Silao Khaja
Veg
Vegan
GI-tagged layered pastry from Silao village near Nalanda — paper-thin sheets of wheat flour dough deep-fried in oil and glazed with sugar syrup, creating a flaky, crisp, honeyed sweet with dozens of visible parchment-thin layers. A signature souvenir of Bihar travellers.
Cuisines
Bihari
Best for
Snacks
Recipe
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 2 cups | all-purpose flour |
| 1 cup | sugar |
| 1/4 teaspoon | baking soda |
| 1/4 teaspoon | cardamom powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon | salt |
| 2 tablespoons | ghee |
| 1/2 cup | water |
| as needed | oil for frying |
Instructions
- 1 In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, cardamom powder, and salt.
- 2 Add the ghee to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- 3 Gradually add water to the mixture, kneading it into a firm dough.
- 4 Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- 5 Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into thin rectangular sheets.
- 6 Fold each sheet into a multi-layered rectangle, pressing gently to seal the layers.
- 7 Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- 8 Fry the layered dough pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy.
- 9 Remove the fried khaja from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Tips
Ensure the oil is not too hot to prevent the khaja from browning too quickly without cooking through.