By Ujjainee Roy
June 17, 2024
Want something sweet and light? Try the Odia-style khaja which has a yumy, flaky crust with a wonderful bite and a pleasing sugary sweetness. It can be made with minimal ghee and can be easily made with pantry ingredients. Lets explore its easy recipe!
– 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida) – 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) – Water, as needed For the Sugar Syrup: – 1 cup sugar – ½ cup water – ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder – Oil or ghee, for deep frying
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour. Add the ghee and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add water and knead into a firm, smooth dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Continue to boil until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency.
Add the cardamom powder and mix well. Keep the syrup warm. Shaping and Frying Khaja. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball.
On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin rectangle.Apply a thin layer of ghee on the rolled dough. Fold the dough from one end to the center and then from the other end to overlap. Roll it again gently into a thin rectangle.
Cut the rolled dough into smaller rectangular or diamond-shaped pieces. Heat oil or ghee in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, reduce the flame to low-medium.
While the khajas are still warm, dip them in the warm sugar syrup. Ensure they are coated well and soak for a minute or two. Remove from the syrup and let them cool on a wire rack or plate.