Khaja Recipe
Khaja is a popular sweet delicacy from the Indian subcontinent, especially in the regions of Odisha. It is a flaky, layered pastry that is deep-fried and soaked in sugar syrup.

Here’s a traditional Khaja recipe:
Ingredients For Khaja Recipe
Ingredients: For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Water, as needed
For the sugar syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
For frying:
- Ghee or oil for deep frying
For garnish (optional):
- Chopped pistachios or almonds
Preparation:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ghee, and salt. Mix well until the ghee is evenly distributed and the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add water, little by little, and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. The dough should not be too stiff or too soft. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, add sugar and water. Bring it to a boil and simmer until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup thickens slightly. Add saffron strands (if using) and cardamom powder. Mix well and keep the syrup aside.
- After 30 minutes, divide the dough into small lemon-sized balls. Take one dough ball at a time and roll it into a thin, large circular sheet. Apply ghee on the rolled sheet and fold it into half. Apply ghee again and fold it into half once more, creating layers.
- Roll the layered dough gently into a rectangular shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.
- Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan or kadai for deep frying. Once the oil is hot, carefully slide one rolled dough into the oil and fry it on medium heat until it turns golden brown and crispy. Flip it occasionally to ensure even frying. Remove the fried khaja from the oil and drain excess oil on a kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Repeat the frying process with the rest of the rolled dough.
- Once the khajas have cooled slightly, dip them into the prepared sugar syrup. Allow them to soak for a few minutes until they absorb the syrup and become soft. Remove them from the syrup and let them cool completely.
- Garnish the khajas with chopped pistachios or almonds, if desired.
- Serve the Khaja as a sweet treat or as a festive dessert.
Nutritional Value
Khaja is a popular Indian sweet snack that is crispy, flaky, and usually made with all-purpose flour, sugar, and ghee (clarified butter). The nutritional value of Khaja can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients and preparation method used. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional composition:
Please note that the values mentioned below are approximate and can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size:
- Calories: Khaja is a calorie-dense sweet snack due to its high sugar and fat content. On average, a 100-gram serving of Khaja can provide around 500-550 calories.
- Carbohydrates: Khaja is primarily composed of carbohydrates. It contains simple sugars from the added sugar and refined flour. The carbohydrate content can range from 60-70 grams per 100 grams.
- Fat: Ghee is commonly used in the preparation of Khaja, contributing to its fat content. The fat content can range from 20-25 grams per 100 grams. Ghee is a source of saturated fat.
- Protein: Khaja is not a significant source of protein. The protein content is relatively low and can range from 5-8 grams per 100 grams.
- Fiber: Khaja is generally low in dietary fiber due to the refined flour used in its preparation. The fiber content is minimal and typically less than 1 gram per 100 grams.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Khaja does not provide a significant amount of essential vitamins and minerals. However, trace amounts of certain minerals like calcium and iron may be present, but the levels are relatively low.