Kheera GajA

KhiraGajA

Kheera gajA is one of India’s most cherished desserts, commonly enjoyed at almost every celebration. It’s made from milk powder, butter, and sugar, and flavored with cardamom powder or rose essence. 

Ingredients

1. Maida- 2 cups 

2. Milk powder - 4 Tbsp

3. Sugar - 2 Tsp

4. Pana Madhuri (fennel seeds)- 2 Tbsp

5. Canola  oil -1/4 cup +3 Tbsp

6. Baking Soda-1/4 Tsp

7. Milk-1cup

8. water 1/4cup or as required for Dough

9. Oil or ghee, for deep frying

Instructions: 

1. Take 2 cups of all-purpose flour in a bowl. Add milk powder, baking soda, salt, fennel seeds, cardamom powder, sugar, and oil, then mix everything well using your hands. 

2. The flour should have a crumbly texture, and when you press some tightly in your fist, it should form a ball—this means it's ready for kneading.

3.  Gradually add 1 cup of lukewarm milk in small portions to form a stiff, pliable dough. If the dough is very tight, add a little water to it and knead well. Once the dough is formed, apply 1 tablespoon of oil to your palm and lightly coat the dough. Cover and set it aside for 15 minutes.

4.  Meanwhile, prepare the sugar syrup by combining 1 cup of sugar and 1½ cups of water in a thick-bottomed pan. Bring it to a boil and add 4–5 crushed cardamom pods. Continue boiling until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency, then stir in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, turn off the heat, and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 

5. Now, take the rested dough and shape it into a thick cuboid. Divide this into four equal parts, stack them one over the other, and gently roll back into a cuboid. Repeat this stacking and rolling process four times until you can see layers in the dough.

6.  Cut the final cuboid into smaller pieces and set them aside.

7.  Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat, then carefully fry the prepared pieces, turning occasionally until they are golden brown on both sides. 

8. Once fried, remove them onto a paper towel or plate.

9.  Dip the fried gajas in the warm sugar syrup and let them soak for about 30 minutes. After soaking, remove them from the syrup and place on a plate to cool completely. The Khira Gajas are now ready for offering.