Khaja.. (Sweet Pastry)

Khaja ... Khaja is called Pheni in oriya, this is an Oriya sweet made from maida or wheat flour, sugar and oil. It is made and eaten all throughout Indian subcontinent, though it is known by different names. It is prepared in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka etc...

I wanted to try this at home from a long time but use to fell bore for the long process, actually after cooking this I really felt it is a very easy and can be done in 30 to 35 minutes. I use to eat this alot in my childhood days but my mom use to not allow me to eat from out side. So when ever my mom use to go to my aunt's place I and my brother use to run to the shop buy and finish it there only before even anyone see us.. Those days use to be the wonderful days eating out and not telling anyone...

Ingredient's For the Pastry. 

1 cup all purpose flour

2tsp hot oil

Oil for deep frying

2tbsp butter or ghee (to apply on pastry)

Ingredient's For the Sugar Syrup

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup water for syrup.

Cooking Method

In a large mixing bowl add flour and oil mix it well, then slowly add water to make stiff dough.

Knead it for 10-15 minutes or until it’s smooth and set aside for 5 to 10 minutes.

Roll the entire dough into a big rectangle and then spread the ghee or butter smoothly over the rolled dough.

Then roll the dough into a big rope, cut into 1′ size pieces. Take each piece and roll it again into 5-6′ size khaja.

Heat oil in a deep fry pan, medium-high first. Then turn the flame to medium-low once oil is hot.

Fry the khajas until it turns golden brown annd take out on a paper towel.

Then make sugar syrup (as you make for gulab jamun). Switch off the heat when syrup feels slightly sticky. When the sugar syrup is still hot dip the khaja one at a time and take it out on a wire rack.

Allow the Khaja to cool completely before serving..