Introduction
Quickly make a sweet khaja at home is one of the most loved traditional desserts in Pakistan. It is crispy, flaky, and sweet, making it a perfect treat for festivals, weddings, and family gatherings. The recipe is simple yet delicious, and once you try it, you will want to make it again and again.
This dish is especially popular in Punjab and Sindh, where people enjoy it with tea or serve it to guests on special occasions. The best part is that Khaja can be made at home with very basic ingredients like flour, sugar, and ghee. It is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and tastes heavenly.
If you are looking for a sweet dish that is traditional yet simple, this Pakistani-style Khaja recipe is the right choice. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | For dough |
| Ghee | 4 tbsp | For mixing in dough |
| Water | As needed | To knead dough |
| Sugar | 1 cup | For syrup |
| Cardamom powder | ½ tsp | For flavor |
| Oil | For deep frying | Use fresh oil |
| Cornflour | 2 tbsp | For layering |
| Lemon juice | Few drops | To prevent crystallization |
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Dough
Mix flour and ghee in a bowl. Rub with fingers until crumbly. Add water little by little and knead into a soft dough. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
Step 2 – Roll and Layer
Divide dough into equal parts. Roll out each portion into thin sheets. Sprinkle cornflour between layers to make them flaky. Stack 3–4 sheets together and roll again.
Step 3 – Cut into Shapes
Cut the rolled dough into rectangular or diamond shapes. Keep them medium-sized for even frying.
Step 4 – Fry the Khaja
Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the pieces on medium flame until golden and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil.
Step 5 – Prepare Sugar Syrup
Boil sugar with water until it reaches one-string consistency. Add cardamom powder and a few drops of lemon juice.
Step 6 – Coat with Syrup
Dip fried Khaja pieces in sugar syrup. Coat well and place them on a tray to cool. Once set, they are ready to serve.
Cooking Time & Serving
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Serving Size: 4–5 people
Khaja is best served fresh with tea or as a dessert after meals.
Tips & Tricks
- Always fry on medium flame to avoid burning.
- Use fresh oil for best taste.
- Cornflour helps in making Khaja flaky.
- Do not overcook sugar syrup; one-string consistency is enough.
- Store in an airtight container to keep crispy.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
History of the Dish
Khaja has its roots in South Asian cuisine. It is believed to have originated in India and later became popular in Pakistan. Traditionally, Khaja was served during weddings and festivals as a symbol of celebration. Over time, it became a common sweet dish enjoyed by families across the region.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot chai for evening snacks.
- Present in decorative trays during Eid or weddings.
- Pair with other Pakistani sweets like Gulab Jamun or Jalebi.
- Can be gifted in sweet boxes to relatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Kneading dough too hard makes Khaja tough.
- Frying on high flame burns the outer layer but leaves inside raw.
- Thick sugar syrup makes Khaja sticky instead of crispy.
- Not resting dough properly reduces flakiness.
Storage Method
Store leftover Khaja in an airtight container. Keep in a cool, dry place. It stays fresh for 4–5 days. Do not refrigerate, as it may lose crispiness.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use butter instead of ghee? Yes, but ghee gives better flavor and crispiness.
Q2: How do I know sugar syrup is ready? Check by pressing syrup between fingers; it should form one string.
Q3: Can I bake Khaja instead of frying? Yes, but fried Khaja is more traditional and tastes better.
Q4: Is Khaja similar to Baklava? Both are layered sweets, but Khaja is simpler and made with sugar syrup instead of honey.
Conclusion
Sweet Khaja is a delightful Pakistani dessert that is crispy, sweet, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this traditional treat at home and impress your family and guests.
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