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The Delight of Homemade Khoya Gajak: A Festive Treat
Khoya Gajak is a mouthwatering Indian sweet that goes well with every event and always looks festive. This traditions sweet and crispy snack is made from khoya (milk solids), jaggery, and nuts and is widely popular during winter and occasions such as Makar Sankranti and Diwali. The good news? You can prepare this awesome dessert right in your home to treat your family and friends!
Why Is Khoya Gajak a Festive Favorite?
Khoya Gajak is loved for its:
1. Unique Flavor:
This is just awesome to feel the richness of khoya blended with the earthy sweetness of jaggery.
2. Crunchy Texture:
We oven roast sesame seeds and nuts to provide that extra bite that is so enjoyable.
3. Cultural Significance:
Served especially when writing the winter festivals, people in Gujarat believe it has the capability of warming the body as well as providing energy.
Ingredients for Homemade Khoya Gajak
To prepare this delicious treat, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
1 cup khoya (mawa)
1 cup jaggery (grated or powdered)
½ cup roasted sesame seeds
¼ cup nuts that has been chopped into small pieces (could be almonds, cashew, pistachio and any other of the nut’s type)
Flavoring:
1 tsp cardamom powder
Ghee (for greasing)
Step-by-Step Recipe for Khoya Gajak
Step 1: Roast Sesame Seeds and Nuts
Crush the sesame seeds lightly, heat them in a pan without oil until they turn golden brown and start to pop.
Put aside and toast the chopped nuts slightly.
Step 2: Prepare Khoya Mixture
Heat a non-stick Pan and cook the khoya slowly stirring continuously until it becomes lightly brown and gives out a bye-bye nutty flavor.
Step 3: Melt the Jaggery
In another pan melt the jaggery with 2-3 tbsp of water. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts and when you droplets the syrup formed should be of medium thickness.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
As soon as possible add the roasted sesame seeds, nuts and khoya to the jaggery syrup. Add cardamom powder for flavor. Stir the mixture well so that each of these is well coated by the other.
Step 5: Set the Mixture
Smear a plate or a tray with ghee and then pour this mixture on it. Then spread it well flat using a rolling pin, a spatula that has been greased with some butter.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Allow it to get slightly cool before you cut the mixture into squares or diamonds. You need to ensure that it gets completely set and then you are ready to serve your khoya gajak!
Tips for Perfect Khoya Gajak
Work Quickly with Jaggery Syrup:
Jaggery becomes moderately firm when cooled, so add the ingredients as soon as the syrup thickens.
Use Fresh Khoya:
Fresh khoya gives the delicious taste and right consistency to your Gajak.
Customize the Nuts:
Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with nuts of your choice; walnut or peanut will be just perfect!
Storage:
To the best of their capability, it is best to store khoya gajak in an airtight jar at room temperature and should be utilized within a week to ten days to ensure its freshness.
Health Benefits of Khoya Gajak
Rich in Nutrients:
High in calcium, magnesium and healthy fats, sesame seeds are also one of the richest sources of selenium.
Energy Booster:
Jaggery offers fast energy with easy digestion and is beneficial to the health.
Winter Warmth:
Khoya and jaggery used together create warmth so it fits well during cold climate period.
