry. It can also be enjoyed with other Indian sweets, such as gulab jamun or rasgulla.

Drink pairings

Chai tea